Shopping tips for computer monitors

By Renate Grimming Dec 4, 2011, 3:06 GMT

Berlin - If you're shopping for a new monitor, you'll find there's something out there for every need and budget. Some of the newest transmit 3D images and are providing competition to televisions.

But don't worry, if you just want to check your email from time to time, there's a basic model out there for you as well.

Indeed, when shopping, much of the choice depends on your planned use of the monitor.

Most screens provide about the same level of quality, so choices will have to be based on questions of the housing, the number and kinds of connections and the types of accessories and services, says Sebastian in het Panhuis, a product manager at Asus.

If you don't average more than three hours at a time in front of the monitor, you're probably OK with a basic model, says Samsung product manager Horst Strobender. Think standard liquid crystal displays with twisted nematic (TN) technology.

These are 'so good today, that you really don't need anything else. They're more than sufficient.'

But if you regularly turn to your computer for gaming, then you should concentrate on a monitor that generates an image more quickly. Here again, TN models are a good choice, since they switch images faster, says Strobender.

Also consider that technology that once used to only be found in professional situations is making its way into the home. That includes panel televisions with IPS technology, which allow more people to see the screen at extreme viewing angles, so everybody can enjoy their movie, says Panhuis.

If you're going to use your computer for watching shows, then 3D capability is almost as important as graphics. There are models out there that make use of FPR polarizing technology from LG, or Nvidia 3D Vision.

A basic pair of 3D glasses works for FPR, but a pair of active shutter glasses is needed for 3D Vision. At about 100 euros (133 dollars), those are significantly more expensive, says Panhuis.

A diagonal screen measuring 22 X 24 inches has become standard today. It's the perfect size for a workspace and delivers a great cost-benefit ratio, says Strobender. But there are also uses for smaller 19-inch screens with a 5:4 format. On the other hand, larger displays often risk people developing neck strain.

A lot of monitors advertise that they offer full HD. But the resolution, 1,920 X 1,080 pixels, only makes sense with 24-inch screens, says Strobender. 'With 22-inch monitors, I'd always advise against HD, since it can make letters, for example, appear very small.'

Then again, if you plan to work primarily in picture developing, then you'll benefit from the enhanced resolution.

Glare displays, which use a reflective interface to make the image look brighter, are generally given a thumbs down by experts, especially if the monitor is to be used for work. 'Reflective panels have no place in offices,' says Strobender. But he says they have their uses when viewing television or playing games.

The longer the user plans to sit in front of the monitor, the more important it becomes to focus on its ergonomic aspects. To be ergonomic, larger monitors almost have to be able to sink behind the desk, an option that is all but unavailable.

Essentially, monitors are much more than computer screens these days, as they have begun to compete with both televisions and gaming consoles. As a bonus, they rarely have compatibility issues, like televisions do, says Strobender.

And Apple has gone a little further, integrating a connection for its new Thunderbolt system into its monitor. This would theoretically allow data transfers at 20 times the speed of USB. However, the verdict is still out on Thunderbolt, which only seems to work between Apple devices for now.