Projectors as PC monitor

My 2 cents:


I don't know anybody who has used a projector as a serious monitor and been happy with it.

Benq w7000 has adjustable IRIS in service mode so you can 100% control how dark it goes, you can make it go all the way down to pitch black, and it can be controlled in 100 steps. It is also overall the sharpest under $2200 projector there is, you can get refurb ones for around $1600 and they still come with a 1yr warranty.

I think it's a simple answer, Benq w7000 for sure. You absolutely have to make sure you get one with 1.03 firmware, otherwise it won't be as sharp for text.

Although I personally find using a projector as a monitor slightly awkward, but if you make a special seating area and get it right, then it could be ok. Possibly put a desk in front of the screen and it would work.

I used a desk before in front of a projector and it is better than doing it from the couch, eventually couch posture causes problems. The Benq w7000's text is sharp enough to use like a monitor, but it will still cause more eye fatigue than an LCD, although it's very bareable for long-term use and if you have a desk for good posture should be fine.

For online shopping, searching for real estate, photo viewing, etc. we are using our projector as a monitor. This dual use is a real benefit.

But for the normal everyday reading and working I prefer a high resolution 2560x1440 27" or 2560×1600 30" IPS monitor. The resolution is twice as high as on the projector, I do not need to be concerned about the light bulb usage, no need to darken the room, etc.

there's just no sharpness like the sharpness a pc monitor gives you. i think you'd have to spend upwards of $3k to really get that sharp crisp clear picture like a monitor. maybe i'm wrong? heres my experience..i use 2 24" dells and when i want that "big screen" feel. i use an optoma hd20. not the best but certainly not the worst. and it's budget friendly. here's a screen shot.