It’s time to get a new LCD computer monitor. Your first notion is to go down to the local electronics or department store to buy the biggest monitor you can find at the most reasonable price. That seems like a good idea. But there’s in fact more to buying a computer monitor than price and size. Manufacturers provide a number of monitor types. And not all types are ideal for you. The lesson here? Don’t rush out and buy the first LCD monitor you see. Do your research to get the monitor that best meets your needs.

 

Size isn’t everything that matters

The Lifehacker Web site recently took a close look at the various monitors available today. The lesson from this site? Monitors are definately not created equal. Some, for instance, boast lightning-fast screen response times. These monitors are favored by hardcore gamers who need their video screens to move as fast as their thumbs. Others do a incredible job of reproducing colors and boast clear viewing angles. These monitors might be more effective for graphic designers and other visual artists, according to Lifehacker.

 

Types

The Coding Horror blog, by writer Jeff Atwood, says that most monitors sold today are TN models. That’s because these monitors are less costly. They also have screens that respond quickly. But TN monitors aren’t perfect. Coding Horror ranks their viewing angles and color reproduction capabilities as only average. Computer users can also choose from IPS monitors, which boast excellent color reproduction and excellent viewing angles. Their response times are solid, though not as quick as those of TN monitors. The downside? They are the most expensive monitors out there.

 

The middle choice?

VA monitors are also popular. Coding Horror ranks them between IPS and TN monitors. These monitors feature better color reproduction and viewing angles than TN monitors. But they also feature slower screen-response times than do TN monitors. These are generally more costly than TN monitors are but less than IPS versions.