All Types of LCD Computer Monitors and Related Deals

Buying a new LCD computer monitor is not complicated, but as a fairly expensive piece of hardware, it is something that you want to do right the first time so that you don’t end up with something that doesn’t fit your needs. There are several specifications that you’ll want to know about so that you get the right LCD computer monitor for you.

First, think about what you will mostly use the monitor for. Will it be for high graphics types of programs such as games, video or photo editing, or will it be mostly for things like word processing and email?
Here are the important specifications to consider:

Native Resolution
Native Resolution means the maximum resolution that the monitor is designed to operate at. Think of this as when you try to enlarge a small image. The quality diminishes. Likewise if you try to view larger resolution than the LCD monitors native resolution, the quality will decrease.

Screen Size
As you probably know, this is one of the most important factors. More space means more information, easier to see, less scrolling. Bigger screens also support higher resolutions. The most common sizes today are 19, 20 and 22 inches, but they can go up to 30 inches. Stick with the most common sizes today, and you’ll be able to find good deals.

Contrast Ratio
This is the ratio of the lightest to darkest colors that the monitor will display. The higher the ratio, the clearer and greater range of colors that can be displayed.

Widescreen
Widescreen is much more important if you will tend to watch movies on your computer. Like with a TV, the movies will be displayed closer to the way they were filmed and thus your experience will be better. The aspect ratio of 16:9 or 16:10 is widescreen and this has pretty much become the standard for most LCD computer monitors.

Response Time
This is a very important criteria if you are using your monitor to view any sort of dynamic content such as games or videos. An LCD computer monitor’s response time indicates it can show a moving image. The lower the time the better. Higher response times can result in “ghosting” which are shadows of previous images being displayed.

Connectivity
This simply means the type of plug that is used to connect your monitor to your PC. The current standard is DVI. Make sure your computer has the type of receptacle for the type of plug on the LCD monitor.
The above covers most of the technical specs for a monitor. You’ll have to figure out how to get the best value for your budget.