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How to Buy a New Computer Monitor

Buying a new computer monitor doesn't have to be hard. When I started to write this article I thought about all the different things that I might want to tell you. But in reality monitors are made so well these days there's only a few things you need to consider. Please read below the key points of looking for a new monitor and watch the video and you will understand all you need to know about buying your new computer monitor.

Size: What size monitor will work for you is a very personal choice. Monitors go from anywhere from 20 inches to sky's the limit really, okay not the sky but about 80 inches. That's right 80 inches for this reason that computer monitors are not just for computers anymore. Most any new LCD or LED TV can work as a computer monitor and they sell them up to 80 inches in size. Now let's not get carried away, we will talk about mainly the smaller 20" to 27" monitors. The monitor has to fit how you use your computer. If you set a computer desk and are no more than 2 1/2 feet from the monitor, then I recommend not purchasing one larger than about 24 inches. I have found through experience if you have a monitor larger than 24 inches a set up close it's like watching a tennis match. You keep moving your head from left to right to find everything on the screen. Now if you have the bad eyesight a larger monitor may be a better choice. Look at your current monitor and judge whether it works for you ir not. Sometimes bigger is just bigger not better.

Resolution: Most monitors today look quite well, but some of the cheaper models save money by using a lower resolution screen. Resolution is the amount of dots per inch both vertical and horizontal that give you a good picture. High-definition monitors are 1920 x 1080 is resolution, some mid range a 1600 x 900 and the smaller cheaper ones are 1366 x 768. Go with the high end if you can and use the mid range for a cheap monitor and stay away for the cheap 1266 x 768. You are only saving about $ 10 by going cheap and its never with it. Check out the video at the bottom of the page to learn more.

LCD Vs LED. The difference between LCD and LED, well I'm not going to spend a lot of time on this. LCD is the older technology in a stands for liquid crystal display, this has been a standard for many years on flat screens. The newer LED or light emitting diode, screens have a faster refresh rate which means cleaner, sharper picture especially when things are moving quickly on the screen. If at all possible always buy an LED screen if you can. In this case the newer technology is that much better.

Glossy Vs Matte Finish: Screens come in two different types of finish on the screen, matte or glossy. Matte finishes are great because they don't glare much, but the pictures not quite as bright. Some manufactures that use cheaper screens will use a glossy finish to make the screen look brighter. If you use your computer where there's lots of natural light you may want to consider a matte finish. Glossy screens are nice and they look better but you can get a lot of glare if you have a lot of natural light. Please think of this when you're looking for your perfect monitor.

Mounting the Monitor: Most monitors come with their own stand and will sit on a desktop or a table. Most monitors made today also come with a built-in bracket on the back so they can be mounted on a wall or swing-arm If this is possibility or option that you might want to use, please consider this when buying your monitor.

Dual View: When purchasing your new monitor your many want to use two or three monitors at one time. Many newer computer's will support two or more monitors right out of the box Many new monitors have slim sides are great for using it dual view mode. If you like to take 2 smaller monitors to make one larger monitor please consider the size of the bezel, or the black area on the side, and how look when you try to put the two monitors together to make one. There are certain models that have very small bezels on the side and are made especially for making video walls or using as dual or quad monitors. They don't always cost a whole lot more, so consider if you ever want to use it in a dual mode them I want to make sure you have a small bezel on the side and a mounting bracket on the back.

Connections: Make sure you have the right connectors on your computer and the monitor. Not all monitors support all connectors. The video explains this better than I can in writing words.

Warranty: Let me talk a minute about warranty, you get what you pay for, most new monitors of any value will have a least a three-year warranty on parts and labor. Always check the warranty of your new monitor before you purchase it. Spending an extra $20 or $30 bucks to get three year warranty is a lot better than buying a great deal for one year.

There you have it some of the things you might want to consider when buying a monitor please watch the video below I will go over each of these little more detail. Watch the video a few times until you have a sound understanding of what the real cost of the monitor is so you can make an informed choice.

WATCH THIS VIDEO TO LEARN A LOT MORE ABOUT HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR NEW MONITOR  

Check out Newegg.com they have hundreds of Monitors to choose from and detailed specifications on each.


Once You Know, You Newegg           Buy.com          
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