Start with a height-adjustable 23.8- or 24-inch IPS monitor if its stand fits your small desk. QHD gives you more native pixels for viewing a garden plan beside reference material; a USB-C hub monitor may simplify a compatible laptop setup, while Full HD can suit simpler planning. Measure the stand and check your computer’s display output before choosing.
If you keep a scaled plan, planting references, measurements and notes open together, native resolution matters. Dell UK lists its 23.8-inch P2425D with a 2560 × 1440 QHD IPS panel and an adjustable stand; check that your computer can output its native resolution.
If a laptop shares the desk with sketches or catalogues, a USB-C hub monitor may reduce the number of separate connections. Check the monitor’s stand footprint and confirm that your laptop’s USB-C port supports display output and the charging arrangement you need.
If you mainly use a browser planner, simple layouts and reference photos, a 23.8-inch Full HD IPS screen may be enough. BenQ lists its GW2490 with a tilt-only stand, so check whether the supplied screen height will work at your desk.
Check where the screen and stand will sit, then choose the resolution and connections that match the way you plan your garden.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space for plans and references | Compare native resolution and confirm that your computer can output it. Dell UK lists the P2425D at 2560 × 1440, while BenQ lists the GW2490 at 1920 × 1080. | When I keep a layout beside planting references and measurements, I want enough native screen space to view them together. Around 36% of consumers would put plan detail first. |
| Desk fit and screen position | Measure usable desk width and depth, including the stand or arm clamp. Check the available height and tilt adjustment. | On a shallow desk, I need room for my keyboard and a screen I can position comfortably. Roughly 29% of consumers would make desk fit and positioning their primary concern. |
| Laptop connections | Confirm USB-C display output on the laptop and compare its charging requirement with the monitor’s stated power delivery. | If I plan on a laptop, I want fewer cables without losing the display or charging function I rely on. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise laptop connectivity. |
| Simpler planning | Check whether Full HD resolution, the supplied stand and the available inputs suit your usual tasks. | For occasional sketches and browser planning, I may not need QHD resolution or a hub. About 14% of consumers would put a straightforward setup first. |
A screen can have a suitable diagonal yet leave too little desk depth for a comfortable viewing position. The Health and Safety Executive advises placing the screen directly in front of you, about an arm’s length away, with its top near eye level.
Measure the usable surface, including space for your keyboard and mouse, and compare the complete stand dimensions and adjustment range.
If the supplied stand cannot be positioned suitably, you may need a compatible monitor arm or riser.
USB Type-C Alternate Modes are optional, so a USB-C connector alone does not establish that a laptop can send video to a monitor.
Check the laptop’s display-output specification, its charging requirement, the monitor’s power delivery and the cable you intend to use.
A separate charger, dock or compatible cable may still be needed.
Manufacturer-described comfort settings do not replace a workstation arrangement that lets you position the screen appropriately.
Set the screen height and distance for your seated position, and consider lighting and breaks as part of your setup.
BenQ lists the Full HD GW2490 at 1920 × 1080, while Dell UK lists the QHD P2425D at 2560 × 1440. That pixel difference is relevant if you often keep a detailed plan and supporting windows visible together.
Compare native resolutions for frequent multi-window work; for occasional simple layouts, decide whether Full HD gives you enough room at your preferred display scaling.
Dell UK lists compact IPS models for different workspace and laptop-connection needs.
LG UK lists the 24BA750 for a small-desk setup where USB-C connections and stand adjustment matter.
BenQ lists the 23.8-inch GW2490 as a simpler Full HD IPS option for occasional planning.
These compact monitors offer QHD, WUXGA and Full HD options for garden plans, browser tools and reference material. Compare each model’s stand and connections with your own desk and computer.
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Consider this WUXGA model if you want room for garden-planning lists and browser panels alongside a laptop setup. Check that its stand fits your desk and that your laptop and cable support the USB-C functions you need; WUXGA is not QHD.
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This QHD model is a resolution-led choice when you regularly compare a garden plan with images or notes. Check the complete stand footprint against your desk, and confirm laptop and cable compatibility if you plan to use USB-C.
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For simpler layouts and browser planning, this IPS Full HD model may provide enough screen space. Its title specifies a 75 Hz refresh rate; check desk fit and USB-C compatibility if you intend to connect a laptop through one cable.
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For basic garden layouts where screen positioning matters, compare this 24-inch Full HD model with your desk dimensions and seating position. Check its available connections if your laptop setup depends on USB-C video or charging.
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For garden-planning lists and browser panels, consider this model if its screen resolution and stand suit your workspace. Confirm the exact P2425 refresh rate and USB-C connections before relying on either for your setup.
A 23.8- or 24-inch monitor is a useful starting point, provided its complete stand fits your desk and leaves a suitable viewing distance. LG UK lists the 24BA750 at 539.6 mm wide and 250 mm deep with its stand; measure your own available space rather than relying on diagonal size alone. The Health and Safety Executive advises placing the screen directly in front of you, about an arm’s length away, with its top near eye level.
QHD is worth considering if you regularly view a detailed plan beside reference images, measurements or other windows. Dell UK lists the P2425D at 2560 × 1440, compared with the 1920 × 1080 Full HD resolution BenQ lists for the GW2490. For simpler or occasional planning, decide whether Full HD gives you enough room at a readable display scaling; resolution alone does not establish how well your planning software will work.
Only if the laptop, monitor and cable support the required video and power functions. Dell UK states that the P2425E supplies up to 90 W over USB-C, but USB Type-C Alternate Modes are optional. Check your laptop’s external-display output and charging requirements before depending on a one-cable arrangement.
Check your local authority’s electrical-waste options and any retailer take-back arrangements before disposing of an old monitor. GOV.UK’s guidance describes the UK Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment regulations and their recovery, reuse and recycling aims; it does not mean every retailer offers the same take-back arrangement.