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Choosing a new computer monitor can feel overwhelming. There are so many options: size, resolution, refresh rate, panel type… the list goes on. And then there’s the curve. Curved monitors have become increasingly popular, showing up everywhere from gaming setups to office desks. They look cool, for sure, but are they actually better than traditional flat screens? Does the curve offer real advantages, or is it just a design trend? This article will dive deep into the world of curved computer monitors, breaking down what they are, how they work, and exploring the pros and cons to help you decide if a curved screen is the right fit for your needs.
Understanding the Curve
Before we talk about whether a curved monitor is right for you, let’s get a clear picture of what we’re actually discussing.
What Exactly is a Curved Monitor?
Simply put, a curved monitor is a display screen that isn’t flat. Instead of a perfectly flat surface, the screen gently curves inward towards the viewer. This design is meant to mimic the natural curvature of the human eye and provide a more immersive viewing experience. Think of it like a miniature cinema screen wrapping around you.
How is the Curve Created?
Creating a curved monitor isn’t as simple as just bending a regular flat screen. The technology behind it involves carefully manufacturing the display panel itself with a specific curvature. Most modern monitors use LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) technology. These panels are made of layers, including a backlight, liquid crystals, and color filters. To make a curved LCD panel, manufacturers have developed specialized processes to form these layers into the desired curved shape during production. It’s a more complex process than making flat panels, which contributes to their potentially higher cost. While early curved displays sometimes faced challenges with uniformity across the curve, modern manufacturing techniques have significantly improved, producing consistent and high-quality curved screens.
Understanding Curvature Ratings: The ‘R’ Factor
When you look at the specifications for a curved monitor, you’ll often see a number followed by the letter ‘R’, like 1800R or 1000R. This ‘R’ stands for radius, and the number before it tells you the radius of the circle that the monitor’s curve forms, measured in millimeters (mm).
Imagine drawing a perfect circle. The radius is the distance from the center of that circle to any point on its edge. A curved monitor’s screen is a segment of such a circle. So, a monitor with a 1000R curvature means its curve is part of a circle with a 1000mm (or 1 meter) radius. A monitor with an 1800R curvature is part of a circle with an 1800mm (or 1.8 meter) radius.
What does this mean in practical terms? The smaller the ‘R’ number, the tighter or more aggressive the curve is. A 1000R monitor has a more pronounced curve than an 1800R monitor.
Common Curvature Ratings and What They Mean
You’ll typically see a few common curvature ratings when shopping for curved monitors:
- 1800R: This is a very common and relatively gentle curve. It’s often found on larger monitors and is considered a good balance for general use, productivity, and gaming.
- 1500R: A slightly tighter curve than 1800R, offering a bit more immersion without being too aggressive for most users.
- 1000R: This is a very aggressive curve. It’s designed to closely match the natural curvature of the human eye’s field of view. 1000R monitors are often preferred by serious gamers looking for maximum immersion.
Optimal Viewing Distance and Curvature
The curvature rating isn’t just a technical spec; it also suggests an optimal viewing distance. Ideally, you should sit approximately the same distance away from the screen as the radius of its curve.
- For a 1000R monitor, the optimal viewing distance is around 1 meter (about 3.3 feet).
- For an 1800R monitor, the optimal distance is around 1.8 meters (about 5.9 feet).
Sitting at this recommended distance helps ensure that all parts of the screen are roughly the same distance from your eyes, which contributes to the benefits like reduced eye strain and enhanced immersion. While you don’t have to sit exactly at this distance, it gives you a good idea of the intended use case for a particular curve.
The Benefits: Why Go Curved?
Curved monitors offer several potential advantages over their flat counterparts. These benefits often relate to the viewing experience, comfort, and how the screen interacts with your natural vision.
Enhanced Immersion
One of the most frequently cited benefits of a curved monitor is the increased sense of immersion. Because the edges of the screen are brought slightly closer to your peripheral vision, the display fills more of your view. This creates a feeling of being more “inside” the content, whether it’s a game, a movie, or even just your desktop environment.
Imagine sitting in the front row of a panoramic movie theater. The screen wraps around you, pulling you into the action. A curved monitor aims to replicate a similar effect on a smaller scale. This can make gaming feel more engaging, movies more cinematic, and even make multitasking feel more focused as the display occupies more of your visual field. The tighter the curve (lower ‘R’ number), the more pronounced this immersive effect tends to be.
