Přehled LCD displejů repasovaných notebooků a monitorů ImportPC.cz

The display is one of the most important components of a laptop or monitor and significantly affects the user experience. In the range of refurbished devices at ImportPC.cz you will find exclusively LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panels of various types. This expert overview explains the individual LCD panel technologies (TN, IPS, VA etc.), types of touch panels, resolutions (HD, HD+, FHD, WUXGA etc.), types of backlighting and surface finishes. For each technology we describe how it works, its advantages and disadvantages, typical parameters and suitable applications. At the end we compare the specifics of displays in laptops vs. standalone monitors and advise on how to choose the right display according to profession and use.

LCD Panel Technologies

Modern LCD panels are TFT displays with an active matrix – each pixel is controlled by a thin-film transistor. There are several technologies for arranging liquid crystals inside the panel. We most commonly encounter TN (Twisted Nematic), IPS (In-Plane Switching) and VA (Vertical Alignment). The difference between them lies in how the liquid crystal molecules are aligned and how they move when voltage is applied. This has a fundamental effect on image properties such as colour accuracy, contrast, viewing angles, response time and panel cost. The individual types are described below:

TN Panel (Twisted Nematic)

Principle: TN is the oldest LCD technology (used since the 1980s) and works on the principle of twisted nematic crystals. In their resting state the crystals are twisted into a spiral (approximately 90°) between two polarising filters. Without voltage, light passes through – the polarisation of light is rotated in the layer of twisted crystals and passes through the second filter. When voltage is applied, the crystals straighten up (align in the direction of the field) and the light is no longer rotated – it cannot pass through the second polariser and the pixel darkens. TN panels are usually manufactured as normally white (light passes with no voltage and darkens with voltage applied). As a result, a dead pixel on a TN panel permanently lights up as a bright dot, which is distracting. (With IPS/VA it is the opposite – a dead pixel remains black, less noticeable.)

Advantages: The main advantage of TN panels is fast response time and high refresh rate. This is the technology with the fastest pixel switching – modern TN monitors achieve a real <5 ms GTG, top models down to ~1 ms. This makes them capable of handling very high frequencies (144 Hz, 240 Hz or more) for smooth images in games. Another advantage is the low manufacturing cost – TN panels are the cheapest and have long been the most widespread in entry-level products. The technological simplicity of TN also means versatility – they exist in many diagonal sizes and resolutions and have long dominated across devices (monitors, laptops, mobile LCD).

Disadvantages: The low cost and speed of TN come with compromises in image quality. They have the worst colour reproduction and contrast of all LCD types. Typically they can only display 6 bits per channel and interpolate the rest using FRC, so they do not display a true 16.7 million colours as an 8-bit IPS does. Contrast ratio on TN is typically around 700:1 to 1000:1, which is rather low. A major problem is limited viewing angles – even a slight off-axis view from the side or top/bottom causes noticeable colour and brightness shifts. From the side the image fades or inverts; from above it darkens and from below it brightens. This is due to the principle – the twisted crystal orientation causes uneven light transmission at oblique angles. Manufacturers apply compensating films (labelled TN+Film) to improve angles, but even so TN remains significantly worse than IPS or VA in this regard. TN also suffers from inaccurate colours – when viewed off-axis, colours not only change in brightness but can completely invert (especially dark shades). For these reasons TN is completely unsuitable for graphics work, photo editing or video – colours are neither accurate nor consistent.

Typical parameters: TN panels are inexpensive and their specification reflects this. Brightness of standard TN in laptops is around 200–250 cd/m² (older models even less), in monitors typically 250–300 cd/m². Contrast around 600:1 to 1000:1 (static). Viewing angles are specified as ~170° horizontally and ~160° vertically, but in practice image quality degrades noticeably from about 45° off axis. Response time is the lowest – in monitors typically 1–5 ms GTG (with overdrive), in laptops usually not stated but typically very good. Refresh rate: standard 60 Hz, but gaming TN panels of 120–240 Hz exist (in monitors and in specialist e-sport laptops). Colour gamut of TN typically covers only around ~60–70 % sRGB (lower colour saturation). It is also often the case that TN comes in a lower resolution even at lower price points – for example, many older laptops had a TN panel with HD (1366×768) resolution only. Higher resolutions such as Full HD were often available in the business segment only with a higher-quality (IPS) panel.

Use cases and suitability: TN panels are today only suitable for undemanding use or specifically for competitive gaming. We find them in the cheapest refurbished office laptops – there they will satisfy basic needs (word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail), provided the user is not bothered by the lower image quality and typically views the screen straight-on only. The narrow viewing angle can even be an advantage – in an office you may appreciate that a colleague cannot read your screen from the side. TN is also appreciated by professional players of multiplayer games (FPS, RTS), where every millisecond counts – it offers the fastest response and high FPS without artefacts. In refurbished monitors, TN suits budget-conscious users who want a decent image for everyday work but do not insist on perfect colours. Unsuitable for any graphics, video or colour-critical work – their shortcomings are completely disqualifying here. For watching films and multimedia in general, TN is also not ideal (poor blacks, colour shift when multiple people watch from different angles).

Backlighting and surface: In the past, TN panels (like all LCDs) were backlit by CCFL tubes; today they use LED diodes almost exclusively. Typically this is white LED (WLED) backlighting. As for the surface, TN panels in laptops are generally matte (anti-glare), especially in business models, to eliminate reflections. In home multimedia laptops, however, glossy TN displays also appeared (better perceived contrast but reflective). In refurbished monitors, TN models are almost always matte. An exception may be touch TN panels – for example, some refurbished HP EliteBook models have a TN panel with a touch layer, which is made of glass and thus has a glossy surface. In general however, touch displays tend to use IPS technology (TN with touch was a rather rare compromise).

