What to look for when getting a computer Monitor?

Monitor

A computer monitor is an electronic device that shows pictures. A monitor is usually used to see programs on a computer.

What to look for when purchasing a Monitor:

Computer monitor are perhaps the most important element of your computer setup, other than the CPU itself. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most overlooked, and the monitor is often considered an afterthought when buying a new computer. While you use your keyboard, mouse and other devices to interact with your applications and the internet, you are always looking at your monitor, and an upgraded monitor can greatly enhance your computing experience.

• Computer monitors are available in two common formats, CRT and LCD. CRT is yesterday's technology, but this design still provides the best color fidelity, making it a good choice for professionals who deal with color production, including print media, photography and video.

• LCD is the most popular format, and for good reason. An LCD monitor at any given size takes up less space, weighs less and uses less energy than an equivalent CRT. Prices for LCD monitors have fallen tremendously in the recent past. Only a couple of years ago, a 21-inch widescreen display cost upward of $1,000. Today, you can find one for well under $300.

• LCD monitors are available in two common formats (aspect ratios). The standard format (4:3) is the most familiar. Widescreen (16:9 or 16:10) monitors mimic the aspect ratio of the HDTV format and are an ideal choice for viewing and editing video. In addition, widescreens can easily display multiple documents side by side, so you can work in two or more applications simultaneously.

• The range of contrast is important for monitors and TV sets as this shows how many different shades of black can be displayed, obviously the greater the range, the truer the picture will look and won't suffer from the picture turning totally black if the picture goes dark. The contrast ratio of 10,000:1 is said to be the best but it is worth checking the picture out on any monitor you are looking at getting.

The energy saving properties of electronics can be a key concern for people these days and so most monitors will go into some form of power-saving mode when inactive for a period of time, this should send the monitor into a low power usage state or 'sleep mode' to conserve the energy used when you are not at your computer. You should look at the eco features of any monitor if you want to save some money from using your computer.