Computer Monitor Buying Guide

By: Peter Stewart

Although a monitor makes some of the least difference in terms
of your computer's speed, it can make some of the biggest
differences in terms of comfort and productivity. This guide
aims to give you the details you need to know to choose the best
monitor for what you need it for.

LCD flap panel monitors have become all the rage, in a matter of
just a few years, the old CRT monitors have nearly become
obsolete, expecially on new computers. The old monitors are not
bad. There is much to be liked, especially in terms of value for
money, and in terms of performance. But you can't fight the
change. We will focus on the LCD flat panel monitors as there is
often more to be considered.

Firstly there is the connection to the computer. Older monitors
utilised a VGA cable that carried the signal from the computer
to the monitor. The signal that goes along there is an analogue
signal and it can become slightly degraded, and is just an old
technology. Many flat panel monitors support this old style, but
that is usually just for backwards compatibility. The newer
cable type is a digital kind which is designed to be used for
LCD monitors. The performance from this newer kind is better,
but if you are upgrading an old computer, make sure your
computer can run that monitor.

Secondly is the screen resolution. This is how many pixels can
be displayed on the monitor. The higher the resolution, the more
can be fit on the screen. This means clearer images with much
smoother textures, but it also means that things appear smaller
as an increase in resolution does not increase the physical
dimensions of the monitor. Usual nowadays is 1024 x 768 or even
1280 x 960. Computers used to have 800 x 600, but that has all
but disappeared, except on very old computers or those that are
not maintained properly. I run 1280 x 960 as it gives room for a
lot of working space on the monitor, but with less than a 19
inch monitor, 1024 x 768 would be more suitable.

Screen refresh rate is another factor that comes into play. CRT
monitors used a process of changing the pixels on the screen to
show the new images, updating from top to bottom in lines, at a
certain rate per second. With that old style 60MHz (60 refreshes
per second) would be the minimum before the screen started to
flicker. LCD monitors do not have this problem and will look
fine at 60MHz.When running games a refresh rate higher than that
is required, often up to 85MHz or more. Make sure the monitor
you plan to use supports at least 60MHz at your desired
resolution for normal use and 85MHz if you want to play games.

A specification that is new for flat panel monitors that didn't
effect CRT monitors is latency. Although the refresh rate may be
high, the table of little dots that make up the LCD panel take a
small time to change, that change is the latency. Obviously if
this latency is too high it is possible that you get shot in
games before you even know it, which is no good. Latencies have
improved, but only monitors claimed with 8ms latency have been
really good for games. Latencies tend to be exagerated and a
latency of 8ms actually averages out to 12ms. With most ratings
multiply by 1.5 to get an average rating.

The actual brightness of the screen can vary from spot to spot
on the screen. Certain monitors have obvious bright parts and
dull parts while others are more consistent. Most have some
variation, but the less, the better. Name branded monitors tend
to give better results than cheaper no name brand versions.

Extras like little speakers are not worth talking about much.
They have limited use and I would rather have seperate speakers
and keep the monitor simple.

After considering these, you should have enough to make a good
purchase decision. Remember that a little extra money spent on a
monitor is a good investment, and unlike many other computer
parts, upgrades are not needed that often.

About the author:
Peter Stewart is a computer enthusiast, his interest in
computers and focus on practical down to earth advice inspired
his two websites.

http://computer-buying-gu
ide.com - Practical buying tips

http://computer-reviews.net - Fair and honest reviews and opinions