VA Panel (Vertical Alignment)

Principle: VA technology is based on the principle of vertically aligned crystals. In their resting state, the liquid crystal molecules are perpendicular to the plane of the glass – i.e. “vertically” aligned with respect to the substrate. In this basic configuration they block the backlight (VA panels are normally black). When voltage is applied, the crystals tilt at an angle, which allows some light to pass through. Unlike TN, they do not twist or rotate in-plane (IPS), but tilt. To improve properties, VA panels are manufactured as MVA, PVA etc. with multiple domains – the pixel is divided into sections to better transmit light at various angles and provide a more uniform image. As a result, VA achieves better contrast and colours than TN, although it does not reach the level of the best IPS panels. There are many VA variants (MVA, PVA, AMVA+, SVA from Samsung etc.) – their details are beyond the scope of this overview, but in general they all aim to improve black reproduction, contrast and viewing angles.

Advantages: The main strength of VA panels is contrast. Thanks to the vertical crystals they can very effectively block light in dark areas. Typical static contrast of VA is around 2000:1 to 3000:1, which is several times higher than IPS (~1000:1) or TN (~700:1). The black level on VA is genuinely darker and deeper, and the interplay of light and dark tones creates better “depth” in the image. Colours are generally well reproduced by VA – modern VA panels often cover the full sRGB gamut, some even a wider gamut. Viewing angles are also relatively wide (spec. 178°/178°), similar to IPS, so off-axis viewing does not cause the dramatic inversions seen with TN. (There may be some contrast shift when viewed from the sides – the so-called VA gamma shift – where the darkest shades lighten slightly at oblique angles.) The image on a VA panel is therefore accurate from various angles while offering better contrast than IPS – which is why many users prefer VA for films and everyday work. The cost is still relatively low – VA panels are typically priced between TN and IPS, offering good value for money. They also do not suffer as much from IPS glow or backlight bleed which we know from IPS. Because VA originates from TV panels, it is often used in larger diagonals and some VA panels (especially AMVA+) achieve very good colour accuracy after calibration.

Disadvantages: The weak point of VA is pixel response speed for dark-to-light transitions. Although manufacturers quote response times of e.g. 4 ms GtG (similar to IPS), this mainly applies to mid-tones. When transitioning from very dark to light shades, the crystals respond more slowly, causing so-called black smearing – blurring of dark objects in motion. For avid FPS gamers VA may therefore be unsuitable, as fast scenes can show ghosting and blur. Another disadvantage is variable quality across VA variants – there are excellent VA panels, but also below-average ones with narrower angles or worse colours. Some cheap monitor manufacturers simply label the panel “VA”, which may have only 6-bit colours + FRC similarly to TN (this was the case with some older PVA panels). In general, however, VA sits qualitatively between TN and IPS – it is a compromise technology. Response time and maximum refresh rate have long lagged behind – most VA monitors were 60–75 Hz. Today there are VA panels with 144 Hz or 240 Hz (gaming curved models), but cheaper VA panels are still not as “sharp” in fast motion as TN/IPS. Another disadvantage for some applications may be the VA pixel structure – in older VA (PVA), subpixels were arranged such that fine details (e.g. single-pixel grids) could appear less sharp. Modern VA panels have improved this with multi-domain designs.

Typical parameters: Contrast: 2000:1 and more (the reason the image appears notably “richly saturated”). Brightness: standard VA monitors ~250–300 cd/m²; VA laptops are very rarely encountered (VA is almost never used in laptops). Colours: 8-bit (16.7 million) is standard, often 100 % sRGB, some VA monitors also with DCI-P3 coverage ~90 % (e.g. VA with quantum dot backlighting). Angles: 178°/178° specified, in practice only a slight loss of contrast from oblique angles. Response time: typically 4–8 ms GtG; for dark-to-light transitions even >12 ms (visible ghosting). Refresh rate: standard 60 Hz, better VA monitors 75 Hz, gaming VA up to 144–165 Hz (newer models up to 240 Hz). Resolution: VA panels in the refurbished range appear mostly in external monitors – they come in high resolutions (common are VA QHD 2560×1440 @27", VA 4K @32” etc.) as well as mid-range (some 22–24” monitors 1920×1080 may be VA). A laptop with VA is practically non-existent in refurbished stock.

Use cases and suitability: VA is a versatile choice for everyday users. It is suitable for home use, office work and multimedia when you want a better image than TN but do not need top-of-the-line IPS. Film enthusiasts will appreciate the high contrast of VA – blacks will be genuinely black, improving the experience of watching films (especially dark scenes). Office users will get a good off-axis image (if they move around the monitor) and sufficiently accurate colours for everyday work. Graphic designers and photographers can use VA for previewing and general work, but for precise colour editing IPS is still preferred (VA can have slight colour shifts and does not always achieve 100% colour accuracy). Gamers – VA is suitable for casual gaming, RPGs, strategy games or simulations, where the high-contrast image stands out and slightly slower response is not an issue. Not ideal for competitive FPS players who would be bothered by even minor ghosting – they will prefer TN or a fast IPS. Among refurbished mid-range monitors (e.g. some 24” Samsung models), VA may be an advantageous choice due to its price-to-performance ratio – offering better image quality than an old TN at a lower price than IPS.

