There are some instant deal-breakers for me when it comes to modern computer monitors. Things that just make me shake my head and say, "What were they thinking?" Here are 5 of them.
1. All button controls hidden on the side
This is when every single button (including the power button) for the monitor is recessed into the side to complete what the OEM thinks is a "sleek" look. Sleek it may be, but very annoying. While this may work for televisions, it does nothing but frustrate when applied to a computer monitor. Every time you want to modify a setting you either feel around the button and guess which is the right one, crane your neck around to see what you’re pushing or just outright turn the monitor your way just to see what you’re doing.
We like our buttons either in the FRONT or under the bottom. That’s it.
Did I mention this is hell for anyone that uses multiple monitors?
2. No height adjustment
Seriously, how much extra does it cost to include a monitor stand with height adjust? Why does any monitor come provided with stands that force you to put a phone book or two just to get the right height? What extra cost would a height-adjust stand add in? 5 bucks? Yes, I’d pay the extra 5 bucks for it.
3. Really, really bright power LED
Um, hello monitor OEMs, we’re sitting right in front of the thing, so we don’t need this beacon of light shooting out at us. A nice subtle little light will do.
Thank God for electrical tape, that’s all I’m saying here.
4. Round-base monitor stands
Yet another instance that works on a TV and not on a monitor. Thanks for wasting desk space, OEMs. Either use a V or an X shape and not something that takes away space where I could toss USB sticks.
5. Really flimsy plastic back covers
You’d think this one is exclusive to cheap monitors, but it’s not. Oh sure, the monitor has an amazing display, great backlight and wonderful colors, but then everything goes cheap-extreme once you get to the back. Sometimes the plastic cover to hold the cords never quite works, sometimes the panel (if it has one) takes forever to line up just to slide it back into place, etc.
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