The Best Way to Choose a Computer Monitor Part 2

Choose a Computer Monitor to Fit Your Needs - Part 2

While your monitor has a huge impact on your computing experience, the multitude of performance indicators can be confusing.  Last week I reviewed some of the primary factors that you should consider when shopping for a new display, including screen size, components effecting clarity and pairing with the right graphics card. If you missed it, check it out here: www.callnerds.com/choose-a-computer-monitor-part-1/


Yet there are even more factors that cause one monitor to cost $150 while another is $900.  While I can’t stress strongly enough the benefits of seeing first-hand how a monitor performs and produces images before you buy it, if you have to purchase sight-unseen it’s important to know what the technical specifications mean and how they’re likely to impact your visual experience.

There are two main display types you’ll likely choose between: LED (light emitting diode) and LCD (liquid crystal display).  LCD crystals require light be passed through them to display images so the entire backside of the panel is lit.  LED is actually an LCD panel, but with a different kind of light source.  LED diodes transmit light more efficiently so they’re typically edge-lit (LED lights run around the edge of the panel).

LEDs offer better color contrast (blacker blacks and whiter whites) than LCDs.  They are easier on the eyes than a fully back-lit LCD, require less power, run cooler and are usually lighter and thinner.  Expect to pay $40-$50 more for LED than a comparably sized LCD.

There are three main types of monitors, each with strengths and weaknesses.

Twisted Nematic (TN) panels are the most common and least expensive.  They have the highest refresh rates, an important consideration for online gaming.  However, narrow viewing angles cause colors to appear washed-out if you're looking at them from any other angle than straight-on and details can be washed out, particularly when outside the relatively small optimum viewing area.  Prices start at about $150 for a basic 24” TN monitor.

Multi-domain Vertical Alignment (MVA) and Patterned Vertical Alignment (PVA) are the more mid-grade options when it comes to price, starting at around $275 for a 23” screen.  They have significantly better color reproduction than TN monitors, meaning they offer higher maximum brightness and lower black levels – an important consideration for graphic design and photo or video editing.  Viewing angles are significantly better than TN technology.  Unfortunately, their response time is slower and they tend to be thicker dimensionally than a TN display.

In-Plane-Switching (IPS) displays are considered to be the high-end of the monitor spectrum and carry the highest price points, although small screens can be quite reasonable.  Tablet PCs typically incorporate IPS display technology.  Color reproduction and supported viewing angles are excellent - colors remain accurate and don’t change or shift even when viewing from an odd angle, so they're ideal for graphic designers.  Besides higher price, the primary drawback is that they often suffer from slow response time and can lag when images are displayed - a deal breaker for an online gamer.

To give you an idea of price variance, the ASUS VS239H-P 23” IPS monitor (http://usa.asus.com/Display/LCD_Monitors/VS239HP/) is about $170 while Dell’s UltraSharp U2713HM 27” monitor (www.dell.com/ed/business/p/dell-u2713hm/pd) is a higher-end LED IPS display that will set you back about $700.

Samsung recently developed a new panel technology, Plane-to-line Switching (PLS), that marries the wider viewing angle supported by IPS monitors with the higher brightness and color contrast offered by MVA and PVA displays.  They still display slower than TN panels, but their power consumption is low and production cost is cheaper than IPS. Samsung’s 27” SyncMaster S27A850D (www.samsung.com/hk_en/consumer/computer-peripherals/monitors/commercial/LS27A850DS/XK?subsubtype=sa650-and-sa850-led) starts at around $800.

Stay tuned next week for the newest monitor bells and whistles: 3-D and touchscreen.

The Best Way to Choose a Computer Monitor Part 1

Choose a Computer Monitor to Fit Your Needs - Part 1

Your computer’s monitor can make or break your ability to work comfortably, enjoy high quality media and efficiently manage multiple processes simultaneously.   Yet many users choose their monitor based on what’s included in a package deal, or opt for the largest screen available within their budget.  While size does matter, there are several other factors to consider before choosing the screen you’ll be staring at for hours on end.


Before you get seduced by a 32” widescreen behemoth, keep in mind that the screen will likely be a few feet away from your face.  Make sure your desk big enough to handle that much viewing area without overwhelming your available space.

Remember when mom and dad warned you not to sit too close to the TV because it would hurt your eyes and give you a headache?   Sitting too close to a screen that’s a smidge too large may lead to eye strain.  If you’re going to be using the system for work and surfing the net, most find that 21-29” is ideal, depending on the distance between the screen and chair afforded by your desk.

There are additional factors that become more important when you increase the size of your screen.  Resolution (how many pixels there are on the screen) and pixel pitch (the distance between pixels) are the primary determinants of image clarity.  Think of pixels as tiny boxes that change color in order to formulate an image.  The more pixels per square inch on the screen, the sharper the image.  A low resolution on a large screen will equate to blurry image.  Smaller pixel pitch offers higher clarity.

The graphics card in your computer determines the quality of information that is sent to your monitor and the speed at which it’s delivered.  An older or low-end graphics card paired with a new, top-of-the-line monitor will decrease the monitor’s performance and compromise the clarity of image produced on the screen.  This means that most basic PC owners won’t get the full value of a super high resolution, large screen monitor without upgrading their computer’s graphics processing capabilities.

If you’re upgrading your monitor but not your PC, check the connection ports on your graphics card.  Digital Visual Interface (DVI) used to be very commonplace, but more monitors are dropping them in favor of High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connections.  Both support the data transfer required to watch high definition video, but DVI cables have pins that can get bent, require a separate audio connection for sound (HDMI transmits graphics and sound together) and lack default support for HDCP encryption (which may limit your ability to watch all HD content or blu-ray disks).  You can purchase a DVI to HDMI adapter, but it’s best to go with a monitor that offers multiple connection options.

DisplayPort connections are considered to be "up and coming."  They have a higher bandwidth (meaning they can transfer a larger “packet” of data at once) than DVI and HDMI.  These may be significant in the future, but haven’t taken off yet so don't worry if your monitor-of-choice doesn't support DisplayPort.

It’s very important to consider warranty when purchasing a monitor.  Most issues will be present right away, or appear within the first few months of use.  Make sure the monitor you choose has at least a 90-day, money back guarantee and a return policy free of restocking fees.  Parts-and-labor coverage should continue for another two to three years.  Read the fine print to confirm that there is coverage for the backlight and defective pixels.

Not all LCDs are created equal.  Stay tuned next week for all you need to know about different LCD options and new monitor technology like touchscreen and 3D capabilities.