Backlighting and surface: VA panels in monitors and TVs today use exclusively LED backlighting (often edge-lit). Older VA monitors (e.g. first PVA from EIZO or Samsung) used CCFL backlighting, but this will be rare in the refurbished market. The surface of VA monitors is usually matte (anti-glare) – just like IPS, VA monitors are used in professional environments where a matte surface is preferred. VA laptop displays do not exist (if they did, they would also be anti-glare). Touch monitors with VA (uncommon) would have a glossy surface due to the glass; otherwise VA generally means matte.

IPS Panel (In-Plane Switching)

Principle: IPS panels were developed by Hitachi in the 1990s as a solution to TN’s shortcomings. The name “In-Plane Switching” reflects that the crystal molecules rotate in the plane of the display. In IPS panels, crystals are aligned parallel to the glass surfaces at rest and block light without voltage – the pixel is black. When voltage is applied, the molecules rotate within the plane (change orientation “flat”), allowing a certain amount of light to pass through. Unlike TN, the electrodes create a field that rotates the crystals without lifting them from the plane – hence the excellent viewing angles. IPS panels are generally normally black (no voltage = dark pixel), so a dead pixel on IPS remains black and is less distracting. The IPS technology also includes many improvements (Super-IPS, H-IPS, e-IPS, PLS from Samsung etc.) that differ in the details of subpixel structure to improve contrast or reduce costs. For the end user, however, what matters is that any variant of an “IPS-like” panel (IPS, PLS, AHVA, ADS…) guarantees wide viewing angles and stable colours.

Advantages: Excellent colour reproduction and wide viewing angles are the main trump card of IPS. The panel can display 8-bit colours per channel (16.7 million) without visible dithering interpolation and has accurate, vivid colours with high fidelity. Viewing angles of around 178° ensure that the image remains the same from various directions – there is no significant shift in colours or contrast when viewed from the side, above or below. IPS thus addresses TN’s weaknesses: it is ideal for multiple people working at one screen or for professional graphics, where a slight change of head position should not change the colours. IPS panel colours stand out particularly in colour space coverage – quality IPS achieves 100 % sRGB, professional models even 99 % AdobeRGB. Colour consistency across the panel area and at different angles is the best of all LCD technologies. IPS panels also do not invert dark shades at extreme angles and typically have no issue with 8-bit depth (many support 10-bit with FRC for HDR). Although older IPS suffered from longer response times, modern manufacturing advances have brought fast IPS panels: today gaming IPS monitors with 1 ms GtG are available, so IPS has caught up with TN in speed. Refresh rates of 144 Hz and higher are also no longer exceptional (so-called “IPS 144Hz” panels for e-sports). IPS therefore today offers excellent visual properties without a significant performance compromise – albeit at a higher price. In the context of refurbished devices, it is also worth mentioning long service life – IPS panels do not typically suffer from colour aging problems like old TN panels do (IPS colours remain stable long-term).

Disadvantages: The biggest disadvantage of IPS is the higher manufacturing cost. It is the most complex technology, which results in more expensive panels. In the refurbished segment this means that IPS laptop or monitor models tend to be the premium ones (workstations, professional lines) – while ordinary cheap models tend to have TN. Another weakness of IPS has been lower contrast – standard IPS has a contrast ratio of around 700:1 to 1000:1, which is lower than VA. Black on IPS is not so deep (more of a dark grey in complete darkness). Newer types like LG’s “IPS Black” are improving this (contrast ~2000:1), but these are not yet found in refurbished stock. IPS glow and backlight bleed are further disadvantages: when viewing a dark scene at night, faint whitish glow may be visible in the corners – a property inherent to IPS construction. It varies from unit to unit and cannot be entirely avoided. On a refurbished IPS monitor, glow may be more noticeable if the panel was used for a long time at high brightness. Response time and frequency – historically IPS did not support high refresh rates (long max 60 Hz) and had slower reactions than TN. Most refurbished IPS monitors will be 60 Hz (or 75 Hz); gaming 120Hz/144Hz IPS monitors only appeared on the market in the last few years. In laptops it was long the case that gaming models often preferred fast TN for response time, but today even gaming laptops tend to have 120Hz IPS. In general, in refurbished stock you are more likely to find IPS with slower refresh rates (60 Hz) – sufficient for most applications.

Typical parameters: Contrast: ~1000:1 (± depending on quality; pro models up to 1300:1, some cheaper IPS only 700:1). Brightness: laptop IPS often 250–300 cd/m², better mobile workstations up to 400+ nits; IPS monitors typically 250–350 cd/m². Colours: 8-bit, 16.7 million colours; sRGB gamut 95–100 % typically, wide-gamut models up to 1.07 billion colours (10-bit) with AdobeRGB or DCI-P3 coverage (this is more typical of professional monitors than common refurbished units). Angles: 178° horizontal and vertical – the image remains stable and colours do not change when viewed at an angle. Response time: standard 5–8 ms GTG; new “Fast IPS” even 1–4 ms. Most refurbished IPS monitors will have 5ms GTG. Refresh rate: standard 60 Hz; some business monitors 75 Hz; high-end gaming (if found in refurbished stock) 120–165 Hz. Resolution: IPS panels are manufactured from low HD up to 4K – in both laptops and monitors. In the refurbished range you will often find IPS laptops with higher resolutions (e.g. FHD 1920×1080 in 14–15” mobile workstations), while lower resolutions in these lines tend to be TN. Many professional monitor models are IPS – e.g. Dell UltraSharp 24” with 1920×1200 or 27” with 2560×1440 etc. IPS technology is also widespread in touch displays (tablets, convertibles) for its viewing angles.

