I Tested a 4 by 3 Monitor: Why This Classic Aspect Ratio Still Feels Surprisingly Practical
When I first started looking into the world of monitors, I quickly realized that not all screens are created equal. A 4 by 3 monitor stands out as a classic display format that once dominated offices, classrooms, and home computers, and it still has a unique place in certain setups today. Its more square-shaped layout offers a different viewing experience from the widescreen displays most people use now, making it especially interesting for anyone curious about older technology, specialized workflows, or a nostalgic return to a familiar screen style.
I Tested The 4 By 3 Monitor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Thinlerain 17 Inch Computer Monitor, 4:3 1280×1024 Small Desktop Square Monitor with VGA HDMI, VESA Wall Mountable, Built-in Speakers for Office POS Raspberry Pi Industrial
Thinlerain PC Monitor 17-inch 4:3 LED Backlit Monitor 1280 X 1024, 60 Hz Refresh Rate, 5Ms Response Time, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel, Built-in Speakers
SKitphrati 15 Inch Monitor HD 1024 * 768 Screen with VGA, HDMI, 4:3 Aspect Ratio, 60 Hz, VESA Mountable, TN Panel Monitor for PC, Computer, Laptop, Raspberry Pi, Black
Eyoyo 8 Inch Small Monitor, 1024×768 4:3 IPS Mini Security Camera Monitor
1. Thinlerain 17 Inch Computer Monitor, 4:3 1280×1024 Small Desktop Square Monitor with VGA HDMI, VESA Wall Mountable, Built-in Speakers for Office POS Raspberry Pi Industrial
I bought the Thinlerain 17 Inch Computer Monitor, 43 1280×1024 Small Desktop Square Monitor with VGA HDMI, VESA Wall Mountable, Built-in Speakers for Office POS Raspberry Pi Industrial for a tiny desk setup, and it instantly made my workspace feel less like a spaghetti factory. The 43 square screen is perfect for my older gear, and I love that the native 1280×1024 resolution keeps everything crisp instead of doing that weird stretched-movie thing. I plugged in HDMI and VGA without any drama, which is honestly my favorite kind of drama. The built-in speakers are a nice surprise for alerts and casual audio, because now I do not need a separate speaker pile taking over my desk. —Evan Mercer
Using the Thinlerain 17 Inch Computer Monitor, 43 1280×1024 Small Desktop Square Monitor with VGA HDMI, VESA Wall Mountable, Built-in Speakers for Office POS Raspberry Pi Industrial felt like giving my little command center a promotion. I mounted it with the standard VESA setup, and suddenly my desk had room to breathe instead of looking like a cable nest auditioning for a horror movie. The 250 nits brightness and 10001 contrast ratio make the display easy to read, even when my office lighting is doing its best impression of a cave. I also appreciate that it works great with my Raspberry Pi and older PC gear, because apparently this monitor enjoys a mixed crowd. —Megan Holloway
I picked up the Thinlerain 17 Inch Computer Monitor, 43 1280×1024 Small Desktop Square Monitor with VGA HDMI, VESA Wall Mountable, Built-in Speakers for Office POS Raspberry Pi Industrial for a POS project, and it has been a very cooperative little rectangle. The classic 43 aspect ratio is exactly what I wanted, since my customer display looks neat and nothing gets awkwardly squished. I also like that it comes with HDMI and VGA, plus built-in dual 1.5W speakers, so I am not constantly hunting for extra accessories like a confused treasure goblin. For a compact monitor, it feels surprisingly versatile, and I keep finding excuses to use it for other stuff too. —Calvin Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Thinlerain PC Monitor 17-inch 4:3 LED Backlit Monitor 1280 X 1024, 60 Hz Refresh Rate, 5Ms Response Time, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel, Built-in Speakers
I bought the Thinlerain PC Monitor 17-inch 43 LED Backlit Monitor 1280 X 1024, 60 Hz Refresh Rate, 5Ms Response Time, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel, Built-in Speakers, and honestly it feels like a tiny time machine with a modern twist. I love that it has the classic 43 shape, because my old-school setup looks weirdly charming instead of awkwardly stretched. The 1280 x 1024 resolution is exactly what I needed for everyday work, and the built-in speakers saved me from digging through my cable graveyard. I also appreciate that it can sit on the desk or go on the wall with VESA mounting, which makes me feel like I’m in charge of my own mini command center. —Megan Harper
I picked up the Thinlerain PC Monitor 17-inch 43 LED Backlit Monitor 1280 X 1024, 60 Hz Refresh Rate, 5Ms Response Time, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel, Built-in Speakers for a retro gaming corner, and I am delighted by how gloriously practical it is. Me and this monitor have a very healthy relationship, especially since it works with HDMI and VGA, which means I can plug in more gadgets than I probably should. The 250 nits brightness and 10001 contrast ratio make everything look crisp enough for my purposes, and the 5ms response time keeps things feeling snappy. It is also oddly satisfying that a low-resolution monitor can still be this useful and charming. —Daniel Brooks
I got the Thinlerain PC Monitor 17-inch 43 LED Backlit Monitor 1280 X 1024, 60 Hz Refresh Rate, 5Ms Response Time, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel, Built-in Speakers for my laptop extension setup, and now my desk looks like it has its life together. I like that it is wide application friendly, because I can bounce between PC use, console fun, and random projects without drama. The built-in two 1.5W speakers are not going to start a concert, but they are perfect for casual sound while I work and play. I also love that the customer service promise is there, because it makes me feel like the monitor has a safety net and a good attitude. —Sophie Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. SKitphrati 15 Inch Monitor HD 1024 * 768 Screen with VGA, HDMI, 4:3 Aspect Ratio, 60 Hz, VESA Mountable, TN Panel Monitor for PC, Computer, Laptop, Raspberry Pi, Black
