Let's face it (pun intended), your monitor is the most important interface you have to your computer system. I tell my friends to spend what they can
afford on a good monitor because that's what you're going to be looking at every second you are on the computer. The first monitors I used on a home PC were called CRT's, had either a pale green or yellow monochromatic screens, had about a 12" display and weighed a ton. But I thought they were the greatest thing in the world.
How things have changed! The new LCD screens come in a variety of sizes and shapes, are very pleasing to the eye, weigh much less and take up much less desk space then their predecessors and of course, best of all in recent months the prices have dropped dramatically.
The initial decision to make is size. The standard size is 17" and they can go all the way up to 30". You can even get LCD's that can be used as a computer screen and a TV but I caution you to think about that. Unless you have your computer set up in the same room as your TV, that may not work too well and what happens when the kids want to play a computer game and you want to watch Dancing with the Stars? Of course, the cost increases with size but other factors to consider are resolution size and contrast. Now since I have promised not to get too technical when talking about hardware, I am going to make some Savvy Boomer recommendations.
I recommend at least a 19 inch screen with analog and digital inputs, at least a 700:1 contrast ratio and at least 1280x1024 resolution. Other things to look for are height and swivel adjustments because it's nice to be able to move the screen for different viewing angles. Many also come with USB hubs (5 ports seem to be standard) which you can never have too many of these days. A monitor like this is not the lowest priced you can buy but your eyes will thank you for it. When you go shopping, take a CD with you of some favorite pictures and text and ask if they will load it up so you can see how they look. Not every store will let you do that but most will. Finally, do your homework before you go. Look at reviews of monitors on sites like ZDNET, CNET or here. They will give you a lot more technical and other information as well if you want it. I use ZDNET and CNET for reviews for all types of computer hardware and they also tell you the approximate price you will need to pay (in US $.) Once you find what you want, print it off and take the specification into the computer store. Don't let the salesperson try to upsell you or sell you something that you don't want because it's on sale. Stick to your guns!
Unlike CRTs, LCDs do not suffer from screen burn-in when displaying
static images, so you don't have to worry about using a screensaver.
However, the backlight, like anything else, wears out the more you use
it. When you're away from the computer, adjust your computer's power
settings so that the monitor turns off after a specific time (e.g., 20
minutes).
So if you've been envious of your friend's slim,bright, light LCD,now's the time to go treat yourself. Wouldn't your surfing and PC time be more
enjoyable with something like this sitting on your desk?
