Latency
Latency is a feature of flat panel monitors. This occurs when there is a lag in the rate at which the LCD screen refreshes itself. Latency is more of a concern to computer graphics designers, gamers, and people who like to watch full length DVDs on their computer. An example of latency would be to hear the scene in the movie change before you actually see the characters actually appear on the screen. It is best to select a LCD monitor with a latency of eight milliseconds or less.
Computer Monitor Maintenance
There are many ways to ensure your computer monitor continues to work efficiently. General guidelines for caring for your monitor include:
¡¤ Disconnecting it from its power source when it is not in use.
¡¤ Not placing heavy items on top of the monitor
¡¤ Not placing the monitor directly in the sun or allowing fluorescent lights to shine on it.
¡¤ Using a soft cloth to remove dust from the screen and the back of the monitor.
¡¤ Making sure the power cord is tucked away safely.
¡¤ Making sure the monitor is well ventilated.
Wireless Monitors
Wireless technology increased ten-fold in its popularity. The latest monitors available that make use of wireless technology using a 802.11b/g adapter to transmit information from your computer to the screen.
The advantage of using a wireless monitor is the portability it gives the user to be able to use the monitor anywhere with the home or workplace. Using a wireless connection also ensures that you do not have to buy cables to connect to the computer.
The Energy Star Program
Using an Energy Star monitor to help you save on your utility bill and help the environment.
When shopping for a monitor, it is now popular to select one that is in compliance with the Energy Star program. Compliance with the Energy Star program means the monitor adheres to the standards set forth by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Computer equipment adhering to these standards can help you reduce the amount of electricity consumed by 60% or more.
The Energy Star program logo was first introduced in 1992 as a guide for consumers to see computer companies that produced equipment that was environmentally friendly. Since its introduction, over 30 different products have been added to the Energy Star program.
Color Depth
The color depth of various monitors can be explained using the display mode supported by your graphics card. This will establish how many colors the monitor can display, based on the number of binary digits or bits used to described the pixels referred to as the bit depth. The color depth ranges from one bit depth of color all the way up to a 32-bit depth of color. So if the monitor you are shopping for is described as a 32-bit display, this would it is capable of producing between 16,000,000-17,000,000 colors that the eyes can detect, whereas a 'one bit' display is referred to as monochrome and produces only two colors.
Selecting the Right Size
When choosing a computer monitor, usually bigger really is better. This is especially true when shopping for LCD monitors, especially if you have the desk space big enough to support a large monitor. The advantage of purchasing a large size monitor is the ability to view text and graphics on the screen more clearly.
The screen size that can be viewed will vary based on the size of computer monitor selected. The viewable screen size for a CRT is determined by measuring the distance diagonally from the outer edges of the computer monitor including its casing. However, the viewable screen size for a LCD monitor is determined by measuring diagonally the inner edges of the computer monitor without its casing. The most common size of computer monitors range from 15-24 inches for desktops, and 12-17 inches for laptops.
VGA and DVI cables
There are generally two ways in which to attach your new computer monitor. CRT monitors still depend on a VGA connection to attach to the computer. This analog connection uses a VGA cable, which attaches to the back of the computer and the back of the monitor. Some LCD monitors also used VGA cables to attach to the computer tower.
A second way in which to attach your new computer monitor to the computer is by using a DVI connector. A DVI connection transmits information between the monitor and computer using a digital format.
The Disadvantages of Cathode Ray Tubes
Compared to liquid crystal display monitors, cathode ray tube monitors are usually attached to desktop computers whereas LCDs are used in laptops. However, the new brand of flat panel LCDs make it possible to attach your desktop tower to a flat panel LCD monitor. Usually, CRTs are bulky, heavier, and take up more desk space than a flat panel LCD. CRTs are still used by quite a number of people because they can be purchased at an inexpensive price.
Have a Price in Mind Before Shopping
It is important to have a price in mind for your computer monitor before you go shopping for a new monitor. An average sized CRT monitor, which is 17-19 inches, can be purchased for an affordable price of $100, while an average sized flat panel monitor can be purchased for $200-$600.
If the monitor being purchased is mainly for simple tasks such as word processing or surfing the Internet, an average size monitor should be enough. However, for playing games, designing graphics, or watching full-length videos, consider a high-end flat panel monitor.
Shopping For a New Computer Monitor
There are two main ways in which to shop for a new computer monitor: at a computer store or on the Internet. Where you choose to shop will depend on your personal preference and how skilled you are at choosing a computer monitor. Some people who have never purchased a computer monitor before prefer to visit a computer store to examine the product they are buying, whereas others who have owned have previously owned a computer monitor like the convenience of being able to shop online.
Refresh Rates
For monitors such as CRTs, the refresh rate is a measurement of how many times it takes to refresh the screen¡¯s image during a one second interval. The refresh rate is measured in Hertz (Hz) and a common refresh rate is 72 Hz, meaning it the computer monitor would refresh the screen¡¯s image 72 times per second.
It is necessary to consider the refresh rate when shopping for a new monitor, because the refresh rate is directly related to the amount of flickering on a computer monitor. If the monitor¡¯s refresh rate is too slow, then flickering of the screen¡¯s image will be apparent. The refresh rate is closely tied to the resolution as well, in such a way that the refresh rate will limit the resolution for your monitor.
Cathode Ray Tubes
There are generally two types of monitors available on the market these days. The most common type of computer monitor is the CRT, or the cathode ray tube, versus the LCD monitor. The cathode ray tube monitor works to produce a picture in a way similar to the picture produced by your television set. The CRT functions by heating an electron beam and firing it at phosphor located within glass tubing. The phosphor will produce a range of colors such as green, blue, or red is detected on the screen. CRTs are ideal to view videos and design graphics.
How Important is Resolution?
An important component to consider when shopping for monitors is their resolution. The resolution can be defined as the number of pixels per inch (ppi) located in columns and rows on the monitor screen.
A 15-17 inch CRT and 15 inch LCD will have a XGA resolution of 1024x768,. A Super XGA will have a resolution of 1280x1024 for a 15-17 inch CRT and 17-19 inch LCD. A 19-inch CRT and LCD will have Ultra XGA with a resolution of 1600x1200.
A CRT monitor will have a ppi of 1024x768 as an average resolution. A CRT monitor is capable of multiple resolutions based the various pixel sizes it supports. For example, a resolution of 1024x768 would also be able to support a lower resolution of 800x600.
These various resolutions are unique to CRT monitors, whereas flat panel monitors will only work well at one particular resolution.