What to Look for When Buying a PC Monitor
When looking for new PC monitors, computer users should focus on five essential features, outlined in the sections below. Matching a monitor to run correctly on a computer involves knowing what the computer will be used for -- general home use, business use, multimedia development, and so on.
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Resolution
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To get the best picture, look for monitor resolution that can match the maximum resolution the computer's video card can output. Otherwise, the display will be distorted. If you want to use a higher-resolution monitor than your computer can support, consider upgrading your computer's video card (which is relatively easy to do in a desktop model).
Contrast
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The higher the contrast ratio, the better dark colors will appear and the crisper the light colors will show. Computer-gamers and digital media enthusiasts like a high-contrast ratio in their monitors.
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Refresh Rate
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The refresh rate is the amount of time in milliseconds it takes the computer to redraw the screen each time you move a mouse cursor, scroll through a Web site, use an application, or play a game. The lower the number, the quicker the refresh rate. Average refresh rates range from 2 milliseconds to 8 milliseconds.
Ports
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If a user wants versatility, look for multiple ports on a PC monitor. With digital technology, DVI and HDMI are two ports that display colorful and crisp images. Many DVI and HDMI monitors also have built-in USB and audio/video ports, allowing users to plug USB devices, headphones, and other peripherals into the monitor rather than reaching behind the computer tower.
Adjustment
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Make sure the image adjustment buttons are easy to operate and understand. Also, check the tilt and raise and lower options if viewing the monitor at different angles is important (as in collaborative environments, such as multimedia or design studios).
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References
- Photo Credit Image from www.sxc.hu
