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How do I Choose the Best Computer Monitor?

Felicia Dye
Felicia Dye

When you think about purchasing a computer monitor, you are considering an important piece of equipment. If you spend a lot of time on your computer, this means that you may spend numerous hours per day looking at this item. You should, therefore, be sure to choose a computer monitor that you really like. Some things you should consider are screen size, resolution, and adjustability.

At one time, computer monitors offered limited movement but this has changed. You can get a monitor that moves vertically, horizontally, and tilts. If you are active while working, you may want to consider investing in a computer monitor with good adjustability. This also can be a wise consideration if you share your computer with others so that everyone can place the screen in a position that is comfortable.

Size is a major factor when choosing a computer monitor.
Size is a major factor when choosing a computer monitor.

The size of your computer monitor is another important thing to consider. If you will spend large amounts of time working on your computer, you may want to consider a larger monitor. This will reduce the strain on your eyes. It can also help you to control your posture. The smaller the screen, the more likely you are to hunch over or to slouch.

You may also want to consider a large computer monitor if you are in the habit of having numerous windows open on your desktop. A small screen can be rather restrictive in this regard because your windows will overlap. With a larger screen, however, you will have space to view and work with many windows at once.

Those who spend long periods of time using a computer can keep from straining their eyes by using a large monitor.
Those who spend long periods of time using a computer can keep from straining their eyes by using a large monitor.

A computer monitor with wide screen dimensions does not have to take up a lot of space. If you want something compact, then you may want to consider a flat-panel, liquid-crystal display (LCD). These are generally flat in the back, meaning that they will give you the screen space that you need without taking up excessive amounts of desk space. You may even be able to hang such a monitor, giving you even more desk space.

Digital eye strain and headaches are becoming more common among children and teens who play computer games.
Digital eye strain and headaches are becoming more common among children and teens who play computer games.

If you deal with images or graphics, you should consider the computer monitor’s resolution. This refers to how sharp the items on the screen will appear. Resolution is normally expressed in terms that look like a multiplication problem. For example, you may see 1089 x 890. The larger these numbers are, the better the detail that is generally available.

You can get maximum visual quality with a high-definition computer monitor. These are likely to be more expensive than other options, but they may be worth the cost. This is especially true if you use your computer for gaming or watching programs. Certain professionals such as photographers and graphic designers also find such screens to be preferable.

Two other things that you may want to consider are your audio visual needs. Many people do not consider these things when they are shopping for computer monitors. As a result they end up purchasing speakers and Webcams separately. If you know that you will need these things, compare the prices of computer monitors that have them built-in against the prices of monitors and these accessories individually.

Discussion Comments

Rotergirl

I'm a veteran of the very first Gameboys, so a small screen isn't a problem for me, but I think one big aspect of getting the best computer monitor is brightness. You have to have a bright screen to see well.

Most of the work I do is data entry type stuff. I don't program or anything. It's really all keyboarding and accuracy is paramount, so I need to be able to see what I'm doing, and see it clearly.

Pippinwhite

The biggest revolution in monitors has to be the transition from CRT units to LCD monitors. They take up so much less space and they are lighter, and more energy efficient.

I like a larger monitor. I don't understand the people who squint at tablets and notebooks all day. I can't do it. I like a decent-sized monitor that will show things large enough that I'm not straining my eyes any more than they are strained already by having to sit at a computer all day.

I have an iPhone, but I don't stare at it all day. Too small.

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    • Size is a major factor when choosing a computer monitor.
      By: smotrivnebo
      Size is a major factor when choosing a computer monitor.
    • Those who spend long periods of time using a computer can keep from straining their eyes by using a large monitor.
      By: Voyagerix
      Those who spend long periods of time using a computer can keep from straining their eyes by using a large monitor.
    • Digital eye strain and headaches are becoming more common among children and teens who play computer games.
      By: emde71
      Digital eye strain and headaches are becoming more common among children and teens who play computer games.