You're not the first person who's wondered what it would be like to have a giant desktop monitor. Think of all the multi-tasking and immersive gaming you could manage if you had a 50- or 60-inch monitor instead of a standard 24-inch monitor! But you've probably noticed that as monitors get bigger, they also tend to get prohibitively expensive. You've probably already got a big screen in your house, though--a TV. While you can use a TV as a computer monitor in most cases, that doesn't mean it's the best option.

Computer monitors that support HDMI 2.1, the latest HDMI standard, are beginning to trickle into online retailers. They sell at extremely high prices (when they're available at all). Even the most affordable HDMI 2.1 monitors, like the Gigabyte Aorus FI32U and Acer Nitro XV282K KV, are priced near $1,000. The high price of HDMI 2.1 implies it's important, but the truth is more nuanced. HDMI 2.1 brings new features to the table, but they're relevant only to people with specific needs.

You're not the first person who's wondered what it would be like to have a giant desktop monitor. Think of all the multi-tasking and immersive gaming you could manage if you had a 50- or 60-inch monitor instead of a standard 24-inch monitor! But you've probably noticed that as monitors get bigger, they also tend to get prohibitively expensive. You've probably already got a big screen in your house, though--a high-definition television. While you can use a TV as a computer monitor in most cases, that doesn't mean it's the best option.

Computer monitors that support HDMI 2.1, the latest HDMI standard, are beginning to trickle into online retailers. They sell at extremely high prices (when they're available at all). Even the most affordable HDMI 2.1 monitors, like the Gigabyte Aorus FI32U and Acer Nitro XV282K KV, are priced near $1,000. The high price of HDMI 2.1 implies it's important, but the truth is more nuanced. HDMI 2.1 brings new features to the table, but they're relevant only to people with specific needs.

I have just switched to a Windows desktop computer and need to get a good monitor – about 21 inches and under £200. Do you have any advice? There are two ways to pick a monitor, and it's worth using both approaches. The first is to go into a shop and see which one looks best. It's much easier to compare screens side by side.

Most computers have the built-in ability to power a second screen. To get started, check out your laptop or desktop to find a HDMI or DisplayPort socket. If you own an older computer, you might be looking for a white DVI or a blue VGA socket instead. All four types of ports let you connect your computer to a television, projector, or other secondary screen. If your computer has one of these ports, all you need is the proper cable.

A couple of months ago, I took a good, hard look at my dual-screen setup and thought, hmmm, maybe I should get another monitor. Then, after an hour or two of researching 27-inch monitors online, I walked into my living room and was struck with a brilliant idea: Maybe, instead of purchasing an entirely new monitor, I should just move my 32-inch HDTV into my office and call it a day. Bigger is better, you know, and this way I wouldn't have to drop a couple hundred bucks on a new piece of equipment. But just because HDTVs look a heck of a lot like computer monitors doesn't necessarily mean they can replace computer monitors. Here's what you need to know if you're thinking about sticking an HDTV on your desk.