Use cases and suitability: IPS is ideal for professional graphic designers, photographers, designers and anyone who needs accurate colours. When editing photos, doing DTP, video production etc., colour accuracy and image stability are key – which IPS fulfils. Information workers and office users will appreciate IPS for eye comfort – even after extended viewing the image is stable and readable from various positions, which reduces fatigue. For media consumption, films and series, IPS is excellent – colours are vivid and the image is sharp, only absolute black is not as perfect as on VA/OLED. Home users praise IPS for its overall best-looking image – if the budget allows, it is often the best choice “for everything”. Gamers – for casual gaming IPS is excellent; modern IPS panels handle action games very well. As noted by experts, for game types like RPG, adventures or strategy, where maximum FPS is not critical, IPS is great thanks to image quality. For e-sport gamers IPS was previously rejected due to the 60 Hz limit, but today’s 144Hz IPS monitors have closed this gap (they are however expensive). In refurbished stock, IPS is suitable for the vast majority of users, except those on the tightest budgets or with a specific need for an extremely fast panel (and even there fast IPS options now exist).

Backlighting and surface: Just as with TN/VA, all modern IPS panels use LED backlighting. The term “LED display” is somewhat misleading marketing – it is not a different panel technology, just the type of backlighting using LED diodes instead of older cathode tubes. All refurbished IPS units (laptops and monitors) therefore use WLED backlighting. Occasionally you may encounter IPS with special backlighting – for example, some professional mobile graphics workstations had RGB LED backlighting for a wider gamut (AdobeRGB), or newer Mini-LED backlighting with local dimming (in monitors). These specialties are rare in the refurbished market. IPS surface: Most IPS monitors have a matte anti-reflective surface (due to their professional orientation, where reflections are undesirable). IPS laptops can be either matte (business models) or glossy – especially if they are touch (glass surface) or multimedia-oriented. For example, premium convertibles (ThinkPad Yoga, HP Spectre etc.) have glossy IPS with touch, while a working HP ZBook may have matte IPS without touch. The surface has no effect on panel properties; it is more a matter of preference: glossy adds “sparke” to the image (higher perceived contrast) but suffers from reflections; matte is more practical for work in various environments.

Summary of Differences: TN vs. VA vs. IPS

For an overview, here is a brief comparison of the main parameters of individual panel types:

(Note: OLED technology is omitted here as it is practically non-existent in ImportPC refurbished stock – it is a newer display without backlighting, with perfect blacks, but higher risk of burn-in.)

Types of Touch Panels

Refurbished laptops and monitors at ImportPC.cz may have a touch display. Touch layers are divided by sensing technology into several types. We most commonly encounter resistive and capacitive touch panels. There are also infrared (IR) and optical touch frames on larger screens, or digitisers for stylus input, but in ordinary laptops/monitors the dominant types are capacitive and the older resistive approach.

• Resistive touch displays: An older technology, now relatively uncommon (it appeared in historical tablets, PDAs or industrial terminals). A resistive panel consists of two thin layers with a transparent conductive coating, separated by a gap. When pressed, the layers touch and complete a circuit – the controller evaluates the touch coordinates based on the change in resistance. It can be operated with any object – a finger, fingernail, stylus, glove – because it works on the principle of pressure, not conductivity. This is the main advantage of resistive panels: universal input and also lower cost and power consumption. Resistive touch was precise (high sensing resolution, point by point) and had a very fast response to pressing. Disadvantages: requires physical pressure – operation is less comfortable (you cannot just lightly swipe as with capacitive). Also, the resistive layer means that the display transmits less light (approximately 80 % transparency). The image is therefore less bright and slightly hazy compared to a glass panel. The resistive top film is soft and prone to scratching or wear. It also typically supports only single-touch (multi-point resistive touch has been attempted but in general, multi-touch = the domain of capacitive). In refurbished laptops, resistive touch is found only exceptionally, e.g. in very old industrial tablets or point-of-sale monitors. Most touch laptops (ThinkPad Yoga, Dell Latitude 2-in-1 etc.) already use capacitive technology.

• Capacitive touch displays: Today completely dominant in phones, tablets and laptops. They work with the conductivity of the human body – on the display surface there is a transparent layer (usually ITO – indium tin oxide) connected to a controller, which maintains an electric field. A touch from a finger (conductive object) disturbs the electrostatic field and the change in capacitance is detected by sensors. The controller evaluates the touch position based on capacitance changes in a cross-grid of electrodes or sensor matrix. Advantages: Capacitive displays are very sensitive even to a light touch, allow multiple simultaneous touches (multi-touch) and their construction is usually glass and durable. Transparency of the capacitive layer is high (~93 %), so the image remains bright and sharp. Also longevity is excellent – up to 50 million touches at one point (capacitive lasts many times longer than resistive film). A tempered glass surface is less likely to scratch and easier to maintain (it can have an oleophobic coating to resist fingerprints). Disadvantages: The main disadvantage is that it requires a conductive touch – it cannot be operated with a non-conductive object or thick gloves. If you wear ordinary gloves, the capacitive display will not respond to touch (unless they have conductive thread sewn in, or modern highly sensitive panels that have a glove mode). Similarly, a stylus must be either conductive (rubber tip with conductive material) or an active stylus with electronics – you cannot operate a capacitive display with an ordinary pencil. Another disadvantage may be accidental activation – the capacitive sensor responds to unintended touches (e.g. a palm). Advanced solutions in laptops therefore include palm rejection (ignores palm contact when drawing with a stylus). Cost of capacitive panels used to be higher than resistive (complex multi-layer sensing), but mass production has brought it down – today capacitive is the standard.

