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In recent years, the monitor has gone from being just another accessory to becoming a key part of everyday life. We use it for work, studying, watching content, gaming or creating personal projects. Choosing well is no longer just about getting the right size: it affects your comfort, your productivity and your overall experience in front of the computer.

What is a monitor?

A monitor is the device that displays the information generated by your computer: text, images, video or graphics. It is a basic tool for any digital task, but the technology behind it offers many possibilities. Today you will find LCD, LED, OLED screens or even older CRT models. Understanding the differences will help you choose what best suits you.

Key features when choosing a monitor

Before diving into technologies, it is worth understanding the key concepts that determine whether a monitor is the perfect match for your desk or a source of frustration.

• Resolution. This is the number of pixels that make up the image; the higher it is, the more detail you will see. Basic setups usually use Full HD (1920×1080), while content creators prefer QHD (2560×1440) or 4K (3840×2160) to edit video and photography with precision.

• Screen size. It is measured diagonally in inches and affects immersion and productivity. A 27-inch screen offers enough space for multiple windows, but it may feel too large if your desk is small. Ultrawide monitors (21:9 or 32:9) provide a more panoramic field of view for both work and gaming.

• Brightness and contrast. Brightness is measured in nits, and a high value helps you see clearly in brightly lit environments. Contrast is the difference between whites and blacks; high contrast ensures vivid colours and deep blacks.

• Refresh rate and response time. If you game or watch sports, you’ll want 144 Hz or higher and 1 ms response times. In office environments, 60 Hz or 75 Hz will be enough.

• Connectivity and ergonomics. Make sure it has the ports you need (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C) and that the stand allows height, tilt and swivel adjustment. This helps prevent back problems.

Monitors by display technology

Depending on the technology used to produce the image, you will find different advantages and disadvantages.

CRT displays (cathode ray tube)

CRT monitors were the kings of the scene in the 90s. They use a cathode ray tube to project the image and are known for their large size and heavy weight. Although they have been replaced by flat screens, collectors and retro enthusiasts still look for them for classic gaming consoles. They emit radiation and consume more energy, so they are not the most modern option, but they still have a vintage charm that some people do not want to lose.

LCD monitors

LCD monitors (Liquid Crystal Display) use liquid crystals illuminated by a backlight. They are thin, lightweight and consume little energy. Their biggest advantage is the price-to-performance ratio, but they can suffer from uniformity issues and limited viewing angles.

LED monitors

Technically, LED monitors are LCD monitors with LED-based backlighting. This type of backlighting delivers more vivid colours, better brightness and contrast, while also consuming less energy. They are the most common on the current market.

OLED displays

In OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays, each pixel emits its own light, so no backlight is needed. The result is true blacks and high contrast. They also have very wide viewing angles and extremely fast response times.

Other formats: ultrawide, curved and touchscreen

• Ultrawide. With a 21:9 or 32:9 format, they give you plenty of space for spreadsheets, video editing or split-screen gaming.
  
• Curved. The slight curvature creates an immersive feeling in games and films.
  
• Touchscreen. Ideal for presentations and educational use, although they are not common in productive environments.

Monitors are the devices that display the information generated by your computer: text, images, video or graphics. They are a basic tool for any digital task, but the underlying technology offers many possibilities. Today you will find LCD, LED, OLED or even older CRT screens. Understanding the differences will help you choose what best suits you.

Recommended models

Panel types: TN, IPS and VA

Most modern monitors use an LCD panel with TN, IPS or VA technology. Each one offers a different balance between image quality, speed and price. Before buying, it’s worth knowing which one suits you best.

Panel type	Advantages	Disadvantages	Best use
TN (Twisted Nematic)	Fast response times and high refresh rates, affordable price.	Poor colours and viewing angles.	Competitive gaming
IPS (In-Plane Switching)	Accurate colours and wide viewing angles.	Higher price and slightly slower response time.	Graphic design, photography, professional use
VA (Vertical Alignment)	High contrast and deep blacks	Slower response time, possible motion blur	Mixed use (office + leisure), films

How to choose the best monitor based on use

For work and studying

If you spend many hours in front of the screen writing, browsing or processing data, look for a monitor with an IPS or VA panel that offers comfortable colours and a wide viewing angle, a moderate size (24–27 inches) and Full HD or QHD resolution. An adjustable arm or stand will allow you to set the height and help prevent back pain.

