A Microsoft Surface laptop with a 3:2 monitor displaying the TechStomper logo.
A Microsoft Surface laptop with a 3:2 monitor displaying the TechStomper logo.

3:2 Monitor, A Smarter View?

In the realm of modern technology, monitors have undergone a significant evolution, adapting to diverse user needs and preferences. One such innovation is the 3:2 monitor, which offers a unique aspect ratio that has gained attention for its versatile applications. In this article, we will delve into the world of 3:2 monitors, exploring their history, advantages, and the reasons why someone would need one.

3:2 Monitor: Evolution of Monitor Aspect Ratios

Before we delve into the specifics of 3:2 monitors, it’s essential to understand the history and progression of monitor aspect ratios. The traditional aspect ratio for monitors was 4:3 during the early days of computing. However, as media consumption and productivity needs evolved, widescreen monitors with a 16:9 aspect ratio emerged to cater to the demands of HD video content and multitasking.

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3:2 Monitor: A New Aspect Ratio

A stack of iPhones and iPads, showing t he evolution of 3:2 monitors in handheld devices.
A stack of iPhones and iPads, showing t he evolution of 3:2 monitors in handheld devices. Credit: Pexels

Amid the dominant landscape of 16:9 monitors, the 3:2 aspect ratio has emerged as a refreshing alternative. Initially popularized by Microsoft’s Surface line of devices, this aspect ratio is derived from the dimensions of traditional 35mm film photography. It balances the vertical space needed for productivity tasks and the horizontal space conducive to media consumption.

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Advantages of 3:2 Monitors

1. Enhanced Vertical Real Estate

One of the primary reasons to consider a 3:2 monitor is the enhanced vertical real estate it offers. This aspect ratio provides more vertical space than traditional 16:9 monitors, making it ideal for tasks that involve scrolling through lengthy documents, coding, and web browsing. The additional vertical pixels allow for a more comfortable and efficient workflow, reducing the need for constant scrolling.

2. Productivity Powerhouse

3:2 monitors are tailor-made for productivity enthusiasts. The extra vertical space lets you comfortably work with multiple windows open side by side, enhancing multitasking capabilities. For professionals working on tasks such as content creation, graphic design, and video editing, seeing more of the project without sacrificing visibility is a game-changer.

An old Samsung Android device next to an iPad from around the same year, showing how every competitor tried to adapt to 3:2 monitor use.
An old Samsung Android device next to an iPad from around the same year, showing how every competitor tried to adapt to 3:2 monitor use. Credit: Pexels

3. Creative and Artistic Endeavors

A 3:2 monitor can significantly enhance the creative process for artists, photographers, and designers. The additional vertical space provides a closer representation of the canvas’s proportions, allowing for accurate editing and manipulation of images. Photographers, in particular, appreciate the ability to view and edit photos with minimal cropping, preserving the original composition.

4. Immersive Reading and Research

Reading lengthy articles, research papers, or e-books becomes a more immersive experience on a 3:2 monitor. The extended vertical height allows you to read more content simultaneously, reducing the need for constant scrolling. This aspect ratio closely mirrors the dimensions of physical books, offering a comfortable reading experience akin to flipping through the pages of a novel.

History of 3:2 Monitors

The roots of the 3:2 aspect ratio can be traced back to the world of photography. Traditional 35mm film, widely used in the 20th century, featured a 3:2 aspect ratio. This ratio became synonymous with iconic photographs captured by legendary photographers, defining the visual language of the era.

The transition from film to digital photography saw the preservation of the 3:2 aspect ratio. Digital cameras aimed to replicate the experience of shooting with film, leading to the adoption of this aspect ratio in digital image sensors. This decision was partly driven by the desire to maintain compatibility with existing photographic techniques and composition principles.

The Apple eco system uses 3:2 aspect ratios for many of their handheld devices.
The Apple eco system uses 3:2 aspect ratios for many of their handheld devices. Credit: Pexels.

Microsoft’s Surface line, notably the Surface Pro series, played a pivotal role in popularizing the 3:2 aspect ratio in the realm of computing. Launched in 2013, the Surface Pro featured a 3:2 display, positioning it as a versatile device catering to productivity and entertainment. The success of the Surface Pro influenced other manufacturers to consider the 3:2 aspect ratio for their devices, leading to its gradual integration into the monitor market.

Conclusion

In a technology landscape where personalization and efficiency are paramount, the 3:2 monitor is a testament to adaptability and innovation. Its historical significance, stemming from the world of photography, has translated into a host of benefits for modern users. From expanded vertical real estate to a refined creative process, the advantages of a 3:2 monitor are diverse and compelling.

Christian Wait
With years of experience in tech and gaming journalism, Christian looks after content strategy and tech. Some call him "The Postman" because he delivers.
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