Reduced Eye Strain and Fatigue
This is a benefit that often comes up, though the scientific research is still somewhat limited and sometimes shows mixed results. The theory is that because the curved screen maintains a more uniform distance from your eyes across the entire display, your eyes don’t have to constantly readjust their focus as much when scanning from the center to the edges.
On a large flat monitor, the edges are further away from your eyes than the center. Your eyes have to work harder, constantly changing their focal point as you look around the screen. This continuous effort can contribute to eye fatigue, dryness, and even headaches over long periods of use. With a curved screen, especially one with a curvature that closely matches your eye’s natural field of view (like 1000R), the distance remains more constant. This could potentially reduce the workload on your eye muscles, leading to a more comfortable viewing experience over extended sessions.
A 2016 study published in PLOS ONE (Lee et al.) compared visual fatigue between flat and curved monitors. While they didn’t find significant differences in objective measures like the eye’s ability to focus, participants using flat monitors reported a significant worsening of symptoms like blurred vision, eye strain, and tired eyes compared to those using curved monitors. Another study from the same year (Luo et al., also referencing research in PLOS ONE) found that while there were no significant changes in eye function speed or accuracy, participants reported significantly higher intensity and frequency of eye pain with flat monitors versus a 1000R curved monitor after just 30 minutes.
It’s important to note that while these studies suggest potential benefits for reducing eye strain symptoms, the research is not definitive, and individual experiences can vary. Factors like screen brightness, contrast, text size, and taking regular breaks also play a huge role in preventing digital eye strain. However, the principle of a more consistent focal distance offered by the curve is a plausible mechanism for reducing eye fatigue.
Improved Field of View
Curved monitors, particularly ultrawide models (those with aspect ratios like 21:9 or 32:9), offer a significantly wider field of view compared to standard 16:9 flat monitors. This isn’t directly a result of the curve itself, but rather that curved monitors are often produced in these wider formats to enhance the immersive effect.
A wider field of view means you can see more content side-by-side without needing multiple monitors. For productivity, this translates to having several windows open simultaneously, like a document, a spreadsheet, and an email client, all visible at a glance. For gaming, an ultrawide curved monitor can provide a tactical advantage in some games by allowing you to see more of the environment, potentially spotting enemies or details in your peripheral vision that you wouldn’t see on a standard 16:9 screen.
Less Distortion (Perceived)
This benefit might seem counterintuitive – how can a curved screen have less distortion than a flat one? On very large flat monitors, especially as you look towards the edges, the image can sometimes appear slightly stretched or distorted because the light from the edges is hitting your eyes at more of an angle.
With a curved screen, because the edges are angled towards you, the light from all parts of the screen arrives at your eyes more directly. This can make the image, particularly at the periphery, appear more natural and less distorted compared to the edges of a large flat screen. While a flat screen technically presents a geometrically accurate image, the way our eyes perceive it on a large display can lead to perceived distortion at the edges. The curve helps counteract this perceptual effect.
Aesthetic Appeal
Let’s be honest, curved monitors just look cool. Their unique shape adds a modern and sophisticated touch to any desk setup. While aesthetics shouldn’t be the primary reason for choosing a monitor, the sleek design of a curved display is definitely a factor for many people.
The Downsides: Is There a Catch?
While curved monitors offer compelling advantages, they also come with their own set of drawbacks. It’s important to consider these potential negatives before making a decision.
Higher Cost
Generally speaking, curved monitors tend to be more expensive than flat monitors with similar specifications (size, resolution, refresh rate, etc.). The manufacturing process for curved panels is more complex and requires specialized equipment, which drives up production costs. While the price gap has narrowed as the technology has become more common, you can still expect to pay a premium for a curved screen, especially for larger sizes and tighter curvatures. If you’re on a strict budget, a flat monitor might offer better value in terms of raw performance specs for your money.
Requires More Desk Space
The curved shape means that a curved monitor, especially a large one, will typically take up more space on your desk than a flat monitor of the same diagonal screen size. The depth of the curve adds to the overall footprint. If you have a small or shallow desk, a large curved monitor might feel cramped or even not fit properly. It’s crucial to check the dimensions of the monitor, including its depth, and measure your available desk space before purchasing.