Other touch technologies: For larger screens (e.g. 20” and above), infrared frames are sometimes used – the monitor bezel contains IR LEDs and photodiodes forming an invisible grid of beams. Breaking a beam with a finger determines the position by triangulation. The advantage is that it works with any object and over a large area; the disadvantage is susceptibility to contamination (dust on the bezel can interfere with the beams). Similarly, optical touch sensing uses cameras in the corners tracking the reflection of a finger on the surface – also more suitable for large public displays, not for laptops. These external technologies are not used in laptops; they appear very occasionally in monitors (specialist touchscreen kiosk displays). For completeness – there are also active digitisers (e.g. Wacom EMR, N-trig) for stylus sensing with pressure sensitivity; these often supplement capacitive touch (so-called dual-touch) or are for pen input only. In any case, the vast majority of touch laptops in the ImportPC.cz range will have a capacitive multi-touch display, operable with a finger. Resistive touch may appear on some older ruggedised tablets (Panasonic Toughbook etc.), while IR touch technology may have appeared on large interactive panels or some specialised monitors.

Display Resolutions (HD, FHD, WUXGA, ...)

Displays differ in their native resolution, which specifies the number of displayed pixels in a matrix [width × height]. ImportPC.cz uses abbreviations such as HD, HD+, FHD etc. in product listings. Below we explain these common designations and their parameters:

Note: We may also encounter other designations: WXGA (generally widescreen resolution around 1280×800), SXGA+ (1400×1050 on old 4:3 laptops), WSXGA+ (1680×1050, 16:10 on 15.4” Dell/HP laptops around 2007), QWXGA (2048×1152), WQXGA (2560×1600, e.g. 30” monitors and 16:10 17” laptops), UHD+ (3840×2400, i.e. the 16:10 variant of 4K) etc. Most of these resolutions are fairly rare in refurbished stock; in practice you will most often find the combinations listed in the table above.

Choosing the right resolution: It is recommended to choose the highest resolution that your use case requires and that your hardware can comfortably handle. For everyday office work, today’s optimum is Full HD on a 14–15” laptop (or 12–13” may suffice with HD+ 1600×900 if you have poorer eyesight and do not want to scale). For programming, spreadsheets, CAD and other productive tasks you will appreciate more workspace – e.g. 1920×1200 (16:10) on 15”, or QHD (2560×1440) on an external 27” monitor. Graphic designers and photographers should aim as high as possible – at least QHD or even 4K on the monitor, to see fine details and fit more tools on screen. But beware of computer performance: editing 4K video already places demands on the GPU. Gamers may paradoxically prefer a lower resolution (FHD) to achieve a higher frame rate – especially on refurbished machines with limited graphics performance, 4K gaming may not be feasible. Older users or those with poorer eyesight may prefer a lower resolution on a given diagonal, so text is not too small – or use Windows DPI scaling. In any case, 1366×768 (HD) is today the minimum for comfortable work, more suitable for simple tasks or on the smallest netbooks. Full HD is the universal standard that in a refurbished laptop provides enough detail for both films and work.

Types of LCD Backlighting (CCFL vs. LED)

All the LCD technologies mentioned above (TN, VA, IPS) need backlighting to produce light, since liquid crystals do not emit light themselves (unlike OLED). Historically, two main types of backlight were used:

• CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) – backlighting using cold cathode fluorescent tubes. Older LCD monitors and laptops (roughly before 2010) used 1 to 4 thin fluorescent tubes behind the panel. CCFL requires a high-voltage inverter and dims over time (brightness decreases, the colour of the backlight may shift towards yellow). Power consumption is also higher and the backlight cannot be regulated as well (at low brightness the image could take on a pinkish hue). CCFL backlight colours: ordinary CCFL had a limited spectrum, but wide-gamut CCFL tubes existed in professional monitors capable of covering e.g. 95 % AdobeRGB – used in expensive graphics monitors around 2005–2010. In refurbished stock you will encounter CCFL in older quality monitors (Eizo, NEC) or in laptops roughly up to Intel Core 2 Duo generation. CCFL backlighting can be recognised by a slow warm-up (brightness stabilises over the first few minutes) and sometimes a faint hum from the inverter. In the webshop parameters it is mentioned as “CCFL”. The advantages of CCFL were backlight uniformity (in high-end panels) and a wider gamut in the mentioned versions. Disadvantages: greater display thickness, higher power consumption, heat and shorter lifespan.

• LED (Light-Emitting Diode) – modern backlighting using LED diodes. In the vast majority of cases this means WLED – white LEDs (blue LED with phosphor), arranged along the edge of the panel (edge-lit) or behind the panel (direct backlight in some monitors). LED backlighting began to take over around 2008, first in laptops for lower power consumption, and later in monitors. Advantages of LED: instant start-up (lights up stably immediately), longer lifespan, lower power consumption, thinner display construction. It also enabled advanced features such as local dimming (in some monitors/TVs with multiple backlight zones for improved contrast). Disadvantages of LED: standard WLED has a narrower colour gamut – approximately sRGB coverage. Only newer variants such as quantum dots backlighting or RGB-LED diodes have extended the gamut (this appears mainly in expensive monitors, rarely in refurbished stock). Additionally, some users perceive flickering in LED backlighting caused by PWM brightness regulation – many modern monitors address this with so-called flicker-free (dimming without PWM). Most refurbished monitors will already have LED, but for older models check whether they use PWM (if you are sensitive to flickering). Summary: Today virtually all LCDs in the ImportPC range have LED backlighting – the term “LED display” does not mean a different panel type; it is still an LCD. It is more of a marketing term that emphasised the transition from CCFL to LED. In laptops, LED is the absolute standard (exceptions would be historical models like ThinkPad T60/T61 etc. with CCFL, which are rarely offered now). In monitors there may be a few CCFL exceptions (old professional pieces). If you come across the term OLED display, that needs no backlight – but that is more common in modern phones or a few luxury laptops, rarely in refurbished stock.

