Monitor Upgrade Tips

Monitors are segment where you are truly spoilt for choice.

Be it a 15-inch, 17-inch or 19-inch CRT monitor* or a sleeker range of LCD screens*, there is a variety to fit your budget.

Size & resolution

There are aspects you must think about when selecting a monitor: physical size & resolution.

Screen size is the diagonal screen measurement, usually in inches. For example, a computer monitor display might be 14 inches wide & 11 inches tall. This same screen has a diagonal measurement of 19 inches, which is the screen size.

Monitors also have a side ratio.

This is the ratio between the horizontal dimension & the vertical dimension (horizontal dimension divided by vertical dimension). Common monitor aspect ratios are:3 .3333) &:4 .25).

A:3 aspect ratio means the picture is units wide for every units of height.

Wide screen monitors are simpler on the eye (& far more expensive).

The higher the resolution, the greater the ability to render more detail. In case you work with graphics or enjoy graphic-intensive games, you will need a monitor with higher resolution.

With most currently obtainable models being flat screened, the difference is in the size & picture quality. A resolution of 1024 x 768 is a lovely for most users.

CRT monitors

In the event you have decided to receive a used CRT, make positive it is a sufficiently high refresh rate. This refers to how often the screen is redrawn per second. With low refresh rates you can get screen flicker & eyestrain.

Aim for a rate of 75 Hz for a monitor up to 17 inches in size & 85 Hz for any larger monitor.

Another consideration for CRTs is dot pitch. The smaller the dot pitch, the sharper the picture. Opt for a dot pitch of 0.26 mm or smaller.

CRTs function well at multiple resolutions, can display detailed graphics & can be viewed comfortably from wider angles.

LCD screens

of the primary disadvantages of LCDs when compared to CRTs is their limited viewing angle. When viewing a LCD straight on, it looks great. But the screen will appear washed-out in case you move your head over to the side & look at it from a wider angle.

Also, LCDs are optimized to perform at a single resolution. Low-end LCDs have viewing angles of only 100 degrees, which won't give everyone crowded round your table a clear view.

For a standard 15-inch LCD, try to receive a 140 degree viewing angle. Increase that by 20-40 degrees when shopping for an 18-inch LCD.

The brightness of LCD monitors is an important factor. LCD monitors have several backlights that provide illumination. The backlights in a LCD are lovely for0,000 to 50,000 hours of operation. Be positive that the backlights come with at least a one-year warranty.

*Making a choice*

LCD screens usually cause lesser strain to eyes than CRT monitors.

CRTs have better graphics, but they have an inclination to occupy times as much space.

In case you are a betting freak, then a CRT is a better option as it is best for any graphic interface.

In case you need the sleek look, an LCD is meant for you. It is widely used in banks & treasury & trading rooms.