Not able to choose between a monitor and a projector screen? No worries, take a look at this article here. I will help you decide what works best for you.
With the advancement of technology and the passage of time, I have noticed many changes in our homes and workplaces. Kind courtesy of the pandemic, the working style has changed for many people, as I have started developing mobile offices at home to strike a work-life balance.
This drastic change in our daily routines has forced people to bring in a lot of new equipment, which was not required earlier.
Similarly, our workplaces have also introduced a lot of new gadgets so that people can freely communicate with each other while they are working.
One piece of equipment that has become necessary both in the work and home front is computers. But when I think of installing a computer display unit, I often get stuck between projectors and monitors.
The reason is that projectors and monitors are used for the same purpose. i.e., to display graphical information and data or to establish a video connection.
If you, too, are still deciding which one is ideal for you, this article is for you.
I understand that projectors and monitors require a certain amount of investment. When you have a limited budget, you cannot buy both and use them for different purposes, especially if you have a string-tied budget or have a space issue.
Therefore, in this article, I have compared projectors and monitors in detail so that you can gather knowledge on how you can benefit from them, know their limitations, and decide for yourself which is best suited for your needs.
The Differences: Projector Vs. Monitor
Before I discuss the pros and cons of projectors and monitors, let me walk you through the fundamental difference between the two.
1. Ease of Installation: Projector Wins
Computer Monitors do not need installation. Also, installation is not required in projectors, and even if required, it’s easy. You don’t need to call a professional to install it.
2. Size of Screen: Projector Wins
Projector screen sizes are available in as large as 300 inches diagonally. However, If you are looking for a home theatre, opt for 120 inches. In contrast, the screen size of monitors ranges from 13 inches to 80 inches, which is way less than projectors.
3. Shelf- Life: Monitor Wins
A lamp in projectors can last up to 5000 hours or more. The lamp needs to be replaced after that. In comparison, computer monitors can last up to 100,000 hours or more.
4. Viewing Experience: Projector Wins
Because of the size of the projector screen, watching 3D content on a projector is worth it. Watching 3D on a computer monitor is okay, but because of the screen size, the experience is not as excellent as projectors.
Now that you know the fundamental differences between the two, let me brief you on some advantages and disadvantages of using projectors and monitors. When you know both the usefulness and limitations of a gadget, it becomes easier for you to decide which is more suitable for you.
The Advantages & Disadvantages of Projectors
Pros
- Projectors have bigger screens than computer monitors, which allow you to enjoy your favorite shows and give presentations in front of a huge crowd.
- Scaling up screens is easy in projectors, whereas if you use a monitor, you will stuck with the size.
- Projectors only require a little space. You can easily accommodate a 49-inch projector in a 32-inch space, whereas a 32-inch monitor would demand more space for easy working.
Cons
- Projectors have image quality issues when projected on a wall or a piece of cloth. You will also witness reflection if the surface is too shiny. To avoid these surface-level problems, you must use a proper screen with your projector.
- The projector turns on the cooling fan every time the lamp in the projector gets overheated, which creates a noise that can be highly irritating. On the contrary, monitors are noiseless; they don’t make any noise.
- Most projectors require a certain amount of ambient lighting, which is not needed in monitors. Most importantly, reading more than required on a projector screen becomes nearly impossible whenever light enters the room.
The Advantages & Disadvantages of Monitors
Pros
- Computer monitors can extend horizontally, which is not possible in projectors. Moreover, you’ll find monitors with different aspect ratios for different needs. Modern monitors can also provide an aspect ratio of 21:9 with the added advantage of working in separate tabs simultaneously. Whereas the aspect ratios you get through projectors are 4:3 and 16:10.
- The monitors can be easily tilted to suit your needs, and the viewing angle can be adjusted to either back, front, or sideways. The best thing about monitors is that they can be adjusted according to the plane of your eyes, which is not possible in projectors.
- You are spoilt for choice when buying size, shape, color, form, and price monitors. In the case of projectors, there are limited options available.
