Comments on: How can you tell the difference between a good flat screen computer monitor and a bad one? ?

By: jf

jf — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 04:25:59 +0000

Definitely do not get a used one. You don't know how much wear and tear is one them or how they were treated. It might work out for you, but could be a big risk. Unless you're getting something that has a full warranty still attached (like say from the Apple Refurbished store).

If you can, look for a 23 or 24 inch one with full HD resolution (1920×1080). That gives you some really good options to work with then. And if it has HDMI in, then you're really in good shape (but that's not necessary, just not bad to have if you can afford one with it).

I would check out Dell for when they have sales. Dell seems to always have some model on sale. So wait for one of the lower end ones to go on sale and snag it. There was a Days of Dell last week that had a 23" 1920×1080 one for only $170. But you need to be patient and check back frequently.

The shorter the response time the better. But if you can get 5/6ms or less (less is better) than I think you're in good shape. Some will be as good as like 2ms, but I don't think that's super necessary for most needs (but if you find one you like and can afford with that, go for it).

Then look at contrast ratios (bigger is better). And look for real contrast ratios. If it says Dynamic Contrast Ratio, well that's just fun marketing, it doesn't give you a good sense of what you're really getting.
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By: Prospero

Prospero — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 04:17:59 +0000

All you really need to do is to concentrate on FOUR facts before you take the plunge and buy a flat screen monitor:

1. Refresh speed (important if you play games). The lower the better. Most are 5 ms. Anything above that is too slow.

2. Resolution. The higher the better. Anything at 1280 x 1024 is decent. Higher numbers will be sharper but again this will depend on the highest resolution your own video card can display. It is useless to get 1200 X 1900 if your card cannot display that.

3. Size of screen. Beteen 20" and 25" is a nice size.

4. Acer seem to produce some of the least expensive flat screens.

The best thing is to look at them at a store with the above criteria in mind.
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By: Peter K

Peter K — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 03:50:59 +0000

I wouldn't touch a second hand flat screen monitor unless I tried it. If there is a problem the usual answer is to throw it away and get a new one.

If you are going for games then the bigger the better. If you are doing serious photographic work then make sure that your monitor is a genuine 8 or 10 colour bits per pixel.

The last Dell monitor I saw was 6 bits although you have to hunt really hard to find out that information. Great for games and word processing but for photography it *really* is unacceptable.
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By: Mercuri

Mercuri — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 03:41:59 +0000

A good LCD monitor won't have ghosting, will have true 24 bit or 32 bit color, high contrast, and a fast response time. For best results, go to the store and compare them yourself with your own eyes.
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By: Billy K

Billy K — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 03:26:59 +0000

get a new one any lcd tv will work also if you want a big one
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