- Picture quality with respect to normal computer usage will largely depend on what type of programs you will run. For normal computing, such as surfing the web, streaming video and word processing, both LCD and plasma screens will both provide sharp and clear display. However, if you use your computer for watching Blu-Ray movies or playing high-definition games, that is when the differences between the two begin to emerge. Plasma screens have less picture lag and sharper color resolution than LCD displays.
- Since most people leave home computers on for lengthy amounts of time, power usage is a legitimate factor when deciding whether to purchase an LCD or plasma monitor. Because LCDs use a fluorescent lamp, they use considerably less power than plasma displays, which use self-lighting pixels. Although the power usage will fluctuate from model to model, power usage is generally between 35 and 50 percent lower on LCD models.
- Since computer screens typically display a like image, like a desktop background, it is important to have a monitor which will not etch these images permanently in the display. Plasma screens are more likely to experience screen burn-in, as the glass element is more susceptible to screen burn-in than the LCD display.
- If you are planning on displaying large amounts of data on a small computer monitor, then pixel levels matter. LCD screens generally have more pixels per square inch than plasma, which makes them ideal if you are working with complex spreadsheet programs or editing software, which take up a lot of screen space.
- LCD and plasma monitors are competitive in pricing, and most models are under $200. Although the larger TV models have a larger price discrepancy between plasma and LCD, this does not apply as much for the computer monitors.
