Purchasing a computer monitor can be one of the most
important pieces of the computer since it is what you are going to be
staring at while on the computer and a poor monitor can cause eye strain
and a bad experience.
Technology
CRT - Today, one of the most commonly used
technologies for computer monitors. CRT, or Cathode Ray Tube, is a
technology much like what you will find on most TVs. CRT monitors are an
affordable solution; however, they are bulky and very heavy.
Flat Panel and LCD
- LCD, or Liquid Crystal Display, monitors are similar to what is found
on portable computers. LCD monitors overall display much sharper of an
image, are lighter and more space efficient; however, they are much more
of an expensive solution for desktop displays.
- Computer plat panel display buying tips section.
Size
When considering purchasing a monitor utilizing the CRT technology it is important to consider the following:
Dimensional Size Size can be one of the
more important considerations when purchasing a computer monitor.
Monitors are available in 15",17", 19", and 21." Like most things,
larger is more expensive. The larger the screen, the more viewable space
you have to work with. We recommend users that plan on utilizing their
computer for more than one-two hours a day and have the available space
purchase at least a 17" monitor. Users who plan on using the computer
for graphic art or cad, we highly recommend utilize at least a 21"
monitor. Finally, users with little space or plan on using the computer
for word processing and e-mail may want to consider a 15" monitor.
Viewable Size - The viewable size of the
monitor is an important consideration and can vary by manufacturer. The
viewable size is the size of the viewable area and not the complete
monitor.
Dot and stripe pitch
When purchasing a monitor, Dot Pitch
or Stripe Pitch is an important consideration. Dot Pitch measurement is
found on most monitors and defines the amount of space (in millimeters)
that separates two adjacent pixels that are the same color. The smaller
the Dot Pitch, the sharper the image. We recommend that when purchasing
a monitor the Dot Pitch be no bigger than 0.25
Stripe
Pitch is a measurement used with Trinitron or Diamondtron monitors and
is a measurement (in millimeters) that separates two like-colored
stripes. The lower the Stripe Pitch the higher the quality of image.
When
looking at monitors you should only see a Dot Pitch measurement or a
Stripe Pitch measurement. You should not see both of these measurements
measuring the same monitor.
Finally, these two
different measurements should not be a measurement comparison when
deciding between two or more monitors, each technology is different.
Resolution
Resolution
is the maximum resolution of pixels capable of being shown horizontally
x vertically. Be cautious when purchasing a monitor at any size that
advertises a large resolution size such as 1,600 x 1,200 for a 15"
monitor.
Some monitor manufacturers may allow for
such high resolutions at a high cost but most users never need such
resolutions. As the monitor increases in size, the image display will
decrease; below is a listing of a usable resolution limit by the size of
the monitor. These sizes can be debated but are the standard and most
viewed resolutions.
15" 800 x 600 or 1,024 x 768
17" 1,280 x 1,024
19" 1,280 x 1024
21" - 1,600 x 1,200
17" 1,280 x 1,024
19" 1,280 x 1024
21" - 1,600 x 1,200
Refresh rate
The refresh rate is a measurement of the number
of times per second the screen is redrawn. This measurement is measured
in hertz and it is recommended that a monitor have at least a refresh
rate of 75 MHz at the resolution you want to run at.
Controls
When purchasing a monitor, it is important to
look at the available controls of that monitor. The controls allow for
modification or adjustment of the viewable settings.
Price range
When purchasing a monitor, expect to pay much
less than an LCD or Flat Panel display. In addition, the larger the
monitor the more money you can expect to pay. When purchasing a monitor,
expect to pay the following by size.
15" display: $200 or less
17" display: $200 to $400
19" display: $400 to $1,000
21" display: $700 to $2,000
17" display: $200 to $400
19" display: $400 to $1,000
21" display: $700 to $2,000
Ready to buy
Once you have reviewed the appropriate
information and believe that you are ready to make a purchase of a new
monitor, ensure that the source that you plan on purchasing the monitor
from is a reputable source and you have reviewed our section on what to
look out for when purchasing over the Internet.
Computer
Hope is ready to setup and help you with issues you may encounter
during the purchase and installation of your monitor regardless if you
purchase through us or another vendor.
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