How to choose a computer monitor

Question: I’m interested in buying a new monitor and I’d like to understand the differences between a flat panel versus a CRT monitor. What features should I look for? I’d like to see an explanation of what the specs on the box mean and why they are important. – Kit

Answer: That’s a very good question. I think a lot of people are mulling the idea of getting a new flat panel monitor, or want to know more about their CRT monitor and how it works. So here goes.

Most people spend hard-earned money improving their computers by focusing on the components that go inside the case: Faster CPUs, more memory, bigger, better hard drives and flashy, speedy video cards. Looking for a new computer monitor? [link removed] has a huge selection of computer monitors to choose from.

Often overlooked in this quest for perfection is the monitor. If you should focus on any component, it’s the very thing you spend your computer time actually “focusing” on. With monitors these days, there are more options available than just simply how big the screen is and how high the resolution can go. Let’s begin with the basics.

The first thing you should ask about when shopping for a new monitor is dot pitch. Quite simply, what this means is the actual measurement in millimeters between each of the individual pixels that make up the surface of the screen. The lower the number, the closer the individual phosphor elements (which emit the light that makes up the image) are placed, which means more of them can be stuffed into the same size surface. For example, this ultimately allows monitors with a .24 dot pitch to appear crisper and more detailed than a .27 dot pitch display.

Second, you’ll want to know about refresh rates. This is another term that is quite straightforward. It means the speed with which the monitor can display and refresh images in certain resolutions on the screen. This is measured in Hertz (or Hz). It measures how many times per second the screen is redrawn. At higher resolutions, a monitor which refreshes at 50Hz will look noticeably duller and will exhibit more flickering than one running at 80Hz. Monitors that don’t have high refresh rates will flicker noticeably and this can lead to eye strain, headaches and blurry vision, which of course is not good if you’ll be spending hours on end staring into it.

Third, there’s a very significant choice to be made between LCD monitors and CRT ones. The simplest way to distinguish the two is by looking at their physical size. CRT monitors are the more traditional type of displays that use cathode ray tubes (hence the CRT) instead of liquid crystal displays (LCD). CRTs are bulbous like all but the newest TVs. CRTs are large and deep in comparison to LCDs which means they take up a lot more space and are generally heavier.

LCDs have a lot to offer beyond just their smaller size. They are also generally brighter, crisper, have better colour depth and use less power. Also, because they don’t refresh the way CRTs do, there is no issue with flickering that causes eye strain. Further, the image quality of an LCD doesn’t degrade over time the way a CRT can.

The one significant downside to LCD monitors is still price. Although they are not as generally expensive now as they were when they first came to market, LCD monitors are still considerably more expensive than similarly-sized CRTs so, if budget is an issue for you, stick with a CRT.

When shopping for a new monitor, we strongly suggest comparing different models that are actually on display and in operation. Visit your local computer store and compare – how do they look to you? Make sure that all the monitors you consider in the store are using their default settings and are set to the same resolution and refresh rates as one another. Ask the sales person to show you how you would set this at home, so that they are forced to prove the current settings to you. Some disreputable dealers will use tricks like overcranking the refresh rate beyond recommended setting to make the monitors appear to look better than they actually are.

If you do go with a CRT monitor, also bear in mind the difference between “flat” screens and “curved” ones. A flatter screen will catch fewer reflections and will generally have a wider field of view than a curved one.

Also, consult product reviews in computer magazines and on the Internet. Many different companies put monitors through rigorous testing and really can help you buy wisely. A good site to consult about what others have to say about specific monitors is Epinions.

Last but not least, you really should consider the sort of work the monitor is going to have to do. If you are a graphic artist or film editor who depends upon sharp, high-resolution, non-flickering images, you’ll likely need more features than someone who uses their computer for the Internet and the odd bit of writing.

(Remember to factor in how cramped your work space is, how important price is to you, and how much time you realistically expect to spend seated in front of your new monitor!)