How To Choose
A Computer Monitor

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, CRT monitors have gone the way of the dinosaurs. Instead, LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors are selling like hotcakes. 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. Both desktops and laptops use LCD screens - so it'll be very hard to see any CRT monitors available in retail shops.

The Viewsonic VX2250wm 22-inch Widescreen LED monitor
 

1. Overview

When you buy a computer monitor, what do you need to look out for? Well, there are several key factors, all of which we shall look at here.

• Screen Size
• Aspect Ratio
• Native Resolution
• Panel Coatings
• Contrast Ratio
• Response Times
• Viewing Angles
• Connectors
   

2. Screen Size

When we talk about screen size, we're referring to the measurement of the displayable area of the LCD screen. This is measured from the lower corner to the opposite upper corner of the display. A lot of people don't know this, so make sure you find the correct dimensions of the screen when buying that LCD monitor.

3. Aspect Ratio

Next up, the aspect ratio. The aspect ratio refers to the number of horizontal pixels to vertical pixels in a display. If you look at the newer monitors in the marketplace, most have a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. This 16:9 ratio is usually used for HDTVs, but with many desktop systems also touting HD capabilities, it is not surprising LCD computer monitors are also using the same ratios.

The Acer S231HL bid 23-inch Widescreen LED Monitor

4. Native Resolutions

This one is important. A LCD screen can only display only a single given resolution called native resolution. The native resolution is defined by the physical number of horizontal and vertical pixels that constitute the matrix of the LCD display. If you set the computer display to a resolution lower than the native resolution, the monitor will extrapolate and display the image. This means that multiple pixels are blended together to produce the image - which can often cause fuzzy images.

I'd say the more common native resolutions for computer LCD monitors are:

• 17" (Widescreen): 1280x800
• 19" (Widescreen): 1440x900
• 21" (Widescreen): 1600x900
• 22" (Widescreen): 1920x1080
• 24" (Widescreen): 1920x1080
• 27" (Widescreen): 2560x1440
• 30" (Widescreen): 2560x1600
   

5. Panel Coatings

In most monitors these days, there's the concept of the panel coating - something most of us don't pay attention to. In general, the coatings of the display panel fall into one of two categories: glossy or anti-glare. I like a glossy coating better because it displays colors more nicely. The disadvantage is that when used in brighter light, the monitor can generate glare and reflections.

So who uses anti-glare LCD displays? Well, businesses for one thing. You'll probably find LCD monitors in the office to be coated with anti-glare material. The downside is that the anti-glare will mute colors but they cause much less glare in bright lighting conditions.

And here's a handy little tip on telling if a glossy or anti-glare LCD monitor is for you.Take a small piece of glass (e.g. a picture frame) and place it where the monitor would be with the lighting that will be used when the computer is. If you see a lot of reflections or glare off the glass, get get an anti-glare coated screen. If you don't have the reflections and glare, then a glossy screen should be fine.
 

6. Contrast Ratio

Contrast ratios measure of the difference in brightness from the darkest to brightest portion on the screen. You got to be careful about this one, this measurement will vary throughout the LCD screen. Many manufacturers just use the highest contrast ratio they can find so the number is very deceptive. A higher contrast ratio means that you will see deeper blacks and brighter whites in images. I'd say go for a typical contrast ratio like 1000:1 as a safe bet.
 

7. Response Times

The response times of a LCD display screen refers to the amount of time it takes for the LCD display crystals in the panel to "turn on" or "turn off". In LCDs, the time taken to turn on the crystals is very fast, but the time taken to turn off is much slower. High response times might cause a slight blurring effect on bright, moving images on black backgrounds.
 

8. Viewing Angles

An LCD screen usually allows you to view images straight on. If you view an image on an LCD screen from the side, you will see some color in the image wash out. LCD monitors are rated for their visible viewing angle for both horizontal and vertical. A higher viewing angle is of course preferred over a lower angle. However, some folks may want some privacy on their screens, so they may choose a lower viewing angle.
 

9. Connectors

The last point concerns connectors. Most LCD screens have an analog and a digital connector on them. The analog connector is a VGA connector to allow you to hook it up to say, a laptop. The HDMI connector is a digital connector that is now extremely popular for graphics displays. Some monitors might also come with home theater connectors including component, composite and S-video.

Conclusion

I hope the above has helped you understand what factors to look out for when buying a LCD 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. Until next time, happy shopping for that monitor of yours!

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