Limited Optimal Viewing Angles
Curved monitors are designed for a single user sitting directly in front of the screen. The benefits of immersion, reduced eye strain, and perceived lack of distortion are most pronounced when viewed from the center. If you frequently have multiple people viewing your screen at once – for collaboration, presentations, or watching media together – a curved monitor might not be the best choice. Viewing a curved screen from an off-center angle can cause the image to appear distorted or washed out, similar to how viewing angles can affect image quality on some flat panel types (like VA panels). While some modern curved monitors have improved viewing angle technology, they generally still perform best for the person seated directly in front.
Potential for Glare
The curved surface of the monitor can sometimes make it more susceptible to glare and reflections from ambient light sources like windows or overhead lights. Because the screen is angled in multiple directions, it can catch light from a wider range of angles compared to a flat screen. While many curved monitors come with anti-glare coatings, the curvature can still make managing reflections more challenging depending on your room’s lighting environment. Careful placement of the monitor, away from direct light sources, is often necessary to minimize this issue.
Not Ideal for Certain Tasks
While great for immersion and general use, curved monitors can be less ideal for tasks that require high precision with straight lines or accurate geometric representation. Graphic designers, architects, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) users, and anyone working extensively with rulers, grids, or detailed layouts might find that the curve makes straight lines appear slightly bent or distorted. While your brain can often adjust and compensate over time, it can be distracting and potentially impact accuracy for professional work where perfect straightness is critical. For these specific use cases, a high-quality flat monitor with excellent color accuracy might be a better tool.
Wall Mounting Challenges
Wall mounting a curved monitor can be more complicated than mounting a flat one. Due to their shape and often greater weight, curved monitors typically require specific VESA-compatible mounts designed to accommodate the curve and ensure stable, secure installation. A standard flat-panel wall mount might not work correctly or safely with a curved screen. If you plan to wall mount your monitor, be sure to research compatible mounting solutions and factor in the additional cost and potential complexity.
Potential for Content Distortion
While the curve can reduce perceived distortion on the edges for immersive content, some older or standard flat content (like certain videos not optimized for ultrawide or curved displays, or even some websites) might look slightly odd or stretched on a curved screen, particularly on ultrawide models. Most modern content and operating systems handle curved and ultrawide displays well, but it’s something to be aware of, especially if you work with a lot of legacy or non-standard media.
Curved vs. Flat Monitors: A Direct Comparison
To help you weigh the decision, let’s directly compare curved and flat monitors across key aspects.
Feature | Curved Monitor | Flat Monitor |
Immersion | Generally offers a more immersive, wrap-around experience, especially ultrawide. | Standard viewing experience; less immersive, especially on larger sizes. |
Eye Comfort | Potential for reduced eye strain due to more consistent focal distance (some research supports this, but not conclusive). | May cause more eye strain on large screens as eyes refocus on edges. |
Field of View | Often available in ultrawide formats (21:9, 32:9) offering a much wider view. | Typically standard 16:9 aspect ratio; wider views require multi-monitor setups. |
Perceived Dist. | Can reduce perceived distortion on edges of large screens. | Edges of large screens may appear slightly stretched or distorted. |
Cost | Generally higher due to more complex manufacturing. | Generally lower for comparable specs. |
Desk Space | Requires more depth on the desk. | Takes up less depth; fits closer to a wall. |
Viewing Angles | Optimal for single user viewing directly in front; off-center viewing can distort. | Wider optimal viewing angles; better for multiple viewers or collaboration. |
Glare | Potentially more susceptible to glare depending on lighting and coating. | Less susceptible to glare; easier to position to avoid reflections. |
Precision Work | Can make straight lines appear bent; less ideal for graphic design/CAD. | Ideal for precision work with straight lines and accurate geometry. |
Wall Mounting | Requires specific mounts; can be more challenging. | Easier to wall mount with standard VESA mounts. |
Content Comp. | May show minor distortion with some older/non-optimized flat content. | Displays all content as intended geometrically. |
Panel Types: VA vs. IPS on Curved Displays
The type of panel technology (like VA or IPS) is independent of whether a monitor is curved or flat, but it still significantly impacts image quality and performance.
- VA (Vertical Alignment) Panels: These are commonly used in curved monitors, especially those focused on gaming or media consumption. VA panels offer excellent contrast ratios, resulting in deep blacks and vibrant colors. This enhances the immersive experience, particularly in dark scenes. However, VA panels can sometimes have slower response times compared to IPS panels, which can lead to motion blur or ghosting in fast-paced content. Their viewing angles are also typically narrower than IPS, though the curve can sometimes mitigate the off-angle color shift for a single viewer.
- IPS (In-Plane Switching) Panels: IPS panels are known for their superior color accuracy and wide viewing angles. While less common in aggressively curved monitors than VA, you can find curved IPS displays. They are often preferred by creative professionals for tasks where color precision is critical. IPS panels generally have faster response times than VA, making them good for gaming, though their contrast ratios are typically lower.
Choosing between VA and IPS on a curved monitor depends on your priority: contrast and deep blacks (VA) or color accuracy and wider viewing angles (IPS).
Resolution and Aspect Ratios
Curved monitors are often associated with ultrawide aspect ratios, such as 21:9 or even 32:9 (often called “super ultrawide”). Standard flat monitors typically use a 16:9 aspect ratio.
- 16:9: The standard widescreen format, common for most content and monitors.
- 21:9 (Ultrawide): Offers significantly more horizontal screen space than 16:9. This is great for multitasking (fitting two or three windows side-by-side comfortably) and provides a wider field of view in supported games and movies.
- 32:9 (Super Ultrawide): Essentially like having two 16:9 monitors seamlessly joined together. Provides an enormous amount of horizontal space, ideal for extreme multitasking or a highly immersive gaming/simulation experience.
Curved ultrawide monitors combine the benefits of the wider aspect ratio with the immersive curve. The curve helps make the far edges of these very wide displays more comfortable to view, as they are brought closer to your peripheral vision.
Resolution is also a key factor. Common resolutions for curved monitors include:
- 1080p (Full HD) Ultrawide (2560×1080): An entry-level option for ultrawide, but pixel density might be low on larger screens, making text less sharp.
- 1440p (QHD) Ultrawide (3440×1440): A popular sweet spot, offering a good balance of screen real estate and sharpness.
- 4K (UHD) (3840×2160): Less common for curved monitors, but some large models exist. Provides excellent detail but requires significant graphics card power.
- 5K2K (5120×2160): Found on some high-end, large ultrawide monitors, offering a massive workspace with high detail.
- Super Ultrawide Resolutions (e.g., 3840×1080, 5120×1440): Resolutions for 32:9 monitors, providing extreme horizontal resolution.
Choosing the right resolution depends on the monitor size and your graphics card’s capability. A higher resolution on a larger screen requires more processing power to render images and maintain smooth performance, especially in games.
Refresh Rate and Response Time
These performance metrics are critical for how smoothly motion appears on screen, particularly important for gaming and fast-paced video. They are not directly affected by the monitor’s curvature, but you’ll find curved monitors with a wide range of refresh rates and response times, just like flat ones.
- Refresh Rate (Hz): How many times per second the screen updates the image. Higher numbers (e.g., 120Hz, 144Hz, 240Hz) result in smoother motion, reducing motion blur and making gameplay feel more fluid.
- Response Time (ms): How quickly a pixel can change color. Lower numbers (e.g., 1ms, 5ms) reduce ghosting and trailing artifacts behind moving objects.
If gaming is a priority, look for a curved monitor with a high refresh rate and low response time, just as you would with a flat gaming monitor.
Who is a Curved Monitor Right For? (Use Cases)
Given their unique characteristics, curved monitors are particularly well-suited for certain types of users and activities.
Gamers
This is arguably the most popular demographic for curved monitors, and for good reason. The enhanced immersion provided by the curve can significantly elevate the gaming experience.
- Increased Immersion: The wrap-around effect draws you deeper into the game world, making the experience more captivating, especially in first-person games, RPGs, and simulation titles (like racing or flight simulators) where the environment is key.
- Wider Field of View: Ultrawide curved monitors offer a tactical advantage in many games by allowing you to see more of the battlefield or environment, potentially spotting enemies or hazards sooner.
- Reduced Eye Strain: For gamers who spend hours in front of the screen, the potential reduction in eye fatigue can lead to longer, more comfortable gaming sessions.
