Are you looking for a computer monitor? Monitors are your window into the
computer - everything that happens in your software and applications happens via
the monitor. It is hence very important to choose a good monitor to go along
with your new PC.
Traditionally, CRT (cathode ray tube)
monitors have been used for desktop computers. However, these days, LCD
(liquid crystal display) monitors are selling like hotcakes.
Some computer monitors available in the market
It's easy to see why: LCD monitors are easier on the
eyes, have very crisp image quality and yes, they're sexy and cool. Laptops also
use LCD screens - so we're slowly beginning to see CRT monitors being phased
out.
Which type you choose depends on your
requirements. If you're a graphics professional, you may prefer a CRT monitor
because they are said to show more realistic colors. However, the latest high-end LCDs
can also give equal color quality. If you with text most of the time, a LCD is a good
choice because the various pixels that you find on a LCD will have nicely
defined edges. This gives sharp and focus letters on the screen.
To help you choose a monitor that'll meet your needs, this article will step
through the factors to consider when buying a LCD or CRT monitor.
LCD Monitors
Let's first look at the various factors you need to think about when purchasing a LCD display.
Panel Size
In an LCD monitor, the panel size reflects the viewable area you can use.
Again, the measurement is made
diagonally from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner. LCD panel sizes
now range from 15 inches up to 23 inches.
Native Resolution An LCD panel display always has a certain native resolution. Usually you can go
lower than this resolution but the image
will appear blurry. If you need to change your monitor resolution quite often,
then a CRT monitor may be a better bet. LCD native resolutions currently range
from 1024 by 768 to 1600 by 1200.
Viewing Angle One problem specific to LCD monitors is the fact that you cannot see what is
displayed if you move off to the side of
the monitor too much. A greater viewing angle is therefore typically better -
especially if you need to show presentations to others on the LCD screen very
often.
CRT Monitors
Now let's take a look at some things you need
to look out for when purchasing a CRT display.
Tube Size and Viewable Area The tube size and viewable area of a CRT monitor is of utmost importance. The
tube size helps you judge how much room you'll need for the monitor on your
desk.
It is expressed in inches measured from one corner of the monitor to the
opposite corner.
The viewable area (also measured diagonally) indicates how much
you'll be able to see on a screen.
The viewable area of CRTs can range from 15 inches all the way up to 22 inches.
Tube Type You'll need to think about tube type as well. Traditional CRTs have curved
screens, while newer models usually have flat screens. Flat screens improve
clarity and reduce glare, so you should think of getting one if you want to
reduce eye strain and fatigue.
Maximum Resolution and Refresh Rate A CRT monitor's maximum resolution can range from 1024 by 768 at 75 Hz all the
way up to 2048 by 1536 at 70 Hz. For
normal home use, 1024 by 768 at 75 Hz is sufficient. Try to ensure your CRT
monitor supports refresh rates above 70 Hz - anything below 70 Hz can result in
screen flicker and cause eye strain.
Dot Pitch The dot pitch of a CRT monitor helps you determine how sharp a picture will be -
these can range from 0.24 mm to 0.28 mm.
A smaller dot pitch number often indicates a sharper image. Of course, to the
untrained eye, the differences in image quality due to dot pitch may not be
discernable.
Hence, the dot pitch may not be an important consideration if you're not too
concerned about the finest details in your screen images.
Conclusion
I hope the above has helped you understand what factors to look out for when
buying a LCD or CRT monitor.
One thing to always remember when buying a new monitor - don't throw away your
old one! Re-use it for an old PC or give it to a friend who needs one. By not
dumping that old monitor, you'll certainly help to save the environment.
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