Advice and Deals on Computer Displays

There are two types of displays to consider: CRT and Flat Panel (LCD). Here are the pros and cons of each:

What to look for in a flat panel:

• Response Rate

  Response rate is the amount of time a pixel or point on the screen takes to go from one color to another color and back to the original color. A slow response rate will cause animations on the screen to streak. This mostly affects game play. However, flat panel technology is getting better and the refresh rate is improving. I would shoot for one with 16ms or less response time.

• Contrast Ratio

  This is the ratio of the maximum brightness to the minimum brightness. Go for at least a ratio of 500:1.

• Screen Size

  Go with at least a 17" screen size.

What to look for in a CRT display:

• Dot Pitch

  Dot pitch determines how sharp an image will be on the screen. A good 19" monitor will have a dot pitch of .25mm or less.

• Resolution and Refresh Rate

  For the resolution you plan to work in, make sure the refresh rate is at least 75 Hz to prevent flicker.

• Flat Screen

  A flat screen produces less glare and makes straight lines look straight from different angles.

• Screen Size

  I recommend going with a 19" screen size. Note that the actual viewable size will be slightly less than this, usually 18".

Want to see what displays are popular? Check out the top 10 monitor and LCD sellers.