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A bright, clear, colorful monitor can bring websites, pictures, movies and everything else on a computer to life. Today’s monitors use LCD technology to display crystal clear images in vivid detail – but they also do a lot more to make computer use easy.
When shopping for a monitor, take this along as a wish list. Not all monitors have each feature, so be sure to check for the desired bells and whistles:
Standard LCD Monitors
• Monitor viewing dimensions start at 15” screens and go to 24” and larger
• Widescreen monitors allow an aspect ratio of 16:10, creating more room to view open applications
• Maximum resolutions from 1280 x 1023 to 1920 x 1080
• Pre-set color and brightness settings that can automatically adjust for different kinds of software such as games, Internet, movies and work
• Support 16.7 million colors
• Built-in speakers are optional
• Pivoting screens to display in portrait or landscape orientation
• Height adjustable stands that swivel, tilt and rotate for ergonomic comfort
• Wall mount capability
• Contrast ratios 600:1 – 2000:1
• Response times of 5ms deliver uninterrupted video
• Brightness 300 Nit
• Energy Star / green compliant
• Anti-glare and anti-static screens
• USB ports for easy plug in of digital cameras, PDAs, iPods, etc.
• Programmable hot keys for favorite applications
• Monitors certified by Microsoft Windows Vista are designed to take full advantage of the operating system; other platforms supported include Mac and Sun
• Depending mostly on display size, prices range from $100 - $550
HDTV Monitors
HDTV monitors are “dual use” - they can be used to watch “high def” TV in addition to typical PC usage. They have a built in HDTV tuner that, when combined with high-end resolution, makes for amazing quality and detail.
• LCD with HDTV tuner
• Most are widescreen
• Higher resolution, brightness, contrast and video response than standard monitors
• Resolution is around 1360x768
• 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
• Fast 5ms video response for crystal-clear
• Prices range from $200 to $1500
Keep in Mind
• Footprint – The amount of space the monitor’s stand takes up on a desk
• Stand height – Monitor stands that are relatively short and not adjustable may need to be placed on a stand to be at an ergonomically-comfortable eye level.
• Eye mileage - The larger the screen dimensions, the more a user’s will have to move to see everything. Eye strain may be a concern, especially at first. A 20” screen is large enough for most users, while not quite so taxing on eye muscles.
• Dual monitors - If frequently switching between programs and rearrange windows is frustrating, a dual monitor solution may work well. Most current video cards support two monitors that can be attached to one computer to display twice as much information… or Doublesight makes two monitors in one.
• Viewing angle – If a monitor will be used to watch movies or TV regularly, the angle at which the picture can be seen clearly will be important. Wider and taller viewing angles mean more people can watch at once, or the picture can be seen just as well while lying on the couch.
Computers are often replaced before their monitors, so consider purchasing a monitor that offers the most flexibility and will best support future technology requirements such as powerful graphics, high-definition and sound.
Yung Trang leads the team behind Techbargains.com, one of the most visited online shopping deal sites. Techbargains has been featured in PC World, and the Wall Street Journal. The site was founded in 1999 and is best known for the quality of its JC Penny Coupons, Omaha Steaks Coupons, Bose Coupons, and Bed Bath & Beyond Coupons.
When shopping for a monitor, take this along as a wish list. Not all monitors have each feature, so be sure to check for the desired bells and whistles:
Standard LCD Monitors
• Monitor viewing dimensions start at 15” screens and go to 24” and larger
• Widescreen monitors allow an aspect ratio of 16:10, creating more room to view open applications
• Maximum resolutions from 1280 x 1023 to 1920 x 1080
• Pre-set color and brightness settings that can automatically adjust for different kinds of software such as games, Internet, movies and work
• Support 16.7 million colors
• Built-in speakers are optional
• Pivoting screens to display in portrait or landscape orientation
• Height adjustable stands that swivel, tilt and rotate for ergonomic comfort
• Wall mount capability
• Contrast ratios 600:1 – 2000:1
• Response times of 5ms deliver uninterrupted video
• Brightness 300 Nit
• Energy Star / green compliant
• Anti-glare and anti-static screens
• USB ports for easy plug in of digital cameras, PDAs, iPods, etc.
• Programmable hot keys for favorite applications
• Monitors certified by Microsoft Windows Vista are designed to take full advantage of the operating system; other platforms supported include Mac and Sun
• Depending mostly on display size, prices range from $100 - $550
HDTV Monitors
HDTV monitors are “dual use” - they can be used to watch “high def” TV in addition to typical PC usage. They have a built in HDTV tuner that, when combined with high-end resolution, makes for amazing quality and detail.
• LCD with HDTV tuner
• Most are widescreen
• Higher resolution, brightness, contrast and video response than standard monitors
• Resolution is around 1360x768
• 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
• Fast 5ms video response for crystal-clear
• Prices range from $200 to $1500
Keep in Mind
• Footprint – The amount of space the monitor’s stand takes up on a desk
• Stand height – Monitor stands that are relatively short and not adjustable may need to be placed on a stand to be at an ergonomically-comfortable eye level.
• Eye mileage - The larger the screen dimensions, the more a user’s will have to move to see everything. Eye strain may be a concern, especially at first. A 20” screen is large enough for most users, while not quite so taxing on eye muscles.
• Dual monitors - If frequently switching between programs and rearrange windows is frustrating, a dual monitor solution may work well. Most current video cards support two monitors that can be attached to one computer to display twice as much information… or Doublesight makes two monitors in one.
• Viewing angle – If a monitor will be used to watch movies or TV regularly, the angle at which the picture can be seen clearly will be important. Wider and taller viewing angles mean more people can watch at once, or the picture can be seen just as well while lying on the couch.
Computers are often replaced before their monitors, so consider purchasing a monitor that offers the most flexibility and will best support future technology requirements such as powerful graphics, high-definition and sound.
Yung Trang leads the team behind Techbargains.com, one of the most visited online shopping deal sites. Techbargains has been featured in PC World, and the Wall Street Journal. The site was founded in 1999 and is best known for the quality of its JC Penny Coupons, Omaha Steaks Coupons, Bose Coupons, and Bed Bath & Beyond Coupons.