Choosing the Right Monitor

 

Are you tired of squinting at your monitor?  Larger screens are becoming much more affordable.  When shopping for a new monitor there are several things you need to consider.  Compare the dot pitch.  This is the distance between the dots of light (pixels) that form the picture.  Dot pitches currently range from .22 to .28.  Just like golf, a lower number is better, resulting in a sharper picture.  Ask about the resolution.  The higher the resolution, the more pixels there are on the screen.  Resolution is measured by the width and height of the screen area.  Common resolutions today are 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1600x1200 and 1920x1200. In this case, the higher the number the better the monitor is.  If you see a deal that appears to be too good to be true, double check, as it may be a large screen that only displays a lower resolution. 

 

Standard monitors have a CRT (cathode ray tube) in them.  The CRT is the glass-front tube you’re accustomed to seeing on most televisions.  CRT monitors come in many sizes.  14” is considered small by today’s standards, and even 15” are being seen less and less.  Sizes ranging from 19” to 29” are now available, with 17” displays currently being the most common.

 

LCD panels have been used for years on laptops, and are now becoming available for desktop systems in the form of TFT screens.  Webopedia defines TFT as “thin film transistor, a type of LCD flat-panel display screen in which each pixel is controlled by from one to four transistors.  The TFT technology provides the best resolution of all the flat-panel techniques, but it is also the most expensive.”  TFT screens are also known as active-matrix LCDs.  They range in size from 12” to 18” today, with resolutions up to 1280x1024.  It is said that LCD screens help reduce eyestrain during lengthy use.  Another plus is that they are very thin and take up less desk space.  The larger models can be mounted right on the wall!  TFT screens weigh much less than conventional monitors and it is said they are just as bright.  They (and many CRT types) have “green” functions that put the monitor in suspend mode to save electricity.

 

You will need to match your video card to the monitor you select.  Be sure the screen will handle the resolution that the card can deliver.  If it won’t or if the card isn’t set up correctly, the display may appear scrambled or crunched up at the top of the screen area.  In general, the more ram the card has, the higher resolution it can deliver.

 

Monitors are available in translucent blue and other colors to match your computer’s case if you like.  Some have speakers attached to the sides.  Others even have memory functions to save the preferred settings for each user of the system.  If you don’t like the looks of your monitor’s case, there are even animal skins to cover it up with!  With all of today’s choices and lower prices, you’re assured to find a monitor that will fit your needs just right.. and hopefully your computer desk as well!

 

      
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Last modified: August 27, 2000