For graphic design and editing

For graphic design and editing

For gaming

Here, speed and immersion are what matter most. A 144 Hz or 240 Hz monitor with a 1 ms response time will be the best option. TN panels are still the most commonly used in the competitive segment, but high refresh rate IPS panels offer an alternative with better colours. If you want a more immersive experience, choose a curved or ultrawide monitor and look for FreeSync or G-Sync compatibility to avoid tearing.

For general use and multimedia

If you use your PC for watching videos, browsing or occasional gaming, a VA or LED monitor will give you a good balance of contrast and price. A 27-inch size and Full HD resolution will be enough for most users, although QHD will give you extra sharpness. The key is not to pay extra for features you won’t actually use.

Best monitor brands

Once you know what type of monitor you need, it’s time to choose the brand. Here are some brands that stand out in 2025 for their reputation, innovation and support:

• ASUS: Especially its ROG (Republic of Gamers) line, known for high refresh rates, fast IPS panels and ranges aimed at e-sports.
  
• Acer: With ranges such as Predator and Nitro, covering everything from ultra-premium to more affordable gaming.
  
• LG: A good balance of design and performance; Nano IPS and OLED panels are becoming increasingly common.

• Samsung: A strong brand in display technology, focusing on QD-OLED and immersive experiences.

If you’re looking for a new screen, take a look at our selection of refurbished monitors at Zoca.

Latest posts

• Types of monitors and their features
• What is the best convertible laptop you can buy?
• GTX or RTX graphics cards: which is better?

A 2-in-1 convertible laptop combines a traditional laptop with the flexibility of a tablet, offering a touchscreen, multiple usage modes and, in many cases, a digital pen. If you are unsure whether to choose a conventional laptop or a convertible model, this guide explains when a 2-in-1 is worth it, what to consider, including weight, processor, battery life, display and stylus support, and which models currently stand out.

This guide compares models by price range and real world use, including work, study, creative tasks and mobility, helping you make an informed decision without getting lost in technical jargon.

What is a 2-in-1 convertible laptop?

A 2-in-1 convertible is a laptop with a touchscreen that can be used in several modes: laptop, tent, tablet or presentation. There are two main formats:

• Convertibles with a 360° hinge: the keyboard remains attached, while the screen rotates to switch between modes. Typical examples include the HP Spectre x360 and Lenovo Yoga.
• Detachable devices: the screen contains the computer itself, while the keyboard can be attached or removed as a cover or base. A typical example is the Microsoft Surface Pro, which uses a magnetic keyboard.

Convertible vs detachable comparison table

Format	Advantages	Key considerations
360° hinge	Stable base when used on a desk, better weight distribution and usually more ports	Heavier in tablet mode, as the keyboard remains folded behind the screen
Detachable	Very lightweight in tablet mode, ideal for stylus use and maximum mobility	Fewer ports, optional keyboard and rear kickstand

Advantages and disadvantages of a convertible laptop

Main advantages

• True versatility: one device for typing, presenting, drawing or signing documents.
• Saves space and reduces the number of devices needed: it can replace both a laptop and a tablet.
• Touchscreen and digital pen: ideal for taking notes, creating diagrams and sketching.
• Perfect for students, creatives and mobile professionals.

Potential drawbacks

• Price is slightly higher than that of equivalent laptops.
• Thermal limitations in very slim chassis, which can result in lower sustained performance.
• The digital pen is not always included, so check compatibility and the supported standard.

Traditional laptop or 2-in-1 convertible?