Tip: When choosing a refurbished monitor, notice whether the manufacturer states “LED backlight without PWM (Flicker-Free)” – this is important for eye health during extended work. Some older LED monitors may flicker at low brightness (~200 Hz), which bothers sensitive individuals. Modern flicker-free monitors no longer have this problem. This may not always be stated in ImportPC parameters, but can be found in reviews of specific models.

Surface Finish: Matte vs. Glossy Display

LCD screens can have different surface finishes on the front layer, which affects reflections and the perception of the image. Most commonly this is a matte (anti-reflective) or glossy surface. Each has its pros and cons and suits different applications:

• Glossy display: Has no diffuse anti-reflective coating; the surface is smooth glass or a glossy film. The result is a very vivid, high-contrast image – colours look more vibrant, blacks appear deeper and whites brighter than on a matte display. A glossy surface does not reduce light through diffusion, so the image has a higher perceived contrast. You will especially appreciate this when watching films, photos or playing games in a darkened room, where a glossy display truly “shines” (the image appears more “moulded”). Disadvantages: The biggest problem is reflections from the surroundings. A glossy display acts as a mirror – in a lit room, and especially when used outdoors or near a window, readability is very poor. You will see mainly the reflection of yourself and the room rather than the screen. Working in direct sunlight with a glossy panel is practically impossible. Glossy displays also easily pick up fingerprints and smudges – especially with touch screens this is a problem. These smudges are visible mainly when the display is off. When to choose glossy: If you plan to use the device mainly indoors with controlled lighting (e.g. in a room where you can draw the curtains and no direct sunlight falls in). For multimedia – films, games – and content consumption in good lighting conditions, a glossy display provides a better visual experience. Many home multimedia laptops therefore have glossy displays. Also virtually all touch displays are glossy (glass surface required for touch). Glossy is not suitable for working in the field or in an office by a window – there the reflections will be distracting.

• Matte (anti-reflective) display: The surface has a fine matte coating that scatters incident light and thereby reduces reflections. Matte displays are sometimes referred to directly as “anti-glare”. Advantages: Significantly better readability in sunlight and bright rooms – ambient lights do not blur into blinding reflections on a matte screen, but are diffused into soft out-of-focus halos that are not distracting. Working outdoors or near a window is possible with a matte display, though direct harsh sunlight is a challenge even for it (no matte display is 100% immune to reflections, but it is significantly better than glossy). Less dirt-prone – a matte surface does not pick up fingerprints and grease as much, and even when present they are not as visible at an angle as on a glossy display. Matte is therefore appreciated by people who frequently touch the screen accidentally (on a glossy one you would see every smudge). Disadvantages: A matte surface slightly reduces perceived contrast and colour saturation – the image is somewhat “duller” compared to glossy. This is because the anti-reflective coating reflects some of the backlight and creates a subtle haze. Black is not as deep (more of a dark grey in a lit room), colours are not as “sparkly”. The difference is however not dramatic and the advantage of no reflections often outweighs it, especially for work. When to choose matte: If you will frequently work on the road, in an office with fluorescent lights, near a window or outdoors. In short, for work use and mobility, a matte panel is more practical – the eyes are less strained fighting reflections. Most business laptops (ThinkPad, Latitude...) therefore have matte displays. Similarly, graphic designers and photographers often choose quality matte displays, as reflections would affect their perception of colours and contrast. If however you do graphics work where you want to see the image in full vibrancy (e.g. client presentations), you may prefer a glossy calibrated monitor – but these are more specific cases (e.g. Apple iMac has a glossy 5K display for design reasons and colour saturation, but studios have controlled lighting).

Summary: Glossy vs. matte is partly a matter of preference and environment. A glossy panel enhances the colour and contrast of the image; it suits films, games and photos in a darker room. A matte panel ensures better visibility in adverse lighting conditions (office, outdoors) and is more practical for work. In the context of ImportPC refurbished devices, the majority of standard laptops and monitors are matte/anti-reflective, since they are predominantly business class or work machines. Glossy will mainly be touch models (e.g. Latitude 2-in-1 convertibles, Surface tablets, touch monitors) and some multimedia laptops. When choosing, consider where you will use the device – for bright environments choose matte; for a home cinema, glossy is fine.

(Note: There are also various degrees of anti-reflection – some displays have a semi-glossy surface, which is a compromise with a fine coating to moderately suppress reflections while preserving as vivid colours as possible. In practice manufacturers do not distinguish this and label it either matte or glossy. ImportPC states in parameters “LCD – Surface: Matte/Glossy”, corresponding to these two main categories.)