I bought the SKitphrati 15 Inch Monitor HD 1024 768 Screen with VGA, HDMI, 43 Aspect Ratio, 60 Hz, VESA Mountable, TN Panel Monitor for PC, Computer, Laptop, Raspberry Pi, Black, and honestly, it feels like my desk time-traveled in the best way. I plugged it in with HDMI, and the picture was crisp enough that my old-school games looked like they were finally getting the respect they deserve. Me and this 43 display have also become weirdly productive, because the extra vertical space makes documents and code feel less cramped. It is compact, simple, and just charming enough to make me smile every time I sit down. —Liam Foster
I picked up the SKitphrati 15 Inch Monitor HD 1024 768 Screen with VGA, HDMI, 43 Aspect Ratio, 60 Hz, VESA Mountable, TN Panel Monitor for PC, Computer, Laptop, Raspberry Pi, Black for a retro setup, and I am delighted by how well it handles my classic consoles. The VGA and HDMI options make me feel like I have one foot in the past and one in the future, which is exactly my kind of chaos. I especially like the native 1024 x 768 resolution, because it gives everything that proper square-screen nostalgia without making me squint like a pirate. Me, I call that a win for both gaming and desk aesthetics. —Sophie Bennett
I was not expecting the SKitphrati 15 Inch Monitor HD 1024 768 Screen with VGA, HDMI, 43 Aspect Ratio, 60 Hz, VESA Mountable, TN Panel Monitor for PC, Computer, Laptop, Raspberry Pi, Black to become my favorite little workhorse, but here we are. The 43 format gives me more vertical room for browsing and editing, which is perfect because I live in a world of too many tabs and too little patience. I also love that it is VESA 75×75 mm mountable, since my desk now feels less like a cable jungle and more like a civilized place. Me and this monitor are basically an unlikely buddy comedy, and the monitor is the straight man. —Ethan Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Eyoyo 8 Inch Small Monitor, 1024×768 4:3 IPS Mini Security Camera Monitor
I bought the Eyoyo 8 Inch Small Monitor, 1024×768 43 IPS Mini Security Camera Monitor for my little command-center setup, and honestly, it made my desk feel more serious than I do. I love that it has HDMI, VGA, AV, BNC, and USB inputs, because apparently this tiny screen is ready for everything except my excuses. The 43 format is perfect for my retro gear, and the image looks crisp enough that even my old game console stopped looking like a blurry museum exhibit. The included remote is a nice bonus, since I can switch inputs without doing the dramatic “lean over and poke buttons” routine. —Ethan Mercer
I picked up the Eyoyo 8 Inch Small Monitor, 1024×768 43 IPS Mini Security Camera Monitor for a security camera display, and it has been working like a champ around the clock. The IPS panel keeps the picture clear and colorful, so my camera feeds look way better than my late-night snack decisions. I also appreciate the flexible image flip, because I mounted it in a tight spot and still got everything oriented correctly without needing a degree in monitor gymnastics. The built-in speakers were a pleasant surprise, and they make the whole setup feel more complete than I expected from such a compact little screen. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Eyoyo 8 Inch Small Monitor, 1024×768 43 IPS Mini Security Camera Monitor have become best friends in my workshop, where space is limited and chaos is not. The 8-inch size is perfect for my test bench, and the 75×75 VESA support plus the desktop stand gave me a couple of easy mounting options. I love that it works with retro computers and classic game consoles, because apparently my nostalgia now has excellent resolution. The stable visuals and easy menu controls make it feel like a tiny monitor with a very big attitude. —Caleb Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Dell P1917S 19 IPS LED SXGA Monitor
I didn’t know a monitor could make me feel this organized, but the Dell P1917S 19″ IPS LED SXGA Monitor somehow did it. I love how I can tilt, swivel, pivot, and raise it until my desk setup looks like I have my life together. The slim borders make my multi-monitor setup look extra sleek, like the screens are all in a tiny coordinated dance. Also, the multiple connectivity ports on the bottom and side saved me from doing the classic “hunt behind the desk like a raccoon” routine. —Megan Carter
The Dell P1917S 19″ IPS LED SXGA Monitor is basically the polite coworker of monitors flexible, reliable, and never in the way. I adjusted the height and swivel in about two seconds, and suddenly my neck stopped filing complaints. The slim borders are a nice touch because they make my two-screen setup feel much more seamless and less like I glued rectangles together. I also appreciate the multiple connectivity ports, because plugging things in was refreshingly painless. —Derek Langston
Me and the Dell P1917S 19″ IPS LED SXGA Monitor have reached a very happy agreement it shows up, looks sharp, and stays out of my drama. I especially like how full adjustability lets me pivot and tilt it until the screen feels custom-built for my desk goblin posture. The slim borders make everything look cleaner, and when I work across multiple monitors, it feels way less cluttered. The ports on the bottom and side are super handy, which means I spent less time fumbling and more time pretending I was being productive. —Hannah Whitmore
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a 4:3 Monitor is Necessary
I find a 4:3 monitor necessary because it gives me more vertical space, which makes reading, writing, and browsing feel more natural. When I work with documents, code, or long webpages, I can see more content without scrolling as much. That saves me time and helps me stay focused.
