What to Look for in a Computer Monitor
Computer monitors can be very expensive, so it is important to know what you are looking for before heading out to purchase one. While there are many options available when selecting a new computer monitor, be sure to stay within your price range and needs. Make a list of your needs and wants before starting your search to speed up the process.
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Flat Screen or CRT
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While flat screen monitors, typically LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), use up much less space than their CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) counterparts, CRT monitors can be hundreds of dollars cheaper.
Size
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Monitors range in size from 15 to 60 inches and higher. Be sure to get a monitor that is large enough to be comfortable to read.
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Contrast Ratio
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The contrast ratio is a ratio of the difference between the lights and darks displayed on the screen. The greater the ratio, the brighter the whites can be; for example, a contrast ratio of 1,000:1 means that the whites will be a thousand times brighter than the blacks.
Rotation
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Many monitors offer the ability to display images vertically or horizontally, allowing you to rotate the monitor to suit your needs.
Refresh Rate
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This is the response time of the monitor, meaning how often the image is refreshed. A slower refresh rate will cause an effect know as "ghosting," where fast-moving images appear blurred. A good refresh rate is 5ms.
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