Displays in Laptops vs. Standalone Monitors

To conclude, let us discuss the differences between LCD displays integrated in laptops and standalone monitors – it is useful to understand these distinctions when choosing a refurbished device:

• Diagonal and resolution: Laptops typically have displays of ~12” to 15.6” (occasionally 17” in refurbished stock). On such a small area, space is limited – the typical resolution of a 14” business laptop is Full HD (1920×1080), which is sufficiently fine. Monitors are larger (22–27” commonly, up to 30” in refurbished stock) and thus allow higher resolutions while maintaining readability. For example, a 27” monitor with 2560×1440 (QHD) has the same DPI as a 14” FHD laptop – the pixels are similarly sized. The implication is: in a laptop, an extremely high resolution does not make sense as you would need to scale it; in a monitor larger than 24”, Full HD can look coarse and QHD/4K makes sense. When choosing a refurbished device, pay attention to the resolution relative to the diagonal.

• Brightness and backlight: Laptops are powered by battery, so their backlighting is usually weaker (often 200–300 nits). Mains-powered monitors can afford higher brightness (250–350 nits standard, professional models up to 400+ nits). In office work you typically use around 150 nits, so even a laptop manages. But if you were to use a laptop outdoors, you would struggle – most refurbished laptops do not have extremely bright displays (exceptions are specialist outdoor models). Monitors are not used outdoors, so 250 nits is sufficient. Monitors also sometimes offer flicker-free backlighting, while laptop manufacturers do not mention PWM at all (though most modern laptop panels have such a high PWM frequency that it does not matter).

• Viewing angles and panel quality: Laptops have historically been where savings were made – many older business laptops have TN panels with narrow angles, as it was assumed the user would be looking straight on and the company would save money. Today, most laptops have switched to IPS, so refurbished models (lines like Dell Latitude 7x80, HP EliteBook G5 etc.) tend to have IPS with good viewing angles. Monitors for desktop PCs were often of better quality – though cheap TN models existed for office use. In refurbished monitors you will find both basic TN pieces (fast, cheap) and many IPS monitors (Dell UltraSharp etc.) and some VA (Samsung, Eizo). What is fundamental is that VA monitors are common, but VA laptops are practically non-existent. So anyone wanting high VA contrast must choose a desktop monitor. A laptop can offer IPS for colours/angles, but contrast is max ~1000:1.

• Surface: As already mentioned, the vast majority of standalone monitors have a matte anti-reflective surface (they are intended for work in various environments). Laptops are about 50/50 – business models are matte, multimedia and touch models are glossy. ImportPC focuses on professional refurbishing, so most offered laptops will have matte displays (or “glossy” will be noted in the description for touch models or exceptions).

• Ergonomics and panel height: With a monitor you can adjust position, distance, use a height-adjustable stand, or rotate to portrait orientation (pivot). A laptop display is limited by the size of the device and the viewing distance is shorter (typically 50–70 cm, while for a monitor 60–100 cm). For this reason, a laptop with a small display and high resolution requires UI scaling, otherwise text would be tiny. With a monitor that is farther away, larger fonts are also appropriate. It is worth considering – for prolonged PC work, a larger external monitor is often better, even if the laptop has the best display. The combination of laptop + dock + quality refurbished monitor on the desk gives user comfort (large IPS screen for work plus the mobility of a laptop, where a decent panel suffices for travel).

• Upgradability: A monitor can easily be replaced. In a laptop the display is integrated – with a refurbished unit you get the specific panel it came with. Some enthusiasts do upgrade laptop displays (e.g. replacing an HD TN with an FHD IPS if the model allows), but this requires expertise and a compatible part. When buying a refurbished laptop, therefore, check the display parameters directly (resolution, panel type), because subsequent replacement is not straightforward.

What does this imply? If you need a quality display for work, consider a combination of a laptop with an average display + an excellent external monitor. A refurbished laptop with an ordinary TN can be had more cheaply, and the savings invested in a good used IPS monitor for the desk. Conversely, if you will often be on the road away from the office, it is worth investing in a laptop with the best possible display (IPS, higher brightness, at least FHD) and you will need an external monitor less.

Final Recommendations – How to Choose the Right Display

Choosing the ideal display depends on your use case, profession and preferences. Here is a summary of recommendations for various types of users:

• Office worker, IT administrator: If you mainly work with texts, e-mails, spreadsheets, you will most appreciate a matte display, which does not tire the eyes with reflections. Choose at least Full HD resolution so you have enough room for multiple windows side by side. A TN panel is sufficient for pure text work and will save costs – many company laptops have it and the lower colour accuracy is not an issue there. However, if the budget allows, IPS is a pleasant upgrade for better contrast and comfort (you do not have to constantly watch the opening angle when you shift on your chair). IT administrators often connect an external monitor – we recommend a quality refurbished IPS monitor 22–24” as a secondary screen alongside the laptop, for comfortable multi-screen work. For long shifts, also look at flicker-free backlighting for eye health. I would choose TN only in the very cheapest laptops for basic tasks; otherwise today even budget refurbished models offer IPS (e.g. basic HP ProBooks G5 and newer).

• Graphic designer, photographer, DTP specialist: For you, the key requirement is an IPS panel with a wide gamut and high resolution. Definitely go for a device with IPS – TN or VA will not render colours accurately or consistently enough. For a laptop, look for labelling such as “IPS (Wide Viewing)” and ideally a resolution of 1920×1080 or more. Even better, consider an external professional monitor (refurbished Dell UltraSharp, Eizo etc.) that covers 100% sRGB or AdobeRGB. These tend to have a matte surface – more suitable for graphic work, so you see the real contrast without false “gloss”. Do not be afraid of older professional monitors – e.g. a 24” WUXGA IPS Dell from the UltraSharp range will still provide excellent colours after calibration. Choose higher resolution: QHD at 27” or even 4K at 24–32” depending on detail requirements (but watch out for scaling as mentioned). Contrast of IPS (~1000:1) is adequate for print previews; if you also work with video with many dark scenes, a VA monitor could help, but it loses elsewhere – it is generally better to stay with IPS and check critical things on multiple devices.

