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When considering the kind of computer to buy, a user must necessarily decide what type of computer monitor will be most suited to meet one’s needs. This may appear even truer for a visually impaired user.
The choice of computer basically comes down to a desktop, laptop or even a tablet. While a tablet or laptop is more lightweight, portable and easier to navigate through a desktop which demands a stationary use may yet give the best experience for a visually impaired user.
Our Top Three Picks For The Best Computer Monitor For the Visually Impaired
Contents
Dell 27” S2740L SAP
This widescreen monitor comes with a virtually frameless edge-to-edge glass design that generates an expansive view. Images appear lifelike on this glossy, LED-backlit 27” monitor.
The user gets an ultrawide 178°/178° viewing angle from nearly any perspective with a color-boosting Image enhancer and a customizable color display manager which enables users to select their preferred color mode for each application.
This monitor is an excellent choice for widescreen lovers in the world of a computer monitor and it certainly fits the different needs of a visually impaired user.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- A widescreen with an adjustable display size
- Adjustable color display
- Easy arrange software that enables fast single-glance identification of applications
Cons
- Only suitable for stational use
- Wide screen may be outside the user’s field of vision
The Dell UltraSharp U2720Q
This is a remarkable 4k monitor that includes HDR support and a wide range of connectivity options. It features an IPS panel with good viewing angles which allow users to easily share their work. The images and text look sharp as it comes with high resolution.
Also, the 27-inch screen creates ample space for multitasking. This monitor can basically be used for a lot of operations as it comes with a good response time and low input lag.
However, it doesn’t support any variable refresh rate (VRR) technology even though it has excellent ergonomics and its USB-C input supports DisplayPort Alt Model. Also, It has impressive coverage of the Adobe RGB color space which makes for excellent color accuracy.
The onscreen display is also very easy to navigate as there are four physical navigation buttons near the power button. If nothing else, this excellent ergonomic feature earns it a spot in our list of the best computer monitors for the visually impaired.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Excellent ergonomics.
- Good viewing angles.
- HDR support.
Cons
- No VRR support
- It’s a little pricey
BenQ EW3270U
This remarkable monitor with a beautiful 4K display happens to be my favorite one on this list. Spotting a USB-C, Yes x 1Screen size, 31.5 inches Resolution, 3840 x 2160Aspect ratio, 16:9HDMI inputs.
This USB-C monitor is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS. Its 4K display delivers beautiful picture quality with High Dynamic Range support, AMD FreeSync, and Opt-Clarity technology.
However, this monitor’s key features are the flicker-Free, low blue light, and brightness intelligence plus components, which all works in making the display easy on users’ eyes. This monitor is specifically designed to reduce eye fatigue and strain on the user regardless of long screen time.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- It is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS
- It comes with eye care features
- It has a wide port variety
Cons
- Lackluster speakers
- Weird headphone jack placement
What to Look For
Although Laptops and notebooks are more of the streamlined systems category, they also come with a built-in keyboard. Most models often replace a computer mouse with a touchpad, that enables you to control the computer with a simple touch of the finger.
Also, some newer laptops come with a touch screen that allows users to use finger gestures on screen as they would on a tablet.
However, desktop computers often times offer more memory and they have faster processing speeds at affordable prices. Also, the large monitor feature of a desktop may appear more suitable for users with partial sight.
The fact that there are different forms of visual impairment makes it a tad difficult to analyse best computer monitors for the visually impaired as different monitors spot varying features.
However, a user knows what’s best. Oftentimes, the recommendations range from widescreen, high-resolution monitors to lower resolution display monitors depending on the user.
For users with low vision a wide screen desktop monitor of about 27” to 30” may be an ideal buy for an excellent resolution capacity. However, several users have contended that this may end up defeating the purpose of the monitor display for the user as it might get outside the user’s field of vision.
Also, some users and professionals have contended that higher resolutions (like the 4K UHD) may lead to smaller image display, which results in image recognition difficulties or the need for a higher enlargement or scaling factor.
Also, visually impaired persons often cannot perceive different resolutions, so a monitor with good interpolation behavior on the low resolution can still be used to get an enlarged display.
It has also been recommended that ZoomText be used to modify the monitor display feature. This brings us to the question of a suitable operating system.
The operating system often determines what display configuration and user-friendly software the computer can support.
The most popular computer OS right now is Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS. These two operating systems offer similar features that are suitable for a visually impaired user.
For instance, the visual text cursors and arrow pointers that indicate where a text is to enter and where your mouse pointer is. Also, they carry displays of various collections of tiny pictures, or icons which represent elements you can interact with.
Furthermore, they have built-in accessibility tools that assist the visually impaired in ways such as – making visual elements easier to see and interact with through screen magnification software and describing visual elements aloud through screen reading software.
Visually impaired users who lack vision may opt for more compatible AT softwares that work best with these computers such as a refreshable braille display, Zoom Text, or other touch sensory features. Our list of the best computer monitors for the visually impaired may be of help to you in choosing the most suitable monitor.
Conclusion
Persons with visual impairment often have specific requirements when it comes to monitoring brightness and contrast, display size, etc. They require monitors spanning a wide range of adjustable brightness, color contrast, etc.
Due to the nature of the user’s needs, monitors should be able to meet at least a certain level of the specific requirements. Monitors that support Windows and/or Mac OS are regarded as most suitable because of their accessibility software features which are oftentimes in-built.
Our list helps the user in considering some of the best monitors for the visually impaired to acquire. You can check out some of these monitors on Amazon.