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How to Buy a High-Resolution Ultrawide Monitor

How to · Tech

How to Buy a High-Resolution Ultrawide Monitor

Upgrade your desk setup without the immediate $900 hit by timing your purchase and using a long 0% interest window.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $900 before anything else
Across the 0% window $50.00/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $900 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A good ultrawide monitor changes how you work. It gives you the screen real estate of two monitors without the annoying gap in the middle. If you buy a high-resolution model now, it should easily last you five to seven years before the tech feels old.

New monitors usually drop in the spring, which makes the back-to-school season perfect for picking up last year's flagship. The hardware hasn't changed much, but the price usually drops significantly as retailers clear out old stock.

The 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening isn't a gift; it's a deadline. If you still owe money when those 18 months are up, the standard interest rate kicks in on whatever is left, making that monitor much more expensive.

The steps

  1. 01

    Target the specs

    Look for IPS panels and at least 1440p resolution. Avoid the cheapest options because bad viewing angles on a screen this wide will give you a headache.

  2. 02

    Wait for August

    Back-to-school sales aren't just for laptops. Retailers cut prices on productivity gear in late summer to catch students and home-office workers.

  3. 03

    Compare the years

    Check the model number. If the newest version only adds a slightly faster refresh rate you won't use for spreadsheets, grab the previous version to save money.

  4. 04

    Use the 0% window

    Put the $900 on a Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi). It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening, which lets you pay in smaller chunks.

  5. 05

    Set the autopay

    Break that $900 into $50 monthly payments. Set it to happen automatically so you don't have to think about the bill while you're enjoying the extra screen space.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is 4K worth it on an ultrawide?

It depends on the size. For a 34-inch screen, 1440p is usually the sweet spot for clarity and price without making text look tiny.

Should I buy a curved screen?

Yes, for an ultrawide it's almost necessary. It keeps the edges of the screen the same distance from your eyes as the center, reducing strain.

Can my laptop handle an ultrawide?

Check your ports first. You usually need a DisplayPort or a high-speed HDMI cable to get the full resolution and refresh rate.

Is a gaming monitor okay for office work?

Definitely. They often have better color and smoother movement, which makes long work days easier on your eyes even if you never open a game.