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Perhaps your computer monitor is too small for you, or you simply want a brand new one. When replacing your computer monitor as part of a PC upgrade, you basically have two options: You can opt for an LCD monitor, or you can get the old-fashioned CRT monitor.
LCDs, or liquid crystal displays, are sleek, flat monitors that are surprisingly lightweight. Because of their slim build, they are efficient space savers. On a desk cluttered with office implements, papers and other computer peripherals, an LCD monitor would find no problem fitting in.
CRTs, or cathode ray tubes, are bulky monitors with a large, jutting back. CRTs are slowly being phased out and replaced by LCDs. Thus, you can purchase CRT monitors at very affordable bargain prices.
Despite being more expensive than their CRT counterparts, LCD monitors are still relatively inexpensive to acquire today. Computer monitor manufacturers are developing and releasing new LCD models every so often. New product debuts drives down the prices of older LCD models! Thus, an LCD monitor is a great, lightweight replacement for an old CRT monitor.
Apart from consuming less space on your computer table, LCD monitors also consume less power than CRT monitors. If you want a computer that is more environment-friendly, you should shoot for an LCD.
One important factor that you should consider when scouting for a replacement computer monitor is the screen size. A screen size of 17 inches is recommended for you to view applications comfortably. A widescreen LCD can give you more viewing space than a standard screen size.
Of course, getting a widescreen LCD does not beat getting an LCD with a larger screen size. A 19-inch LCD will allow you to open and view two programs side by side without squinting at the screen. Larger LCD monitors will give you an even larger view of your desktop.
Computer Monitor Information
Resolution – a computer monitor is made up of picture elements or pixels and the image displayed which is measured in number of pixels is defined as the resolution. Like a resolution of 800 x 600 (width x height), which simply means that the screen is 800 pixels wide and 600 pixels tall would look fine in 14” to 17” monitors, but would start to look distorted in a 19” and above screen. The recommended resolution according to screen size and usage are:
1024 x 768 – is the standard for home and ordinary business use. This resolution is best viewed in a 17” size monitor.
1920 x 1080 – is the recommended resolution for multi-media applications, gaming and viewing high definition images. Larger screens above 20” would best fit this higher resolution.
Screen size – a computer monitor 17” up to 20” is sufficient for basic tasks such as email, surfing the internet, and document applications. You can also watch a video and do simple photo editing with that monitor size. Screens with sizes over 20” are highly recommended for multi-media applications and gaming.
Response time – If you like hardcore gaming or dabble in graphics and photo editing or enjoy watching high definition movies, the resolution and screen size would not be enough if you are buying a computer monitor. The response time is important which is measured in milliseconds (ms). With a lower response rate like 5ms, your monitor will give a better view of moving images. |