PB278Q/1440p Question

[westeezy]

Hey, 

I am in the market for a new monitor and open to many different choices. I do a lot of programming and some light gaming (League of Legends, CS:GO). Up until recently I've had 2x 24inch monitors but nothing special.

 

I am in need of an update and was considering 1440p. I found someone willing to sell me their PB278Q (http://www.amazon.com/PB278Q-27-Inch-LED-lit-Professional-Graphics/dp/B009C3M7H0) used for $360. I am wondering if that is a good deal or if I should hold out to see what monitors come up this year. 

 

Also if anyone is willing to chime in on 1440p vs a 1080p 144hz monitor I'm all ears. I'm having a really hard time deciding which would be more beneficial to me. Would I notice a difference with 144hz while web browsing and programming or only when gaming? 

 

Thanks! 

[RichardsD]

Do you play games as you mentioned, like CS: GO very intensively or just for the experience?

[westeezy]

I am a very casual gamer so just one or two nights a week with friends when I do play games

[Octavialicious]

The 144hz would be noticeable when gaming, but it wouldn't be that important imo. I would get the 1440p monitor, much more enjoyable tbh 

[RichardsD]

Alright, then I would say to get a 1440p IPS monitor for the great resolution and color depth.  

 

Just be aware, the original PB278Q uses PWM backlight dimming which may be sensitive to some users eyes and have eye strain after quite a while.  Personally, It doesn't affect me, so it doesn't matter, but it may for you.  The new PB278Qr features a different dimming technology which addresses this issue.

[westeezy]

Do you think it would be worth holding out to see if any 144hz 1440p monitors pop up for under $400 in the coming months? Sorry to ask so many questions I just want to make sure I don't regret the purchase as the $360 is a decent chunk of change to me haha.

[Imabigmac]

I am a very casual gamer so just one or two nights a week with friends when I do play games

Do you currently have a 144Hz monitor? 

[westeezy]

No my monitors are currently just 1080p 60hz @ 24inches. I've actually never seen a 144hz or higher resolution monitor in person

[Imabigmac]

No my monitors are currently just 1080p 60hz @ 24inches. I've actually never seen a 144hz or higher resolution monitor in person

Then it won't be a shock if you stay at 60Hz then. I would say that for casual gaming it would be fine. I have one, I quite like it. What I benefit mostly from it is the increased screen space. I can spread stuff out more and overall its pretty nice to have two documents open at once and still have a good amount of working area on them. I like it too for RTS games, larger overall image. My only issue with the monitor is the PWM back lighting tech. That said it has never been a problem for me as I can't stare at anything for extended periods time anyway, but its something to consider if you spend a lot of time in front of the screen. Look at what your current monitors use for back lighting tech.   144HZ gaming as I have been told (never tried it) is much smoother for things like CS and generally other shooters.

 

Next thing would be system power, LOL and CS aren't all that demanding so I doubt you would have issue in the "can I run it department" but it something to be aware of especially if you have "lower end" gear.  NCIXUS has them for $450 new right now. 

 

 

Price, $360 isn't bad but that would depend on the condition and length  of ownership, etc, for me.  

They did and some still do have a common problem of back light bleeding in the corners, and if your buying used I would make sure the one you are getting doesn't suffer very much from the issue or if it doesn't bug you. 

 

I doubt we will see something like the ROG switft or CES announcements come down to $500 in price let alone lower for some time.