Monitors are an essential item of hardware, as you will use it to view everything on your system and spend countless hours' in-front of it. You should choose a display which fits your needs and workspace environment, whilst providing a clear image without flicker which can lead to eye strains and related problems.
There are two different types of Monitor currently available these are Cathode-ray tube (CRT) or TFT (thin-film transistor). Telling the difference is straight forward; CRT screens are large and heavier units whilst the TFT are thin and light in weight.
CRT technology has been around for decades from mono through the different versions to the versions which are being superseded today. TFT screens were previously limited to the wealthy and of course were an essential part to a Laptop or Notebook.
Screens come in several different sizes 14' 15' 17' 19' 21' are the most common. The most popular screens at the moment are 17 and 19 inches as they have dropped in price and the price between 15' and 17' is normally so slight it is always worth the extra cost for the extra viewing space.
TFT 15" Displays are around the £120 mark at the time of writing including, 17" versions are approx an additional £30-40 the smallest TFT screen widely available is the 15" then 17+. 17" is currently the most common size monitor for most people, this will adapt into widescreen versions and as prices continue to fall lead to 19" becoming the standard size.
The move to TFT has really picked up in recent months as the costs have tumbled, their advantages include using less power and requiring less space, whilst providing a crisp picture quality.
If you're buying and can visit a shop it is always worth seeing different monitors before you buy. Of course it often pays to buy it online and save a small amount even at the cost of a couple of days waiting for delivery.
Some terms explained which you should consider when buying a display:
Refresh rates - is the number of times the image is drawn on the display each second. If your refresh rate is 85 then this is measured as 85 Hertz (Hz). You should ensure the refresh rate is on the highest possible setting, by ensuring a fast refresh rate you will reduce flickering often the rates are set incorrectly or too low and the flickering leads to headaches and eye strain. Try checking your refresh rate and if it is not at the highest increase it and see if you notice any difference.
Resolutions - CRT screens can work perfectly up to the quoted maximum resolution. The TFT is recommended to be used at only one resolution. The reason for this is the pixel makeup differs between CRT and TFT. The most common resolutions are 1024x768 and 1280x720 of course you may have your own preference.
Tilt/Swivel - If you can purchase a screen which allows you to alter the screen either through tilts or swivel you may be better off. By being able to adjust the display to your working level you should be more comfortable and make better use of the display. Many TFTs only allow for minor changes in the angle often just on a horizontal axis.
Response times - This is another word to not look to deeply at. With TFT's the response time is the TFT version of refresh rates and is the time taken for a pixel to reach maximum brightness. However companies can measure this differently so there is often room for interpretation.
Previously TFTs had response times of 125ms or more and were poor at displaying moving graphics, often it would appear that a ghost or shadow would follow even the mouse cursor on the screen. Now as the technology has matured 12-25ms is the standard. The result is now TFTs can handle movements and games at an expected level and it would be hard to tell the difference between a 12 or 25ms display.
Most screens come with ether an on-site or return to base warranty and depending on the maker either a standard 1 year warranty or a maximum of 3 years. It is worth looking at the terms of the warranty as you are not covered if your new TFT develops one dead pixel. It often depends on the location and amount.
If your screen is your only display or if you use it for business use you should look at an on-site warranty so that if anything did happen a replacement is usually delivered when the other is being returned or looked at.
The return to base method often means you will need to package and return the monitor or wait for it to be collected looked at and then returned which obviously can take time.
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