While some competitive esports players might still prefer flat monitors for perceived consistency, for most gamers, a curved monitor, especially an ultrawide one with a high refresh rate and low response time, offers a truly compelling and immersive experience.
Productivity Users / Multitaskers
Curved ultrawide monitors are fantastic tools for boosting productivity, particularly for users who need to work with multiple applications simultaneously.
- Replaces Multi-Monitor Setups: A single ultrawide curved monitor (especially 34-inch 21:9 or larger, or 32:9 super ultrawide) can effectively replace two or even three standard 16:9 monitors. This creates a seamless, bezel-free workspace, which many find less distracting than gaps between screens.
- Efficient Multitasking: The expansive horizontal space allows you to have multiple windows open side-by-side at a comfortable size, eliminating the need to constantly alt-tab or minimize windows. This is incredibly useful for tasks like writing while referencing research, coding with documentation open, managing multiple spreadsheets, or video editing with timelines and preview windows visible.
- Specific Professions: Professionals like programmers, data analysts, financial traders, writers, and content creators who heavily rely on having multiple applications visible simultaneously often find ultrawide curved monitors significantly improve their workflow and efficiency.
The curve on an ultrawide monitor helps make the edges of the large display easier to see without excessive head movement, enhancing the usability of the entire screen area for productivity tasks.
Media Consumers
If you enjoy watching movies and TV shows on your computer, a curved monitor can provide a more cinematic viewing experience. Many films are shot in wider aspect ratios that fill an ultrawide screen, and the curve can enhance the immersive feeling, making you feel more like you’re in a theater. While not the primary use case for everyone, it’s a nice bonus for those who consume a lot of video content on their PC.
Who Might Want to Stick with Flat?
Despite the benefits, curved monitors aren’t the best choice for everyone. Certain users and tasks are still better suited to traditional flat screens.
Graphic Designers / Architects / CAD Users
As mentioned earlier, professions that demand absolute precision with straight lines, accurate geometric representation, and working with grids and rulers might find a curved monitor problematic. The potential for straight lines to appear bent on a curved surface, even if it’s just a perceptual effect, can be distracting and potentially impact the accuracy of detailed design work. For these users, a high-quality flat monitor with excellent color accuracy and uniformity is generally the preferred tool.
Users with Limited Desk Space
If your desk is small or shallow, a curved monitor’s increased depth requirement might make it impractical. A large curved display can dominate a small workspace, leaving little room for other peripherals or simply feeling too close. Measure your space carefully before committing to a curved monitor.
Budget-Conscious Buyers
If you’re looking to get the most performance (resolution, refresh rate, panel quality) for the lowest price, you’ll generally find better value in flat monitors. The premium associated with curved panel manufacturing means you’ll likely pay more for a curved monitor with specs comparable to a cheaper flat one.
Users Needing Wide Viewing Angles (Collaboration)
If your computer screen is frequently viewed by multiple people simultaneously – for team meetings, client presentations, or just sharing content with others in the room – a flat monitor is a better choice. The optimal viewing angle limitation of curved monitors means that people sitting off-center will likely experience image distortion or reduced quality.
Competitive FPS Gamers (Sometimes)
While many gamers love the immersion of curved monitors, some highly competitive First-Person Shooter (FPS) players prefer flat screens. Their argument is that the flat screen provides a completely consistent, undistorted view across the entire panel, which they feel is crucial for pixel-perfect aiming and reaction times. This is often a matter of personal preference and what feels most comfortable and effective for the individual player.
Key Features to Consider When Buying
If you’ve decided that a curved monitor might be right for you, here are the key features you should look at when shopping.
Curvature Rating
As discussed, the ‘R’ rating tells you how aggressive the curve is. Consider your intended use and how close you’ll be sitting to the monitor. For maximum immersion (especially gaming), a tighter curve like 1000R might be appealing. For a more subtle effect that’s still good for general use and productivity, 1800R or 1500R are common and popular choices.
Size and Aspect Ratio
Curved monitors come in various sizes and aspect ratios.
- Size: Diagonal screen measurement (e.g., 27-inch, 32-inch, 34-inch, 49-inch). Consider your desk space and how much screen real estate you need. For the curve to have a noticeable impact on immersion and eye comfort, generally, a size of 27 inches or larger is recommended.
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (standard), 21:9 (ultrawide), 32:9 (super ultrawide). Choose based on your need for horizontal screen space for multitasking or immersive gaming/media.
