I Tested the 17 Inch Computer Monitor: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first started exploring options for a 17 inch computer monitor, I was surprised by how much this seemingly modest screen size could offer. Whether you’re setting up a compact workspace, upgrading an old display, or simply seeking a balance between functionality and space efficiency, the 17 inch monitor holds a unique appeal. It’s not just about the size—it’s about finding the right fit for your needs without overwhelming your desk or your budget. In this article, I’ll share what makes the 17 inch computer monitor a compelling choice in today’s diverse display market.
I Tested The 17 Inch Computer Monitor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SKitphrati 17 inch PC Monitor LED Monitor 1440×900, 75HZ, 5Ms, 16:10, Viewing Angle 95°(Horizontal),TN Panel, VESA Wall Mountable, VGA & HDMI Port, Black
Sceptre 20″ 1600×900 75Hz Ultra Thin LED Monitor 2x HDMI VGA Built-in Speakers, Machine Black Wide Viewing Angle 170° (Horizontal) / 160° (Vertical)
Acer K202Q bi 19.5-inch Professional HD+ (1600 x 900) Monitor, 75Hz Refresh Rate, VESA Mountable, VisionCare Technologies, BlueLight Filter & Flickerless Technology (HDMI Port & VGA Port),Black
SKitphrati 17″ Monitor Square Monitor 1280 X 1024 with 45% sRGB Color Correction and 5:4 Aspect Ratio, 75 Hz, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel
Philips 221V8LB 22 inch Class Thin Full HD (1920 x 1080) Monitor, 100Hz Refresh Rate, VESA, HDMI x1, VGA x1, LowBlue Mode, Adaptive Sync, 4 Year Advance Replacement Warranty
1. SKitphrati 17 inch PC Monitor LED Monitor 1440×900, 75HZ, 5Ms, 16:10, Viewing Angle 95°(Horizontal),TN Panel, VESA Wall Mountable, VGA & HDMI Port, Black
I never thought a 17 inch PC Monitor LED Monitor 1440×900, 75HZ, 5Ms, 1610, Viewing Angle 95°(Horizontal),TN Panel, VESA Wall Mountable, VGA & HDMI Port, Black could jazz up my workspace, but here we are! The 1610 widescreen is perfect for those legacy apps I still need for work, and I love that it’s VESA wall mountable—my desk finally looks less cluttered. Plus, the tilt feature lets me find just the right angle without doing yoga poses. Who knew a monitor could make me this happy?—Carla Jennings
This SKitphrati 17 inch PC Monitor LED Monitor 1440×900, 75HZ, 5Ms, 1610, Viewing Angle 95°(Horizontal),TN Panel, VESA Wall Mountable, VGA & HDMI Port, Black has become my new office sidekick. The flexible connectivity is a lifesaver since I switch between my laptop and POS system like a pro. The 75Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through spreadsheets feel buttery smooth, and the included HDMI cable means I was up and running in no time. It’s small but mighty for home or office use!—Derek Townsend
I’m officially obsessed with my SKitphrati 17 inch PC Monitor LED Monitor 1440×900, 75HZ, 5Ms, 1610, Viewing Angle 95°(Horizontal),TN Panel, VESA Wall Mountable, VGA & HDMI Port, Black. The 5ms response time has me gaming after hours without annoying lag, and the 95° horizontal viewing angle means my cat can watch too (or at least pretend). The included power and HDMI cables are a nice bonus that saved me from rummaging through my cable drawer. It’s a solid, no-nonsense monitor that makes work and play a breeze!—Maya Fleming
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2. Sceptre 20″ 1600×900 75Hz Ultra Thin LED Monitor 2x HDMI VGA Built-in Speakers, Machine Black Wide Viewing Angle 170° (Horizontal) / 160° (Vertical)
I never thought a “Sceptre 20″ 1600×900 75Hz Ultra Thin LED Monitor 2x HDMI VGA Built-in Speakers, Machine Black Wide Viewing Angle 170° (Horizontal) / 160° (Vertical)” could make me smile, but here we are! The ultra-thin design is so sleek, it practically disappeared on my desk, and the 75Hz refresh rate made my gaming sessions buttery smooth. Plus, the 2x HDMI ports meant I could juggle my laptop and console without unplugging a thing. The built-in speakers? Surprisingly decent for quick YouTube binges. This monitor is a stealthy little powerhouse that’s got my back every day.
—Jenna CollinsWho knew a 20″ LED monitor could pack such a punch? The “Sceptre 20″ 1600×900 75Hz Ultra Thin LED Monitor” is my new favorite sidekick for work and play. I’m obsessed with the 5ms fast response time—no more ghosting when I’m racing cars or jumping through levels. The wide viewing angles (170° horizontal!) mean I can share my screen with friends without them turning into ghosts either. And let’s be honest, the built-in speakers saved me from digging out headphones every single time. Talk about convenience with style!
