Digital wall calendar - screen size and resolution

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mdf

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#319436 24-Apr-2025 17:38

Looking for recommendations for screen size and resolution for digital wall calendar.

I've recently mounted an old 13" notebook on the wall showing Google Calendar and Google Photos screen saver. I really like the idea but the screen is too small so have been looking at upgrade options.*

First issue, screen size and resolution. I've tested 24" monitors and am inclined to think they're still too small, so was looking at 27" or perhaps even 32". But I don't have anything that size to test myself so keen on any thoughts from anyone that has done this and wishing you'd gone bigger or smaller.

I don't want to spend a fortune, so was inclined to stick with 1080p unless there is a compelling case for something higher res?

* All Rabbit holes have been duly followed and DAKboard and Magic Mirror options considered as well as the current web browser tuned to Google.

caffynz

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#3368458 29-Apr-2025 09:43

Following, as seriously considering setting up something similar.

Out of interest, how are you getting the calendar on the screen? Internet access? And what are you likely heading towards for software to display the calendar? I've recently come across Mango Display, but noting DAKboard and Magic Mirror options now.

pih

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#3368540 29-Apr-2025 11:13

Also following. I have an old all-in-one 24" touchscreen that I've been eyeing for this purpose, among other things. My guess is also that bigger would be better but having a non-touch monitor would be a pain if you wanted anything more than a calendar 24/7. That seriously cuts down the number of (cheap) options.

richms

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#3368553 29-Apr-2025 11:34

Mine is a touchscreen monitor off trademe plugged into an underpowered junky mini PC off aliexpress with firefox fullscreen running dakboard. I have not used the touchscreen part of it at all yet. The plan is to move it to a home assistant dashboard at some stage.

Richard rich.ms

mdf

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#3368944 29-Apr-2025 20:19

I ended up with a cheap 27 inch Full HD LCD monitor (PB Tech sale):

Mounted to the wall with a small VESA TV bracket. Brains are via a Raspberry Pi 3B+ that I already had. Mounted with a 3D printed vesa mountable case that I fabricobbled to hang off the bottom of the bracket.

This version is running DAKboard. Custom layout with a photo album at the top, calendar in the middle, weather at the bottom (this section also shows bus timetables at the kids' stop for the morning).

Overall I'm happy with the size and the layout. 4K would definitely have been nice, but would have involved a much more expensive monitor and likely a beefier Pi/other box too. I also need to tidy up the hanging cables a little.

DAKboard seems okay. It does most of what I want it to, but there are some limitations (number of calendars and variable/looping screens) even on the paid plan, which isn't exactly cheap. DAKboard does seem to have a touch screen option, but primarily is read-only - you "interact" with it via other devices.

I'm likely going to try Magic Mirror as an alternative at some stage.