For the most part, monitors will be of the LCD type. You will be hard-pressed to find a CRT monitor in this day and age. There’s one decision you won’t have to worry about.

Very important, though, is contrast ratio. Contrast ratio is the ratio of the luminance of the brightest color (white) to that of the darkest color (black) that the monitor is capable of producing. A contrast ratio of 700:1 or higher will give you much better black and more vivid coulours than let’s say 400:1. Don’t be fooled by the numbers though. An expensive monitor with a lower contrast ratio may actually give you a better picture than a bargain with higher quoted numbers.

Be resolute. Resolution can be deceiving. Concentrate on Native Resolution. No, not a treaty. Native resolution is the physical number of pixels in the monitor.  If the resolution used does not match the native resolution, the scaled image results in washed out colours and is blurry. Obviously, then, it makes sense when you have purchased your monitor to run your video card at the native resolution of your monitor.

How big is big enough? Though you can use an LCD television as a monitor, it isn’t advisable unless you have it mounted at the head of the classroom or boardroom. The point is that you need only enough monitor as you have room for on your desk or adjacent to your desk.  LCD monitors are available from 17″ to 22″ or better. More important is the height than the diagonal for most users. Thus, compare the height of the monitor you use now and choose one that gives at least the same screeen height that you are used to. A 22″ monitor seems to do well for most.

Widescreen is becoming the most popular format as one can view multiple documents and applications side by each. New widescreen movies look great on these monitors as well! Some widescreen monitors allow 90 degree rotation so you can use them for taller documents or websites. Bear in mind that older video games may not adapt to the widescreen mode as well without stretching. It may also be an idea to update your video card at the same time as older cards were not made to support the widescreen format. Additionally, the card may not support the resolution of your new monitor.

Digital or Analog? Most often with a new computer the choice will be made for you. The choice with an existing computer is quite simple. Your video card will dictate whether you choose DVI – digital or VGA – analog. Be proactive and look at your existing video card before heading out. DVI is a much better picture with more accurate and vibrant colours but of course only available in higher priced monitors. Buy quality cables which are less prone to interference issues and conduct the signal more efficiently.

Response rate is very important, especially for gamers. When scrolling or gaming, one does not want blurring or ghosting effects. For the most part, new monitors have very good response rates of 8ms or lower and the issues are either minimal or non-existent. For gaming, however, a response rate of 2 or 3ms is desirable. Buy a superior monitor if you are a serious gamer.

Viewing angle  should be kept in mind depending on your intended use.

LED backlit monitors are moving into the marketplace and are preferable to the current cold cathode fluorescent lamp technology. There is less energy consumption and fewer projected backlight failures expected with this technology.

As with any consumer product, one of the final considerations is warranty. Be sure to understand fully the terms and conditions of the warranty supplied with your new monitor.

Lastly, please do not cheap out on your monitor choice. As price will affect quality, your eye health may be compromised by using a lesser quality monitor for longer periods of time. As the old adage goes, “pay me now or pay me later”.

In conclusion, we hope that the journey you have taken with us through this vast market of monitors will lead you to the most logical and satisfying monitor purchasing decision. Enjoy!