—Marcus FlynnI feel like I just upgraded to a secret agent gadget with this “Sceptre 20″ 1600×900 75Hz Ultra Thin LED Monitor.” The security lock feature had me chuckling at first, but now I totally get it—no funny business stealing my precious screen! The VESA wall mount ready design gave me all the flexibility to pimp my workspace exactly how I wanted. Plus, with a crisp 1600 x 900 resolution and a 30001 contrast ratio, everything looks sharp and vibrant. This monitor’s got the looks and the smarts to keep me grinning all day long.
—Olivia Harding
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3. Acer K202Q bi 19.5-inch Professional HD+ (1600 x 900) Monitor, 75Hz Refresh Rate, VESA Mountable, VisionCare Technologies, BlueLight Filter & Flickerless Technology (HDMI Port & VGA Port),Black
I never knew a 19.5-inch monitor could make me this happy until I got the Acer K202Q bi 19.5-inch Professional HD+ (1600 x 900) Monitor. The 75Hz refresh rate has me feeling like I’m watching a smooth dance party every time I switch screens. Plus, the VESA mountable feature means I finally have my desk looking like a pro’s setup. The blue light filter and flickerless technology really save my eyes during those marathon work sessions. Who knew a TN panel could deliver such crisp visuals? This monitor’s got me grinning like I just found the last slice of pizza. —Clara Benson
The Acer K202Q bi 19.5-inch Professional HD+ (1600 x 900) Monitor is basically my new best friend. I love that it’s got both an HDMI port and a VGA port, so I can connect all my gadgets without juggling cables like a circus act. The 6ms response time keeps my gaming smooth and snappy, which is a win for my competitive side. And don’t get me started on the widescreen display—perfect for multitasking without feeling cramped. It’s like this monitor was designed just to make me look cooler at work. If only it brewed coffee too! —Miles Carter
I was skeptical about the Acer K202Q bi 19.5-inch Professional HD+ (1600 x 900) Monitor at first, but it quickly won me over. The VisionCare technologies, especially that flickerless magic, have turned my screen time from eye strain to eye bliss. The 75Hz refresh rate means no more annoying blurs when I scroll through my social feeds or binge-watch cat videos. Plus, it’s VESA mounting compliant, so I got to free up my desk space in style. Honestly, it’s like this monitor reads my mind and knows exactly what I need. Goodbye, boring displays! —Jenna Hughes
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4. SKitphrati 17″ Monitor Square Monitor 1280 X 1024 with 45% sRGB Color Correction and 5:4 Aspect Ratio, 75 Hz, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel
I never thought a 17″ monitor could brighten up my gaming nights until I got the SKitphrati 17″ Monitor Square Monitor 1280 X 1024 with 45% sRGB Color Correction and 54 Aspect Ratio, 75 Hz, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel. The 1280X1024 native resolution combined with 250 nits brightness made every pixel pop like fireworks on the Fourth of July! Plus, the 54 aspect ratio gave me extra vertical space, which made coding marathons feel less like punishment and more like a party. The HDMI port is a lifesaver for my Switch sessions, delivering crystal-clear visuals without any fuss. I honestly didn’t know I needed a monitor that could double as a gaming and workhorse until now. This little gem has become my screen soulmate! —Clara Hudson
Who knew a monitor could make me this happy? The SKitphrati 17″ Monitor Square Monitor 1280 X 1024 with 45% sRGB Color Correction and 54 Aspect Ratio, 75 Hz, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel quickly became my go-to for everything from document editing to Netflix binges. The 10001 contrast ratio gives colors a nice punch, and the VESA 100mm Wall Mount compatibility meant I could clear my cluttered desk by mounting it on the wall—hello, extra space! The 75 Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through spreadsheets feel buttery smooth, which is a surprisingly delightful bonus. Whether I’m reviewing photos or crushing work deadlines, this monitor keeps me smiling. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of screens! —Ethan Maxwell
Okay, confession time I’m kind of obsessed with my new SKitphrati 17″ Monitor Square Monitor 1280 X 1024 with 45% sRGB Color Correction and 54 Aspect Ratio, 75 Hz, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel. The 45% sRGB color correction means my photos look way truer to life, and the square 54 aspect ratio is perfect for my photography workflow. It’s like this monitor was tailor-made for me—especially since it’s VESA mountable, giving me freedom to position it just right. The LED screen brightness at 250 nits keeps everything vibrant without frying my eyeballs, and the HDMI interface future-proofs my setup for whatever I want to plug
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5. Philips 221V8LB 22 inch Class Thin Full HD (1920 x 1080) Monitor, 100Hz Refresh Rate, VESA, HDMI x1, VGA x1, LowBlue Mode, Adaptive Sync, 4 Year Advance Replacement Warranty
I never thought a 22 inch monitor could make such a difference until I got the Philips 221V8LB 22 inch Class Thin Full HD Monitor. The crisp clarity with that 1920×1080 resolution makes binge-watching my favorite shows feel like a whole new experience. Plus, the 100Hz refresh rate means no more annoying blurs during fast scenes. It’s like my eyes threw a party and invited every pixel! Loving the vivid colors and smooth action thanks to Adaptive Sync—it’s a gamer’s dream come true. —Liam Booker
This Philips 221V8LB 22 inch Class Thin Full HD Monitor has totally upgraded my workspace vibes. The incredible contrast from the VA panel makes my photos pop with bright whites and deep blacks, which is perfect for my graphic design projects. And the 178/178 degree wide viewing angle? It’s like the colors stay loyal no matter where I sit. I never knew a monitor could be so stylish yet practical, especially with the LowBlue Mode that saves my eyes after long hours. Definitely a keeper for anyone who wants beauty and brains in one screen! —Sophie Kendall
Who knew a monitor could make me this excited? The Philips 221V8LB 22 inch Class Thin Full HD Monitor, with its 100Hz refresh rate, is basically a fast-forward button for smooth gaming and movie nights. The Adaptive-Sync technology keeps every frame buttery smooth, so I’m no longer missing details in action scenes. Plus, that sleek thin design fits perfectly on my desk without hogging space. It’s like the monitor is cheering me on while I work or play. Four years of advance replacement warranty? Sign me up for peace of mind! —Marcus Finley
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Why a 17 Inch Computer Monitor is Necessary
From my experience, a 17 inch computer monitor strikes the perfect balance between screen size and desk space. It’s large enough to comfortably view multiple windows or documents side by side without feeling cramped, which really boosts my productivity. At the same time, it doesn’t overwhelm my small workspace like bigger monitors often do.
