PC Monitor Buying Guide

A PC monitor displays the viewable images and text produced by your computer.

Here are some useful hints and tips to consider when choosing a PC monitor.

How to Choose a PC Monitor: Introduction

Whether you are upgrading your existing PC monitor or buying one especially to go with a new computer system, you'll find a range of different styles, sizes and types of PC monitors to choose from.

Although they look like conventional television screens, most PC monitors are especially made for computers, which commonly use a VDU output to send the converted data into the corresponding images and text that you see on the PC monitor screen.

Buy the Best PC Monitor: Type Guide

The two main types of PC monitor available use different types of display formats: CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display):

CRT display: Building on conventional cathode ray tube technology, CRT displays are the most affordable type of PC monitor, offering good resolution and clear images. CRT monitors work by shooting electrons onto a charged screen, which is coated by thousands of clusters of coloured dots known as pixels. The pixels are illuminated when struck by the electron stream, creating the image and text that you see on the screen. Due to their design, CRT PC monitors are heavier and bulkier than the more modern flat panel styles.
LCD display: LCD monitors are often referred to as flat panel displays, due to their significantly reduced depth compared to conventional CRT monitors. LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display, a technology that uses two panels with a liquid crystal solution between them, with a light source behind the rear panel. The liquid crystals react to the light, creating the image on the LCD screen. The flatness of LCD computer monitors often gives them a sleek, modern appearance. Cheaper models of LCD computer monitor can give a poorer picture when viewed from an angle, but most models today deliver excellent picture quality. LCD monitors are becoming more popular than CRT monitors, as they are easier to install, lighter, and take up a lot less space - handy if you want more room on your desk.

Features to Look for When You Choose a PC Monitor

Here are the key features to consider when choosing a PC monitor:

Dot pitch: On CRT computer monitors, the dot pitch is the distance between each pixel. The smaller the distance, the sharper the image - look for a dot pitch of 0.28mm or under. This feature is referred to as a pixel pitch on LCD monitors, but is the same for all LCD models with the same screen size.
Screen size: Screen sizes are always measured diagonally, in inches. Consider how much space you have for your PC monitor, and how large you would like the screen to be. If space is an issue, you may have to compromise. Generally the larger the screen, the more you will pay for the monitor.
Contrast ratio: This is the measurement of the difference in brightness between the brightest white and darkest black. The higher the contrast ratio, the more clarity you will get on the screen. Look for a contrast ratio of at least 300:1 for quality image and text display.
Response time: The number of frames that can be displayed per second. The higher the response time, the less blurring or smearing you will see on screen, especially with effects such as slow motion video. CRT monitors have a very high response time.
Aspect ratio: This is the relationship between the height and width of the screen. Many new models of LCD monitor are widescreen - around 16:9 to 16:10 - which is a popular shape for watching video and gaming. Conventional CRT monitors have a 'squarer' aspect ratio of 4:3.
Resolution: This is the number of pixels on the screen, which determines how detailed the image is. The higher the resolution, the more detailed the image.

Do I Need to Buy an Extended PC Monitor Warranty?

A warranty is essential for a PC monitor, and ensures that it will be repaired or replaced if necessary, providing that certain conditions are met. While many PC monitors are coming down in price, some larger models can cost more than your computer, so it could be worth paying a little more for an extended warranty.

It's a good idea to set a limit on the amount of money you are prepared to spend on a PC monitor. By comparing prices between different online retailers and taking advantage of special offers and discounts, you could get a better model than your budget would normally allow.