Resolution
Match the resolution to the monitor size and your graphics card. For monitors 32 inches and under, 1440p (QHD) or ultrawide 1440p (3440×1440) offers a good balance of sharpness and performance. For larger screens, 4K or 5K2K might be desirable for maximum detail, but be prepared for higher hardware requirements. Ensure the resolution is appropriate for the screen size to avoid a pixelated image (low pixel density) or text that is too small (requiring scaling).
Panel Type
Decide whether the high contrast of a VA panel or the color accuracy and wider viewing angles of an IPS panel are more important for your primary use cases.
Refresh Rate and Response Time
If gaming or watching fast-paced video is a priority, look for a high refresh rate (120Hz, 144Hz, 240Hz or higher) and a low response time (1ms or 5ms). These specs are crucial for smooth motion and reducing blur.
Connectivity
Check that the monitor has the necessary ports to connect to your computer and other devices (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C). USB-C connectivity is increasingly popular as it can handle video, data, and even power delivery over a single cable. Some monitors also feature KVM switches, allowing you to control multiple computers with a single keyboard and mouse connected to the monitor.
Ergonomics
Look for a monitor with an adjustable stand (height, tilt, swivel) to position the screen comfortably. VESA mounting compatibility is also important if you plan to use a monitor arm or wall mount. Good ergonomics are essential for long-term comfort, regardless of whether the screen is curved or flat.
Setting Up Your Curved Monitor
Once you’ve got your curved monitor, setting it up correctly is key to getting the best experience.
Optimal Placement
Position the monitor directly in front of you, centered at eye level. Aim to sit at the optimal viewing distance recommended by the curvature rating (e.g., about 1 meter for 1000R). Minimize direct light sources (windows, lamps) behind or in front of the monitor to reduce glare. Adjust the tilt of the monitor so that the entire screen surface feels equidistant from your eyes.
Cable Management
Curved monitors can sometimes have more cables, especially if they have extensive connectivity options. Take the time to organize your cables using ties or built-in cable management features in the stand to keep your workspace tidy.
Adjusting Display Settings
After connecting the monitor, ensure your operating system is set to the monitor’s native resolution and highest supported refresh rate. Check the monitor’s on-screen display (OSD) menu for settings like brightness, contrast, color temperature, and any specific gaming or productivity modes. Calibrating the color settings can help ensure accurate color representation.
Utilizing Window Management Software (for Ultrawide)
For ultrawide and super ultrawide curved monitors, using window management software can greatly enhance productivity. Tools like FancyZones (part of Microsoft PowerToys for Windows) or similar third-party applications allow you to easily snap and arrange multiple windows into custom layouts on your expansive screen, making multitasking much more efficient.
The Future of Curved Displays
The technology behind curved monitors continues to evolve. We may see even tighter curvatures becoming more common, potentially getting closer to a full 180-degree wrap-around effect in specialized setups. Larger sizes and higher resolutions are also likely to become more accessible. New panel technologies, like QD-OLED, are being incorporated into curved displays, offering incredible contrast and color performance. It’s likely that curved monitors will continue to be a significant part of the display market, particularly for users prioritizing immersion and expansive workspaces.
Conclusion
So, is a curved screen computer monitor right for you? The answer, as with many tech decisions, is that it depends.
Curved monitors offer a compelling viewing experience, particularly for gamers and multitaskers who can benefit from the enhanced immersion, wider field of view (especially with ultrawide models), and potential reduction in eye strain. They can create a more engaging and comfortable computing environment for many users.
However, they come with trade-offs. They are generally more expensive, require more desk space, have limited optimal viewing angles for multiple viewers, and might not be the best choice for precision-based professional work like graphic design or CAD. Glare can also be a potential issue depending on your environment.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your primary needs, budget, and personal preferences. If you value immersion, productivity through multitasking on a single screen, and potentially greater viewing comfort during long sessions, and you have the budget and desk space, a curved monitor is definitely worth considering. If precision with straight lines, multi-user viewing, a tight budget, or limited space are your main concerns, a flat monitor might still be the more practical choice.
Think about how you use your computer most often. Visit a store if possible to see curved monitors in person and experience the curve for yourself. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks, and considering your own specific situation, you can make an informed decision about whether the curve is right for you.