Need a new computer monitor but don't know exactly what to look for? Look no further, this guide explains all the major considerations when looking at and comparing computer screens.
Introduction
Choosing a computer monitor can be a complicated proposition, as there are many factors to consider. Being the most visible part of a computer, you want a monitor that you'll be comfortable using for long periods of time. First of all, you want to consider what size monitor you need, and make sure it will fit wherever you decide to put it. Once you've settled on a size, consider the monitor's resolution, response time, and contrast ratio. Finally, you want to make sure that the monitor has the proper connections to be able to hook it up to your computer.
Monitor Size
Monitors come in a very wide range of sizes, from small 15 inch screens up to massive 30 inch screens. You should pick a size that fits your desk area, but also your budget. Larger monitors are naturally more expensive, but the prices on most 19-24 inch monitors are under $300 these days. The most common computer monitor sizes today are in the 19-22 inch range. This size is good for most any task, whether it's web browsing or playing games.
You'll also want to determine whether you want a widescreen or standard monitor. Widescreen monitors usually have a 16:10 or 16:9 aspect ratio, while standard monitors have a 4:3 or 5:4 aspect ratio. That means that standard monitors are more square shaped, and widescreen monitors are more rectangular. Widescreen monitors are good for work and browsing the internet, as you can have multiple windows open side-by-side.
Resolution and Response Time
The resolution of a monitor determines how sharp the image will be. The higher the resolution, the more pixels there are on screen, so the images will look less jagged and pixelated. Larger monitors usually come with higher resolutions, but there are some smaller monitors with particularly high resolutions as well. The most common resolutions for different sized monitors are these:
17-19 inch: 1440 x 900
20-22 inch: 1680 x 1050
23-28 inch: 1920 x 1200
30 inch: 2560 x 1600
The response time measures how fast a monitor can refresh its image. Lower response times are better, and look smoother when in motion. A monitor with high response times can make motion look blurry. Common response times for most monitors are between 2 and 5 milliseconds.
Continue on to the next page for more tips on what to look for when picking a computer monitor.