Comparison by use case

Use case	A convertible is the better choice when…	A traditional laptop is the better choice if…
Office work	You use video calls, digital signatures, whiteboards and presentations in tent mode	You mainly use office applications for long periods and never use the touchscreen or digital pen
Study	You take handwritten notes, highlight PDFs and draw diagrams	You type everything on the keyboard and do not draw or annotate
Design and handwritten notes	You benefit from the precision of an active stylus and tablet mode	You use applications that are not optimised for touch and prefer using a mouse
Multimedia	You watch content in tent or stand mode and value a high quality OLED or IPS display	You always use it as a conventional laptop

Key factors when choosing the best 2-in-1 convertible laptop

Portability and weight

• A good weight range for a 14 inch model is 1.3 to 1.5 kg. Anything below 1.3 kg is excellent, while models above 1.6 kg start to feel heavy in tablet mode.
• Thickness: less than 17 mm usually indicates good portability, while aluminium or magnesium construction improves rigidity.

Performance and processor

• Intel Core Ultra (Meteor/Lunar Lake) or AMD Ryzen 7000/8000/AI: highly capable for office work, study and light editing
• ARM Snapdragon X (Copilot+): excellent efficiency and battery life, with very good native performance, but check compatibility if you rely on x86 applications that are not optimised.
• In convertible laptops, cooling is essential. Slim chassis can limit sustained performance, so check reviews that include prolonged workloads.

Battery life

• Manufacturer figures can differ from real world use, so look for tests carried out at a measured brightness level with a mix of everyday tasks.
• ARM-based SoCs and well optimised laptops can deliver 8 to 12 hours of real world battery life, depending on usage. OLED displays and high brightness levels reduce battery life.

Touchscreen display

• The recommended minimum resolution for a 14 inch model is 2.2K or 2.8K. If you work with colour sensitive content or want a premium viewing experience, an OLED 120 Hz display stands out for its contrast and smoothness.
• Brightness: look for around 400 to 500 nits for outdoor use. A 16:10 or 3:2 aspect ratio also improves vertical workspace.

Digital pen compatibility

• “Compatible” means that it supports a specific stylus standard (MPP, USI, Wacom AES, etc.), along with pressure sensitivity, palm rejection and low latency.
• An active stylus (battery powered) provides shortcut buttons and greater precision, while a passive stylus relies on the display itself and is less accurate.
• If you draw or write frequently, check the latency and look at real world experiences from artists and other users.

If you are looking for a versatile device that is ready to work from day one, you can explore the selection of refurbished convertible laptops at Zoca to view recommended configurations and current availability.

Latest articles

• Types of monitors and their features
• What is the best convertible laptop you can buy?
• GTX or RTX graphics cards: which is better?

In the dynamic world of PC hardware, choosing a graphics card is extremely important, especially when considering the refurbished market. NVIDIA has dominated the sector with its GTX and RTX series, each representing a different era in GPU technology. This article will guide you through the key differences, expected performance and important considerations to help you make the best decision in 2025, particularly if you are looking for a second-hand or refurbished graphics card from Zoca.

What really sets GTX and RTX graphics cards apart?

The fundamental distinction between NVIDIA’s GTX and RTX series lies in their architecture and the technologies they incorporate. GTX graphics cards focused primarily on rasterisation performance, offering excellent value for traditional gaming. However, the arrival of RTX marked a major turning point in the graphics industry.

RTX GPUs, introduced with the Turing architecture in 2018, incorporate dedicated hardware that GTX cards do not have: RT cores (Ray Tracing) and Tensor cores (AI). These components underpin the RTX series’ most innovative features, transforming how graphics are rendered and workloads are processed.

Ray tracing: do you need next-generation graphics?

Ray tracing is a rendering technique that simulates the physical behaviour of light to produce highly realistic images. This results in far more accurate and immersive reflections, shadows and lighting in games and 3D applications. RTX graphics cards are equipped with dedicated RT cores to handle these complex calculations in real time.

When is ray tracing worth it?

If you are a graphics enthusiast who wants to experience the latest games at the highest possible visual fidelity, ray tracing is a feature that makes investing in an RTX graphics card worthwhile. Modern AAA titles are increasingly adopting this technology, and an RTX card allows you to enjoy them as their developers intended. In addition, ray tracing significantly speeds up the creation of photorealistic scenes in 3D design and rendering applications.

When is ray tracing not worth it?