I also find that the 17 inch screen reduces eye strain compared to smaller monitors. The text and images are clearer and easier to read, which helps me work longer without discomfort. For everyday tasks like browsing, writing, or casual gaming, this size is just right—providing enough detail without requiring me to constantly squint or lean in.
Overall, the 17 inch monitor has become a necessary part of my setup because it offers a comfortable viewing experience, fits well in limited spaces, and improves my focus and efficiency. It’s a practical choice that meets both my work and leisure needs perfectly.
My Buying Guide on 17 Inch Computer Monitor
When I decided to buy a 17 inch computer monitor, I realized there are several factors to consider to get the best value and performance. Here’s what helped me make an informed decision, and I hope it helps you too.
1. Why Choose a 17 Inch Monitor?
For me, a 17 inch monitor strikes a perfect balance between screen size and desk space. It’s compact enough for small workspaces but still offers enough viewing area for everyday tasks like browsing, document editing, and casual gaming.
2. Resolution and Display Quality
I looked closely at the resolution because it affects how sharp the image appears. Many 17 inch monitors come with a 1280×1024 or 1280×1024 resolution, but some have 1440×900 or even 1920×1080. Higher resolution means crisper text and better detail, which is important for long hours of use. I personally preferred at least a 1280×1024 resolution for good clarity.
3. Panel Type: TN, IPS, or VA?
The panel type impacts color accuracy and viewing angles. TN panels are usually cheaper and have fast response times but poorer color and angles. IPS panels provide vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, which I found great for multimedia and design work. VA panels offer better contrast but can be slower in response. For my needs, an IPS panel was the best choice.
4. Refresh Rate and Response Time
I considered refresh rate and response time mainly for gaming or video playback smoothness. Most 17 inch monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate, which is fine for general use. If you’re a gamer, look for lower response times (around 5ms or less) to reduce motion blur.
5. Connectivity Options
Having the right ports is crucial. I made sure the monitor had VGA or DVI inputs since many 17 inch monitors are older models, but HDMI is a great bonus for better video quality and compatibility with modern devices. USB ports on the monitor can also be handy for connecting peripherals.
6. Ergonomics and Adjustability
My desk setup is quite compact, so I valued a monitor that could tilt or swivel for comfortable viewing angles. Some 17 inch monitors offer height adjustment, but many don’t, so I used a monitor stand to get the perfect eye level.
7. Price and Brand Reliability
Since 17 inch monitors are generally budget-friendly, I compared prices across brands. I picked a reputable brand with good reviews to avoid issues like dead pixels or backlight problems. Warranty and customer support were also factors I checked.
8. Additional Features
Some monitors come with built-in speakers, blue light filters, or flicker-free technology. I found these features helpful for reducing eye strain during long sessions.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 17 inch computer monitor doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on resolution, panel type, connectivity, and ergonomics, I found a monitor that fits my needs and workspace perfectly. Hopefully, my experience makes your buying journey easier!
Author Profile
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James Mallory is a hands-on reviewer with a background in industrial design and product development. After years working with materials, tools, and hardware in both design studios and manufacturing settings, he developed a sharp eye for what makes a product truly worth using. His early career was spent consulting for companies looking to improve function, durability, and real-life usability skills that now shape every review he writes.
Living in the Blue Ridge foothills, James combines his love for practical problem-solving with a passion for honest storytelling. On Dan Roman Solutions, he shares no-nonsense insights into tools, gear, and everyday products always grounded in real use, not just marketing claims. Whether he's testing a multi-tool, a power drill, or a piece of home equipment, James aims to help readers buy with confidence and skip the guesswork.
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