Finding the right monitor that best suits your needs can have a large impact on your computing experience. This guide highlights key features you need to consider when looking for your next monitor.
Display Types
Computer monitors have a variety of different display types with their own strengths and weaknesses.-
LCD (liquid-crystal display)
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LED (light-emitting diode)
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IPS (in-plane switching)
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Touchscreen
Touchscreen monitors are popular for home entertainment and multipurpose use. You can swipe through photos, play touch-based games and tap tiles to launch apps. If you're planning to buy a touch-screen monitor, look for smooth movement as you swipe; enough glass on the edge to make it easier to swipe in from the side; and the ability to move the display into different positions for comfort, easier reach.
Screen Size
if you've got the space and budget, the bigger the size the is better. Monitors are measured diagonally in inches (an inch is about 2.54cm).-
20” and under:
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21”-26”:
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27” and up:
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Widescreen and Ultrawide Monitors
Almost all monitors today are widescreen, which are better for viewing large spreadsheets, having multiple apps open at the same time and keeping your desktop's sidebar open while searching the Web. They're also perfect for movies and gaming. Widescreen monitors have a 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio. Ultrawide monitors have a 21:9 aspect ratio. They make it easier than ever to view multiple documents at the same time or place multiple browsers side by side, and offer an immersive gaming experience.
Resolution
A monitor's resolution refers to the number of picture elements, or pixels, that make up an image. More pixels means finer detail. The resolution is measured in the number of pixels per surface unit (given in linear inches). It is abbreviated DPI, for Dots Per Inch.-
HD (1366x768) and HD+ (1600x900)
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Full HD (1920x1080)
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Quad HD (2560x1440)
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4k Ultra HD (3840x2160)
Currently the highest resolution monitors currently available. Offering 4 times as many pixels as 1080p, Make sure your computer can support your new monitor, especially if you're upgrading to Quad HD or 4K Ultra HD or you won't have the best picture quality. You might need to update your computer or graphics card.
Display quality
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Response Time
The response time indicates how quickly the screen can its image. Superfast response times such as 2 ms or less reduce ghosting and blurring in fast moving movies and games. - Contrast
- Expressed as a ratio, this is a measure of the difference between the brightest white and the deepest black. A higher contrast ratio can produce images that are more vivid and punchy. Manufacturers measure this in different ways so comparison is tricky.
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Brightness
A bright screen is important if you're working in a brightly lit room. A typical brightness level is 250 cd/m2 but if you are working in a sunny room, look for a brightness level of 350 cd/m2 or higher. You can also control an LCD's brightness with buttons or on-screen controls. -
Viewing angle
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Refresh rate
Refresh rate is how many times per second your computer refreshes the image onscreen. Faster refresh rates reduce motion blur for smother pictures.
Connectors
The outputs from your computer need to match the inputs of the display so that you connect them. You may also wish to plug in your smartphone, camera and other devices.- HDMI
- DisplayPort
- DVI (digital visual interface)
- USB ports
Extras
- Built in webcam for video chats.
- Speakers for Skype, videos, music and other audio activities.
- Microphone