If you are on a limited budget, prioritise high frame rates over maximum visual quality, or mainly play competitive or eSports titles where every millisecond counts, ray tracing may not be a priority. Although GTX graphics cards can run ray tracing through software, the performance penalty is so severe that it is not practical for a smooth gaming experience.

What is DLSS?

DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is an RTX-exclusive technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and Tensor cores to improve graphics performance. It works by rendering the game at a lower resolution and then using a neural network to upscale the image to a higher resolution, while maintaining visual quality comparable to the native resolution or, in some cases, even improving it. For a full list of games and applications that support DLSS, visit the NVIDIA website.

DLSS is a genuine game changer, especially for mid-range RTX graphics cards. It allows these GPUs to deliver significantly higher frame rates in demanding games, even with ray tracing enabled, extending their useful lifespan and improving their ability to handle future titles. For gamers on a tighter budget looking for a refurbished RTX card, DLSS is an invaluable feature that makes it possible to enjoy a modern gaming experience without investing in the most expensive models.

GTX vs RTX performance comparison by generation

Feature / Series	GTX	RTX
Architecture	Pascal, Turing (without RT/Tensor cores)	Turing, Ampere, Ada Lovelace, Blackwell
Ray Tracing	No (software-based only, not practical)	Yes (dedicated RT cores)
DLSS	No	Yes (dedicated Tensor cores)
1080p performance	Good (especially high-end models)	Excellent
1440p performance	Acceptable (high-end models)	Excellent
4K performance	Limited/Not practical	Excellent (with DLSS)
Power efficiency	Good	Very good to excellent
Content creation	Basic	Advanced (AI acceleration)
Refurbished price	Low to mid-range	Mid-range to high

How to choose the right graphics card for your needs

The choice between a refurbished GTX and RTX graphics card should be based on your specific needs and how you plan to use your PC. The most powerful card is not always the best option, especially when budget is a key consideration.

Refurbished graphics cards for 1080p gaming

For casual gaming at 1080p, GTX graphics cards remain perfectly viable in 2025. Models such as the GTX 1080 Ti or GTX 16 Series offer solid performance for eSports and AAA titles at medium settings, with affordability being their main advantage.

Refurbished graphics cards for 1440p gaming and content creation

If your goal is 1440p gaming or you work in content creation, RTX graphics cards are practically essential. They offer ray tracing, DLSS for improved performance and Tensor cores that accelerate AI and rendering tasks. For creative workloads, these features can significantly reduce processing times.

Refurbished graphics cards for competitive gaming

Competitive gamers have different priorities. As they favour maximum frame rates over visual effects, a refurbished GTX 1080 Ti may offer better value for money than a new RTX card, especially on a limited budget.

Price ranges in the refurbished market

In the €150–€250 price range, you will mainly find previous-generation GTX cards such as the 1050, 1060 and 1070, which are ideal for casual gaming. RTX 3050 cards occasionally appear at the upper end of this range and can represent excellent value.

The mid-range price bracket sits between €250 and €400, where RTX 20 and 30 Series cards stand out. In this range, you can find an RTX 3060 or 3060 Ti capable of handling both 1080p and 1440p gaming with ray tracing and DLSS.

Above €400, you can find high-end RTX cards such as the 3070 or 3080, which are ideal for high-refresh-rate 1440p gaming or 4K gaming with DLSS.

Benefits of choosing refurbished over new

Choosing a refurbished graphics card offers three main advantages:

• Significant cost savings: Refurbished graphics cards cost a fraction of the price of new models, allowing you to get better performance for the same budget.

• Environmental sustainability: Buying refurbished reduces electronic waste and demand for new resources by giving fully functional components a second life.
• Better price-to-performance ratio: You can buy high-end cards from previous generations, such as the RTX 3080, for the price of a new lower mid-range model, giving you premium performance without the full cost.

The refurbished market offers excellent value for consumers, especially when buying from specialist retailers such as Zoca, which guarantee quality and provide buyer protection.

Latest posts

• Types of monitors and their features
• What is the best convertible laptop you can buy?
• GTX or RTX graphics cards: which is better?