If you work from a laptop all day, the small screen is probably costing you more than you realise: constant window switching, squinting at spreadsheets, and a neck bent down towards the keyboard. A good external monitor is the single biggest upgrade you can make to a home office, and it does not need to be expensive or complicated.
The problem is that monitor spec sheets are full of numbers that do not mean much until you know what to look for. Resolution, refresh rate, panel type, USB-C, HDR, VA, IPS: which of these actually matter for work?
This guide explains each one in plain English, gives you a simple method for choosing the right size and resolution, and compares the monitors in our range so you can pick the right one for your desk and budget.
What a home office monitor does, and why it matters
A monitor gives you more screen space, a better viewing position and, if you choose well, a tidier desk. More space means you can keep a document and a reference side by side, run a video call while taking notes, or see a whole spreadsheet without zooming out until the text is unreadable. A proper stand lets you raise the screen to eye level, which is the easiest fix for neck and shoulder strain from long days at a laptop.
For most people, the right monitor makes the day noticeably faster and more comfortable. The wrong one (too small, too low-resolution, or stuck on a fixed stand) often ends up barely used.
Key specs explained
Here are the specs that matter most, using our pick, the Samsung 24" S60D ViewFinity, as the example.
| Spec | Samsung S60D | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 24" (23.8") flat | The comfortable size for a standard desk depth. You can see the whole screen without turning your head. |
| Resolution | QHD 2560 x 1440 | About 78% more pixels than Full HD. Sharper text and room for two windows side by side. |
| Panel type | IPS | Consistent colour and brightness from wide angles (178 degrees), which helps when you share your screen with someone. |
| Refresh rate | Up to 100Hz | Smoother scrolling and window movement than an older 60Hz screen. |
| Response time | 5ms | Plenty for office work and video. It only really matters for competitive gaming. |
| Brightness / contrast | 350 cd/m², 1000:1 | Bright enough for a sunny room, and good contrast for text. |
| Colour | 99% sRGB, HDR10, up to 1.07 billion colours | Accurate colour for photos, web and presentations. |
| Connections | USB-C with USB hub and LAN, HDMI, DisplayPort 1.4 | One cable can connect a laptop, keyboard, mouse and wired network. |
| Extras | Built-in KVM switch, Picture-in-Picture, Picture-by-Picture, daisy chain | Control two computers with one keyboard and mouse, or add a second screen easily. |
| Stand | Height adjust, tilt, swivel, pivot, VESA | Set the screen at eye level, or mount it on an arm. |
| Eye comfort | Eye Saver mode, flicker-free | Less eye strain on long days. |
| Warranty | 3 years | Long cover for a device you use every day. |
How to choose the right monitor
Step 1: Pick the size for your desk
- Desk less than 70 cm deep: 24" is the comfortable maximum. You sit about 50–70 cm from the screen.
- Desk 70–80 cm deep or more: 27" works well and gives you more room for side-by-side windows.
- Two screens: two 24" monitors side by side usually fit better than two 27".
Step 2: Match resolution to size
- 24" Full HD (1920 x 1080): fine for email and browsing on a budget.
- 24" QHD (2560 x 1440): the sweet spot. Crisp text without needing to zoom.
- 27" QHD: the same sharpness as 24" Full HD but with much more space, great for spreadsheets.
- 27" 4K (3840 x 2160): very sharp, ideal for photo work and detailed documents. You will usually use Windows scaling at 150%.
Step 3: Decide how you will connect
If your laptop has a USB-C port with display output (DisplayPort Alt Mode, which most business laptops support), a USB-C monitor with a built-in hub gives you a one-cable desk. If your laptop only has HDMI, any monitor with HDMI will do. Check your laptop's specifications, or send us a message with the model and we will confirm.
Step 4: Do not skimp on the stand
A height-adjustable stand is worth paying a little more for. The top of the screen should sit at or just below eye level, about an arm's length away. If you prefer a monitor arm, make sure the monitor has VESA mounting holes.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying a 27" Full HD monitor for close-up work. The text looks noticeably soft.
- Paying for a gaming monitor (240Hz or more) you do not need for office work.
- Assuming every USB-C port carries video. Check before relying on a single-cable setup.
- Choosing a fixed stand, then stacking the monitor on books to raise it.
Our pick: Samsung 24" S60D ViewFinity QHD
The Samsung S60D ViewFinity ($499) ticks every box for a hybrid worker. Its QHD IPS panel makes text sharp and colours accurate, and 100Hz makes everyday use feel smooth. The USB-C connection with a USB hub and LAN port turns it into a docking station for your laptop, and the built-in KVM switch lets one keyboard and mouse control two computers, handy if you run a work laptop and a personal PC. The fully adjustable stand and 3-year warranty round it out.
Who should not buy it: if your laptop has no USB-C display output and you only need a screen for email, a Full HD monitor will save you money. If you want a larger screen for spreadsheets, a 27" QHD model gives you more space for less. Both options are in the table below.
Alternatives in our range
| Monitor | Size and resolution | Key differences | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung S60D ViewFinity | 24" QHD, 100Hz IPS | USB-C hub with LAN, KVM switch, daisy chain, fully adjustable stand | $499.00 | Laptop users who want a one-cable desk |
| Lenovo ThinkVision E24-40 | 24" Full HD, 100Hz IPS | HDMI, DisplayPort and VGA, height-adjustable stand, no USB-C | $249.99 | Budget home office and second screens |
| Lenovo ThinkVision P24q-40 | 24" QHD IPS | USB-C docking monitor with adjustable stand | $489.99 | Lenovo ThinkPad users and business fleets |
| Lenovo ThinkVision E27q-40 | 27" QHD, 100Hz IPS | Bigger screen, 2x HDMI and DisplayPort, no USB-C | $359.99 | Spreadsheets and multitasking on a deeper desk |
| Samsung ViewFinity S70H | 27" 4K UHD, 60Hz IPS | Highest sharpness, HDR10, HDMI and DisplayPort | $459.99 | Photo editing and detailed documents |
Setup and usage tips
- Set the height first. The top edge of the screen at or slightly below eye level, about an arm's length away.
- Use the right cable. For USB-C, use the cable supplied with the monitor, or a certified USB-C cable that supports video.
- Check the refresh rate in Windows. Go to Settings > Display > Advanced display and make sure 100Hz is selected, not 60Hz.
- Adjust scaling. On a 24" QHD screen, 100–125% scaling gives crisp, readable text.
- Turn on Eye Saver mode in the evening to reduce blue light.
- Use Picture-by-Picture or the KVM switch if you run two computers: one screen and one keyboard for both.
- Tidy the cables. With a USB-C hub, your keyboard, mouse and network cable plug into the monitor, and one cable goes to the laptop.
Who is it for?
- Hybrid workers who move a laptop between home and the office
- Anyone running a work and a personal computer on one desk
- Spreadsheet, document and email-heavy roles where screen space saves time
- Students and home users who want a sharper screen than Full HD without paying for 4K
- Small businesses setting up hot desks with a single-cable connection
Frequently asked questions
Is QHD worth it over Full HD on a 24" screen?
For work, yes. Text is noticeably sharper, and you can comfortably fit two windows side by side. Full HD is fine for basic use, but QHD makes long days easier on the eyes.
Will the monitor charge my laptop over USB-C?
Some USB-C monitors can power a laptop through the same cable. The wattage varies by model and laptop, so check both specifications, or ask us with your laptop model before you rely on it.
Can I use two monitors with a laptop?
Yes. Many laptops support two external screens. Monitors with daisy-chain support, like the S60D, can simplify the cabling. Your laptop's graphics and ports decide what is possible.
Do I need a 144Hz or faster monitor?
Not for office work. 100Hz already feels smooth for scrolling and moving windows. High refresh rates mainly benefit fast-paced gaming.
IPS or VA, which is better?
For office work, IPS is usually the better choice thanks to consistent colour and wide viewing angles. VA panels offer deeper contrast and are popular for gaming and movies.
What is a KVM switch on a monitor?
It lets one keyboard and mouse, plugged into the monitor, control whichever of two connected computers is on screen. It saves buying a second keyboard and mouse.
Ready to upgrade your desk?
The Samsung S60D ViewFinity is available now for $499 and ships from Australian warehouses. Compare more screens in our Monitors & Displays range, and add a keyboard and mouse to complete your setup. Not sure which monitor suits your laptop? Send us a message and we will help you choose.