- Some other reasons include the popularity of monitors, which are curved screen monitors that make focusing on different elements easier as peripheral vision is used. Even if you use curved screen projectors, the quality of the images won’t be as smooth as what you see on monitors.
Cons
- High-end monitors are expensive as they produce high-quality images with millions of colors. When it comes to low-budget monitors, you may have to compromise on quality.
- It has been observed that cathode ray tubes are used in monitors to cast images that cause radiation and harm your eyesight.
- Modern-day monitors are all-screen monitors that make them vulnerable to cracks, dings, and scratches. Therefore, you need to be doubly careful. In comparison to projectors, projector screens are hardy and durable.
Projector or monitor, which one is ideal for you?
When I think of buying a display unit, there are a lot of other factors that need to be taken into consideration apart from the pros and cons of projectors and monitors.
If you still can’t decide which is ideal for you, a projector or a monitor, consider weighing these options before you take the final call.
Light
Monitors can emit light through LEDs, whereas projectors work on different display technologies, such as LCD and other projection lighting. You must place a projector in a dark room for better viewing, though some projectors produce decent images in little lighting.
On the contrary, you do not need to keep your monitors in a dark room, but the quality of the image depends mainly upon the monitor you have. Therefore, to get better images on a monitor, you’ll need to invest a decent amount.
Price
The price is the primary concern for most people when they buy a display unit. If you compare the price range of projectors and monitors, you will see that the overall cost of a decent monitor is way higher than that of a projector. You will get cheaper portable projectors in the market than a computer monitor. On the contrary, if you go for cheaper monitors with small screen sizes, you will have to compromise immensely on the image quality.
Screen Size
In projectors, you can change the screen size according to the projector wall, whereas in the case of monitors, the screen size is mainly fixed. Also, you enjoy stuff more on projector screens because of the giant screen sizes, which is impossible on monitors. You can supersize the images by connecting the computer to the projectors.
Screen Option
When choosing screen options, there are limited options available on monitors. Monitors have a fixed size, and all you can do is adjust the resolution of the images. Meanwhile, when using a projector, you can adjust the resolution and the throw distance, which is why projector screens are perfect for entertainment. Apart from this, you also get sound systems even with entry-level projectors. Unfortunately, you do not get sound systems with monitors unless it is expensive.
Connectivity
Portable projectors come with many options for connectivity, wherein you can use USB and computer jacks, whereas, in monitors, you do not get the option of connectivity. The option of connectivity makes projectors user-friendly; however, whenever you are thinking of buying a projector, keep a few things in mind like the resolution, projector type, warranty you will be getting on physical parts, fan noise, the sound type, size and throw distance of the projector.
Maintenance
Maintenance is one of the key points that buyers consider when choosing between a monitor and a projector for apparent reasons. Modern-day monitors are made of LEDs that hardly experience damage, so the overall maintenance cost of monitors is much lower than that of projectors. The projectors have a lamp that lasts for a year or two, depending on the usage. You need to change the lamp with time if you want your projectors to function smoothly. Therefore, a maintenance cost is involved when using a projector.
Final Takeaway: Projector Vs. Monitor
Both projectors and monitors have their advantages and limitations. Whether you need a monitor or a projector entirely depends on a range of factors such as light, price, screen size, screen options, ETC.
Also, it depends on why you are looking for a display unit. For example, a monitor will suffice if you are a corporate person looking for a display unit solely for work.
On the other hand, if it’s true entertainment, like watching shows and playing games, ETC., on a big screen, opt for a projector screen instead of a monitor. It will work as a computer screen and a home theatre at half the cost.
Apart from these reasons, space is also a consideration. Monitors use up more space than projectors, so if you live in a small apartment or your workspace is congested, you might have to revise your decision to buy a monitor over a projector screen.
Projector screens are portable and can be easily installed anywhere, whereas you might have to free up space to accommodate a decent-sized monitor.
So, if you need a display unit for your home or workplace, walk your eyes through the pros and cons of each and then weigh your requirements minutely, along with your budget and nature of work, before you buy one.
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