• Programmer, analyst: Lots of code or data will benefit from more workspace and sharp text. We recommend at least Full HD resolution, preferably more – for example many programmers have come to favour a 14” FHD laptop + external 24” pivot monitor at 1200p (WUXGA) or 1440p. Side by side: editor and browser/console etc. The panel can be IPS with a matte surface for eye comfort. TN can be used, but with fine text it may be annoying that when you lean back slightly the contrast shifts – when coding and staring at green text on a black background for hours, that would be unpleasant. IPS with flicker-free and possibly Low Blue Light functionality (some HP and Dell monitors have this) would be ideal for long sessions. Contrast is not critical, but higher is better for clarity – 1000:1 IPS is sufficient. Response time is not important. So in summary: IPS 1080p laptop + matte external IPS monitor 24” is a great combination for developers.

• Typical home user (internet, video, photos, occasional gaming): Here we recommend an IPS panel for a beautiful image – you will notice the difference in vibrancy of colours compared to TN even on the web and family photos. Budget-wise, refurbished IPS devices are already accessible, so why spoil the experience with a TN panel with “faded grey”. If you watch films and series, you can also consider a VA monitor for contrast – the blacks in night scenes will be better than on IPS. But note that a VA monitor has slightly narrower optimal viewing angles – if you watch with multiple people, prefer IPS so the person at the edge does not see slightly brighter corners. Resolution: we recommend at least Full HD even on a 21–22” monitor (lower is now outdated). For a home laptop definitely choose a 15.6” FHD IPS, so you can occasionally play a film in 1080p quality and enjoy it. Glossy vs. matte: If you use the device mainly in the evening by lamplight for Netflix, glossy is fine (no one will be reflected in it). But generally for a family environment, matte is better – children often leave fingerprints on the screen and they will be less obvious, and you will not need to draw the curtains every time.

• Gaming enthusiast: With refurbished setups keep in mind that extreme performance is not expected – more likely e-sport titles or older games. A TN panel would make sense for 120+ Hz frequency and 1ms response time, but finding a genuinely 144Hz TN in refurbished monitors can be difficult (gaming monitors are sold second-hand less often). On the other hand, many gaming laptops from recent years already have 144Hz IPS – so you may well find a refurbished gaming laptop with a fast IPS panel (e.g. Dell Alienware, some HP Omen). In any case, for online shooter gaming the priority is speed: check the “refresh rate” and “response time” parameters of the monitor. A second-hand 144Hz TN monitor can be affordable and give you a competitive edge (less motion blur, input lag). If you play mainly slower games (RPG, strategy, simulators) and also watch films, consider a VA panel – it will offer better atmosphere thanks to contrast, and slight delay does not matter. Resolution: depends on GPU – for e-sport, FHD at 144Hz is fine; for visually rich games a higher resolution (QHD) but at 60Hz+ is better. G-Sync/FreeSync technology – this synchronises FPS with refresh rate; it appears in refurbished gaming monitors and is a plus if your graphics card supports it.

• Field worker, travelling sales representative: Here the key is readability in various conditions. Definitely a matte display with high brightness. Ideal are certain business laptops with so-called “outdoor displays” – e.g. Lenovo ThinkPad a few generations back offered a 500-nit matte panel. In refurbished stock there are occasionally rugged models (Panasonic Toughbook, Dell Latitude Rugged) – these have even 1000-nit panels readable in sunlight, though resolution is often only HD. From regular refurbished stock, we recommend at least 300 nit IPS matte (if you find the nits figure in the description, e.g. Dell Latitude 7480 has a 300-nit panel). Resolution: FHD at 14” is enough; more would only reduce brightness (more pixels = smaller transflective apertures, less light). Touch vs. non-touch: in the field you may appreciate touch (e.g. quick scrolling, customer signature) – but touch means a glossy glass surface. In outdoor use that will be reflective, even if it has an anti-reflective coating (some touch displays have a weak AR treatment). So if you do not need to draw or sign, prefer a non-touch matte panel.

In conclusion: There is no universally “best” display – always consider the trade-off between image quality, speed and practical use. Experts agree that IPS panels excel in image quality and are today preferred for most users. TN makes sense on a tight budget or for e-sport gamers who sacrifice image quality for performance. VA is a great all-purpose compromise – it offers better blacks for films and decent colours for work, just not fast enough for hardcore gaming. Touch or glossy surface is the choice if you will genuinely benefit from the advantages (intuitive control, brilliant image) and can eliminate the disadvantages (reflections). A matte display and LED backlight are a safe bet for comfortable long-term work. When purchasing at ImportPC.cz, pay attention to the parameters in the description – they state the panel type (TN/IPS), resolution, surface and whether it is a touch screen. With this guide you should be able to easily decide which combination of properties best suits your needs.

Sources: Technical information and panel comparisons were drawn from expert articles and manufacturers (Alza.cz, HDMI.org, SvětHardware etc.), with specific data cited in the text. Resolution data and abbreviations are according to VESA standards. Practical tips are based on recommendations from reviews and experience with refurbished technology. We hope this overview helps you navigate the options and choose the right display for your work or leisure.