Monitors

More than just a computer screen

Computer monitors are screens that allow you to view the information on your computer processing unit (CPU). Without a monitor, you’re not going to be able to use your computer (unless you have a laptop). Although it’s an important part of your computer, it’s an often-overlooked one, and some people may find that they have problems down the road when their monitor stops working. If you take the time to really do your research and buy a quality monitor, it will often last longer than your CPU.

Monitors come in two forms – cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitors and flat panel monitors. CRTs are considered old technology, but they still provide the best color and last the longest. However, they’re getting hard to find, except for very expensive graphic design models that offer magnificent resolution and crystal-clear pictures. Flat screen monitors, or flat panel monitors, are becoming much more popular. You can find these in two different models, liquid-crystal display (LCD) monitors and plasma monitors.

LCD screens are made up of a formation of liquid crystals trapped between two thin sheets. They tend to have beautifully clear images and come in two screen ratios. The most common ratio is 4:3., and you can get a 4:3 monitor in almost any size, from 15 inches to 19 inches. Widescreen ratios are much more expensive, but they’re built to mimic high-definition TV, which means that the resolution is very clear.

Plasma monitors are made up of noble gases that are trapped in cells between two sheets of glass and electrically converted to plasma, which emits light. Plasma monitors provide very clear, very colorful screen resolution, but they also suffer from screen burn, which means that static images displayed for long periods of time can distort the plasma and “burn” the image in. This causes certain parts of the screen to display a ghost-like image even when the monitor is off. LCD and CRT monitors are also susceptible to screen burn, but a plasma computer screen seems to show it the most.

Must-Have Features

  • A screen size that fits your needs. Most people make do with 15 inches.
  • Multiple video inputs. Most new monitors have these.
  • Capability to play movies or video games without a lag in speed. Flat screen monitors are often criticized for this.

Major Considerations

  • What will I use my monitor for? Do I watch a lot of movies or play video games, or do I just work on the computer for word processing and email?
  • Do I want widescreen or normal ratio?
  • Do I need multiple video inputs?
  • How long do I want my monitor to last?

Top Manufacturers

  • HP
  • Acer
  • Dell
  • Sony
  • Samsung

Common Accessories or Add-Ons

Price Range

Thankfully, most monitors are under $300 now, even for 19-inch LCD flat screens. Expect to pay more as the screen resolution gets better and the size of the monitor gets bigger. For a very high-quality monitor, you might be paying close to $1,000.

Summary

Monitors are essential to a computer’s use. You can find monitors in CRT, LCD or plasma models, but be aware that CRT is only available in high-quality capability for graphic design and video editing. You can find most good-quality monitors for under $300; however, a high-quality monitor may cost up to $1,000.