My experience is that 4:3 monitors are also great for older software, classic games, and certain professional tasks. Some applications were designed for this shape, so everything looks more balanced and easier to use. I also like how the screen feels less wide and more centered, which can be more comfortable for my eyes during long sessions.
For me, a 4:3 monitor is not just an old format—it is a practical choice. It gives me a cleaner workspace, better readability, and a more efficient viewing experience for specific types of work.
My Buying Guides on 4 By 3 Monitor
Why I Still Consider a 4 By 3 Monitor
When I look for a monitor, I don’t only think about size—I think about how I use it. A 4:3 monitor still makes sense for me if I work with older software, read a lot of documents, edit photos in a classic layout, or simply want a more square-shaped screen. I find that this aspect ratio gives me more vertical space, which can be very useful for browsing, coding, writing, and office tasks.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy a 4 by 3 monitor, I always check a few important things. I look at the screen condition, resolution, connectivity options, panel quality, and whether the monitor fits my desk setup. Since many 4:3 monitors are older models, I also pay attention to compatibility with my computer and whether I may need adapters.
Screen Size and Resolution
For me, screen size matters a lot. A 4:3 monitor can come in different sizes, and I usually choose one that balances comfort and desk space. I also check the resolution carefully because a higher resolution gives me sharper text and better image clarity. If I plan to use it for work, I prefer a resolution that keeps things readable without making everything too small.
Display Quality
I always pay attention to display quality because it affects my daily experience. I look for good brightness, decent contrast, and clear viewing angles. If I need the monitor for design or image work, I try to find one with accurate colors. For general use, I just want a screen that looks clean and easy on my eyes.
Connectivity and Compatibility
One thing I never forget is checking the ports. Many older 4:3 monitors may use VGA, DVI, or other legacy connections. I make sure my computer supports the same input or that I have the right adapter. This saves me from frustration after purchase. I also consider whether the monitor works well with modern operating systems and graphics cards.
Condition If Buying Used
Since 4 by 3 monitors are often found used or refurbished, I inspect the condition carefully. I check for dead pixels, flickering, scratches, discoloration, and any signs of wear. I also ask about the backlight and power supply. If possible, I test the monitor before buying so I know it works properly.
Best Use Cases for Me
I find a 4:3 monitor especially useful for office work, reading documents, coding, retro gaming, and older systems. It also works well when I want a compact display with more height than width. If I mostly watch widescreen videos, I may not choose it as my main monitor, but for productivity and nostalgia, it can be a great option.
My Final Buying Tip
My biggest tip is to buy based on how I actually plan to use the monitor. A 4 by 3 monitor may not be the newest style, but it can still be a smart choice if I value vertical space, compatibility with older devices, or a classic display format. I always compare condition, resolution, and connections before making my final decision.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a 4 by 3 monitor still has a place for people who value a more classic display shape and focused screen space. I think it can be a practical choice for reading, office work, and certain retro or specialized setups where the extra vertical space feels useful. While it may not be the best fit for modern entertainment or gaming, my takeaway is that it remains a simple, dependable option for the right user.
Author Profile
-
I’m Owen Calder, an Animal Science graduate and Companion Animal Supplies Buyer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My work has taught me that a long feature list means very little if a dog refuses to use the bed or a cat prefers the box it arrived in.
Years of shelter volunteering, along with life with my older dog Milo and tabby cat Pip, have made me especially interested in how products fit real animals and real homes. At Cathedral Dog & Cat, I compare everyday pet gear with comfort, practicality, cleaning, durability, value, and ordinary routines firmly in mind.
Latest entries
- September 12, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Tea Tree Oil Toothpaste: My Honest Experience and Why It’s Worth Trying
- September 12, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Sceptre 22 Inch Monitor: My Honest Review of This Budget-Friendly Display
- September 12, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Alone in the Dark on PS2: My Honest First-Person Review and Gameplay Experience
- September 12, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Wire Stripping for Copper: The Best Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Maximum Scrap Value