If you are tired of your old CRT computer monitor, maybe you should get yourself a new LCD monitor. Also known as flatscreens, LCDs have been around for a while, and in the recent past, they have become a standard for laptops, desktops, TVs and, digital clocks. This article will help you understand the various features you look out for when looking for a new LCD monitor.
- Size of the screen
The size of the screen is measured in inches, from the upper right corner to the bottom left. The most common sizes range from 15″ to 30″ depending on the size of your electronic device. LCD monitors for computers typically range from 19″ to 22″, but bigger sizes are also available. Bigger screens allow you to open multiple windows simultaneously, but they will take up a lot of space, and also they are more expensive.
- Resolution
Resolution refers to the number pixel an LCD monitor has to display both horizontally and vertically. For example, a monitor with 1000×1000 pixel count means 1000 pixels horizontally and 1000 pixels vertically. A larger pixel count provides maximum display capacity, which means that every letter and icon will be displayed.
- Aspect Ratio
This is the relative display of horizontal pixels to vertical pixels in the monitor. This is usually provided in the LCD monitor information to ensure that that the screen you buy will serve the intended purpose. Today the standard aspect ratios are 16.9 or 16.9, which are best suited for movie theatre screens. A 16.9 screen is also referred to as high definition (HD), and it is perfect for playing widescreen content. The 16.10 screen, on the other hand, has more vertical pixels, which is ideal for displaying large spreadsheets.
- Number of Monitors
More and more people are turning to more than one monitor to increase their daily productivity. Getting a second monitor will enable you to have multiple applications simultaneously without compromising the quality of the files. For example, you can choose to run an internet browser on one screen and an HTML editor on the second one. Investing in a quality LCD monitor stand will come in handy when dealing with multiple monitors.
- Ports
You may need to connect your computer or TV to other devices, and as such, you’ll need to check the type of ports that the monitor has. The common types include;
- DisplayPort
- HDMI(High-Definition Multimedia Interface)
- DVI (Digital Video Interface )
- VGA(Video Graphics Array)
In connection to that, you should also check the connector that is compatible with your video card, i.e., S-video or composite video.
Take-Home
Many of the factors highlighted above come down to what the monitor will be used for, your budget, and off course, your preferences. You should first pick the desired size, resolution, and aspect ratio. All these aspects should meet your current and future needs. If you plan to use the monitor for just a day or two, a less expensive model will be okay. But if for an extended period, it will be wise to invest in a better quality monitor.
