How to Fix Your Busted Monitor

eyond repair? Here are some things to consider when buying a computer monitor:

Resolution

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)? Confused yet? You’re not alone; buying a computer monitor can be a daunting task for someone who doesn’t understand what any of the above terms mean. Monitors are much more than meets the eye, and while the market may seem oversaturated with seemingly similar monitors, there are key differences that should be noted.
CRT or LCD
Whether a monitor is a CRT or an LCD is the easiest thing to notice when you’re purchasing your monitor, as CRTs often have backs and LCDs are flat. Being flat, LCDs weigh much less than CRT monitors, making them ideal for transportation or for those who need to fit a monitor into a small space. In terms of cost however, the CRT wins hands down as its older technology and less desirable design makes them less sought after. It’s important to note however that LCD monitors come down in price with every breathing moment. One advantage that CRT monitors hold against LCDs is their color rendering ability. Many graphic designers and artists feel that the colors presented with a CRT monitor are of higher quality, which is true in most cases. LCD color quality is quickly improving, however, and it’s hard to tell if the CRTs will hold this advantage much longer.

Response Time

Response time, or refresh rate, refers to the ability of the monitor to update the color that a pixel must represent as quickly as possible. It’s actually so quick that this quality is measured in milliseconds. So why does this concern you, the buyer? Response time is very important for people who’re playing video games, as they require a quick response time, as well as video editors. High response times can cause more than lagging your game though because bad response time is often seen as the cause for image ghosting and blurring.

Your Needs

The most important thing to consider when purchasing a new monitor is what it’s that you actually need. If you play video games then you may want to spend extra time looking for a monitor with a high response time and resolution. On the same note, people who just check their emails need not worry with things like a high response time. It’s also important to note what kind of connection your video card uses and what kind can fit into the back of the monitor. Messing with converters can be annoying!
Photo Credits: binarydreams
Buying a Monitor can seem like a challenge for the computer illiterate, but it’s actually quite easy with a little help. Make sure to talk to a store expert if you find yourself in a jam, and consider your needs so that you do not pay for pointless extra features.