Feeling a little cramped? If you've got a small monitor and do anything beyond text editing and e-mail with your computer, then chances are your computer screen is starting to feel a little claustrophobic. Large-sized, high-quality monitors have almost become a necessity for today's sophisticated software and graphics-laden Web design. Upgrading your monitor can be a quick and easy way to gain more satisfaction from your home computing system.
Size and resolution
Size isn't everything when it comes to computer displays, but it's a good place to start. Displays are measured in diagonal inches (from corner to corner diagonally), though because there's an area around the edge of the screen that can't be used, actual viewing area is usually one or two inches less than the listed size (manufacturers are required to list both total and viewable measurements).
When you are deciding which size monitor to purchase, be sure to consider the space available on your desk: the larger the screen on the unit, the more desk area it will take up. A typical 17" monitor is about 17 inches deep, though manufacturers do everything they can to reduce the "footprint" (amount of desk space required) of their monitors in an effort to make a more efficient use of space.
Equally as important as the size of a monitor is the resolution it is capable of achieving. Resolution is a measurement of the pixels (individual dots of light) that make up the entire display area. Larger monitors are capable of reaching higher resolutions, but most can be reset to lower resolutions if desired (you might want to change your resolution if the objects on the screen are difficult to discern, or to simulate the conditions on a smaller screen). The higher the resolution, the more information can fit on screen, and the sharper the images will be.
A high resolution can be handicapped by a low refresh rate, however. Refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), refers to the number of times the screen is redrawn each second: the higher the number, the less the screen will appear to flicker. While a resolution of 1024 x 768 is optimal for most mainstream work (and the maximum resolution available on a 17" monitor), the refresh rate should be at least 75 Hz. Higher resolutions require a higher refresh rate of 85 Hz or more.
CRT vs. LCD
If your budget allows it, you might be considering one of the sleek new flat-panel displays. Flat-panel or LCD (liquid crystal display), the same technology used in notebook displays, has several advantages over traditional CRT (cathode ray tube) displays. Besides being ultra-stylish, they are easier on users' eyes, take up less space, and use less energy. However, even though prices are beginning to drop, they remain significantly more expensive than their CRT counterparts (at least $400 more).
In addition, LCD monitors are generally less flexible than CRTs. LCDs use rod-shaped molecules that bend light to produce an image, rather than electron guns that light up the phosphors on the viewing area of a glass tube. Because of this difference in technology, LCD monitors are restricted to only one optimal resolution: lowering the resolution results in a reduced-screen area and blocky images. Refresh rates are generally irrelevant, as they should already be set according to the display's resolution.
An important detail to check when shopping for flat-panel displays is whether the interface is digital or analog. Since most computers are equipped to convert digital information to analog information for display on CRT monitors, LCD monitors have been built to convert the analog signal back to digital. This digital-to-analog-to-digital conversion results in some signal loss, and thus an imperfect picture. Choose a flat-panel monitor with a digital interface, if possible, though you will also need to purchase a special graphics adaptor. The HP Pavilion fx75 15" Flat Panel Display features a dual interface, allowing you to use either a digital or analog signal to connect to your computer.
Note: "Flat display" monitors are not the same thing as "flat-panel display" monitors. While the latter refers to LCD monitors, the former refers to CRT monitors with a flat screen, like the HP Pavilion mx75 17" monitor. The flat screen produces less glare than a traditional CRT screen, helping to reduce eye strain (you should still be sure to look away from the screen every few minutes).
Needs and cost
Monitor prices vary widely, from under $200 for a low-end budget model, to $1000 or more for a large-screen flat-panel display. With all the choices available, it's impossible to declare a "best option" for all users. The monitor you select will depend greatly upon your own requirements and budget.
Expect to pay between $250 and $500 for a good 17" CRT monitor like the HP Pavilion mx70, suitable for most mainstream users. Decent 19" CRTs fall within the upper range of the same price spread, and provide 30 percent more screen area. The extra display area makes it easier to read text-heavy Web pages or spreadsheets. The HP Pavilion mx90 19" short display takes up less space than other 19" models, but provides desktop publishers and graphics producers the high-quality resolution they require.
Professional graphic designers working with CAD or DTP software will benefit from an even larger CRT display. Good 21" monitors start about $750 and go up to about $1500. Presentation and home entertainment displays can be found at sizes of 29" or larger. While the former feature high resolutions and refresh rates, and prices starting at $2500, the latter can start at under $800. The lower resolution (generally 800 x 600) is similar to that of standard televisions.
Flat-panel monitors are great for people who have limited space, like to make a stylish statement, and have extra money in their budget. A 15" flat-panel display will cost at least $400 more than its 17" CRT equivalent. In addition, the flat-panel may require the purchase of a compatible graphics adaptor, not included in the purchase price. Eighteen inch flat-panel displays are available, but current prices in excess of $3000 put them out of reach to the average user.
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