Computer Monitors

A computer monitor can be one of the most important parts of the computer. Computer monitor prices have dropped dramatically over the past 2 years and their size continues to grow. In general, when purchasing a computer monitor you should consider size, resolution, dot pitch, refresh rates and controls. You should get the largest monitor you can afford which will make working on your computer more comfortable and productive. Also, if you are a professional graphic designer of photographer you may want to focus on high end models with excellent color accuracy and features that allow you to calibrate your monitor properly.

Before looking at what type of configurations you need to look for when purchasing a computer monitor, it is important to know if you want a CRT or a Flat Panel / LCD monitor.

CRT, or Cathode Ray Tube, is a technology much like what you will find on most older TVs. CRT monitors are an affordable solution; however, they are bulky and very heavy. This technology is being replaced by flat panel monitors.

LCD, or Liquid Crystal Display, monitors are similar to what is found on portable computers. LCD monitors overall generally display much sharper of an image, are lighter and more space efficient.

Tips on buying LCD or Flat Panel displays can be found on on our Flat Panel buying tips section.

Dimensional Size – Size can be one of the more important considerations when purchasing a computer monitor. Monitors are available in 15",17", 19" and 21"- up to 30”. Like most things, larger is generally more expensive. The larger the screen, the more amount of viewable space you will be able to work with. We generally recommend users that plan on utilizing their computer for more than one-two hours a day and have the available space purchase at least a 17" monitor and preferably a 19” monitor. Users who plan on using the computer for graphic art or cad, we highly recommend utilize at least a 21" monitor. Finally, users with little space or plan on using the computer for word processing / e-mail may want to consider a 15" monitor.

Viewable Size - The viewable size of the monitor is a very important consideration and can vary by manufacturer. The viewable size is the size of the viewable area and not the complete monitor.

When purchasing a monitor, Dot Pitch or Stripe Pitch is a very important consideration. Dot Pitch measurement is found on most monitors and defines the amount of space (in millimeters) that separates two adjacent pixels that are the same color. The smaller the Dot Pitch, the sharper the image. We recommend that when purchasing a monitor the Dot Pitch be no bigger than 0.25.

Stripe Pitch is a measurement used with Trinitron or Diamondtron monitors and is a measurement (in millimeters) that separates two like-colored stripes. The lower the Stripe Pitch the higher the quality of image.

The maximum resolution is the amount of pixels that can be displayed horizontally x vertically.

Here are some common resolutions:
15" – 800 x 600 / 1,024 x 768
17" – 1,280 x 1,024
19" – 1,280 x 1024
21" - 1,600 x 1,200

The refresh rate is a measurement of the number of times per second the screen is redrawn. This measurement is measured in hertz and it is recommended that a monitor have at least a refresh rate of 60 MHz at the resolution you wish to run at.

When purchasing a monitor, it is important to look at the available controls of that monitor. The controls allow a user to modify and/or adjust the viewable settings of the display.