A computer monitor is the opening to a PC's soul. Conventionally, they are referred to as Visual Display Unit (VDU) as well as screens. Without it, working on a computer is but a mere illusion. A computer monitor is a device that displays the processing output from the computer. Computer screens have evolved tremendously as technology gains traction, from the ancient Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) to IPS displays.
There are various types of computer monitors, depending on your intended use. They all differ in size, resolution, panel type, and technology. An ideal screen should look great and not break the bank. Follow along as we delve into features to consider when buying a computer monitor and the top screens in the market.
If you’re in the market for a monitor, you should consider several different factors. The first is the display technology involved. There are two main monitor display types; LCD and LED. The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) was incorporated into monitors in the mid-90s. LCD technology entails two glass pieces of housing liquid between them within the computer screen. This liquid relays pixels onto the screen, thus forming an image. LCD screens have high clarity and resolution of about 1080p. The Light Emitting Diodes (LED) displays, on the other hand, use diodes to process images on the screen. They are thinner and use less power than their LCD counterparts.
Akin to televisions, computer screen size is measured diagonally from top left to bottom right. The screen size is measured in inches. There are various screen sizes from 17" to 27" and up. For basic computer applications, go for 20" and below. For intense entertainment, movies, and video processing, 21-26" are optimal. For game lovers, designers, and programmers, large displays of 27” and above are best.
There are various screen resolutions. Monitors will typically max out at one of these levels:
Consider a monitor with versatile connectivity ports and future proof. The conventional VGA port is soon becoming extinct with the advancement in technology. Please pay attention to your current devices, the connection port they have, and availability in the local markets.
HDMI ports are best for HD signal output and are flexible across many devices. They carry both video and audio signals. DVI ports, on the other hand, carry video only and support up to 1920 x 1080p.
The silent majority of monitors in the market have a 60Hz refresh rate. This means they refresh 60 times per second the image on the screen. High refresh rates truncate the image and motion blur on the screen. Consider a monitor with a 144 Hz refresh rate or higher if you are into intense graphics processing or gaming.
There are plenty of great monitors available on the market today. Some of the best include:
