Shopping for a monitor in Nairobi shouldn’t be complicated. However, you can walk into a computer store like Techovant Solutions, and suddenly you’re drowning in acronyms like IPS, TN, VA, and HDR.
The truth is, most technical specs such as resolution, display size and refresh rates matter. This monitor shopping guide will not only help you figure out which monitors actually deliver value for money, but also the best model based on your usage needs.
Monitor Size
The first thing most users always consider is the monitor size
Popular Monitor Sizes
- 19-22 inch monitors – Perfect for office and home users, or those of you on really tight budgets. These usually cost KSh 10,000-18,000 and work well for normal computing tasks such as editing spreadsheets. A great example is the Lenovo D19-10 monitor
- 24-inch monitors: The best size for most users. Great for productive individuals (programmers, light gamers, and business professionals like managers). Expect to pay KSh 15,000-25,000 for a decent one. Good options include: The Dell E2423H and the Lenovo ThinkVision E24-30
- 27-inch monitors: Ideal for those of you who multitask and game a lot. You can comfortably have two of them side by side. Prices range from KSh 20,000-40,000 depending on features.
- 32-inch monitors and larger: Premium territory. Great for creative work and immersive gaming experiences, but you’ll pay KSh 35,000 and more.
Resolution:
Secondly, is the display resolution of the monitor. The number of pixels that can be displayed in each dimension. More resolution means you get deep, rich colors and sharper texts.
A Breakdown Of Monitor Resolutions
- 1080p (Full HD) — Most monitors sold in Kenya are 1080p. You are guaranteed sharp text, good video clarity, and great compatibility with most graphics cards.
- 1440p (2K) — 2K monitors are not very common in Kenya, they are noticeably sharper than 1080p, and are mostly found on gaming monitors like the Lenovo G32QC-30
- 4K (Ultra HD) – Perfect for gamers and content curators. 4K monitors are the most expensive. Unless you’re doing professional photo/video work, save your money and just go for a 1080p or a 2K monitor.
Panel Type:
A monitor panel type refers to the technology it uses to display images.
- IPS (In-Plane Switching) — Best for color accuracy and wide viewing angles. Perfect for office work, photo editing and gaming. Some great options recently released by HP are the HP 524SF Series 5 and the HP 527SH Series 5
- TN (Twisted Nematic) — Cheapest option with fast response times found in budget monitors like the Dell E2016HV. Colors look washed out, and viewing angles are poor, but they’re budget-friendly and good for competitive gaming.
- VA (Vertical Alignment) — Middle ground between IPS and TN. Better contrast than IPS, better colors than TN. Good all-around choice.
Our recommendation: Go for IPS if your budget allows. The color quality and viewing angles are worth the extra cost for most users.
Refresh Rate:
A monitor’s refresh rate is an area where gamers and business professionals like data analyst’s need to look at seriously. 60Hz is the most common and is adequate for standard monitor use cases such as scrolling through documents. 75Hz-100Hz monitors like the Lenovo L24E-40 offer slight improvement that some people will notice over a 60Hz monitor. It’s however, not worth paying much extra for.
When it comes to 144Hz and above, these are monitors considered for serious gamers. They offer the best gaming experiences but require a powerful graphics card like an NVIDIA RTX.
Monitor Connectivity:
This is where many people get caught off guard. You find the perfect monitor size, refresh rate and panel type, just to realize it only supports VGA connectivity while your laptop only supports HDMI. Let’s break down the different connection types:
HDMI
Nearly every computer and monitor you’ll find today has an HDMI port. HDMI supports both video and audio output.
Pro Tip — Look for monitors with HDMI 2.0 technology or newer as they can support 4K resolution
The old blue connector that refuses to die. Many new monitors like the HP M27FW still include VGA for compatibility with older computers. If you’re using an old desktop, consider a monitor with a VGA port
DisplayPort
DisplayPort’s are found mostly on gaming monitors and business displays like the Lenovo ThinkVision P24h-30. It supports higher refresh rates and resolutions better than HDMI. They are rare on budget monitors
DVI
The middle child between VGA and HDMI. Digital signal like HDMI but no audio. Increasingly rare on new monitors, mostly found on older business machines.
USB-C/Thunderbolt
USB-C as adopted by most smartphones today is also a technology being embraced by most monitor manufacturers. If you check, newer gen PC’s like Lenovo ThinkPads and HP envy laptops don’t come included with HDMI or display ports this is because of
Where to Buy Monitors in Nairobi ?
Some of the best/highly rated computer stores to buy monitors in Kenya include:
Techovant Solutions
Here at we, Techovant Solutions we offer comprehensive selections of monitors, ranging from budget-friendly office displays to cutting-edge gaming and professional monitors. With over 5 years in business, our expert team aims to help you find the perfect monitor for your specific needs. Visit our store on MOI Avenue The Bazaar Plaza 12th Floor Suite 1217 or contact us for any monitor related queries.
Galway Computers
A well-established retailer in Nairobi. Well known for their wide selection of new and used business and office monitors.
Mombasa Computers
Despite the name, they have a strong presence in Nairobi with multiple outlets. They have a variety of monitor brands
Fusion Computers
Another great option if you’re shopping in Nairobi is Fusion Computers, they offer a wide selection of brand-new monitors.
PRO TIP — When choosing where to buy, consider factors like warranty coverage (FOR NEW MONITORS 1 YR AND 6 MONTHS FOR USED), technical support and return policies
The Bottom Line (Conclusion)
For most people in Kenya, a 24 inch, 1080p IPS monitor in the KSh 15,000-20,000 range is the smart choice. It’ll handle everything from office work to casual gaming without breaking the bank.
Don’t get caught up in specs like refresh rates and response times unless you’re a serious gamer or programmer like me. Focus on size, panel type (go IPS), and build quality.
Key Tips After Identifying Your Perfect Monitor:
- Test before you buy — especially for dead pixels
- Buy from reputable dealers with warranty support
The perfect monitor doesn’t exist, but at Techovant Solutions, we believe this monitor shopping guide will answer most of your questions.
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