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Choosing a Monitor

The best way to choose a monitor is to match your needs with the size and type. Start by figuring out what your needs are, then put them in a list by priority. Some of the most common criteria are listed below, along with some of the best solutions for your needs. Keep in mind that your needs may be different than the ones listed, and this is only a guideline.

No monitor offers a perfect image, although some high end displays make an effort, you'll see a lot of variance on mainstream monitors, even between two identical models. There are many common issues such as pincushioning, bowing of straight lines, and misalignment of RGB colors. Monitors generally have controls to adjust these problems, but some monitors do a better job in reducing their effects.

Another factor in choosing a monitor is cost. How much should you spend? On average, you will be looking at spending anywhere from $180-$500. The lower the cost, the lower the quality. The range to stay in for a good value monitor is about $200-$250. You can get a decent 17” monitor for this price, which is sufficient for most day to day operations. For a higher end monitor in the 17-22” models, you will be looking to spend anywhere from $250-$500. These models let you work at a higher resolution without sacrificing quality. Some of these models even come with extras such as speakers or a USB hub. If you’re looking for a really high end monitor for presentations or home entertainment, the cost will rise to anywhere between $800-$9,000.

Other Options in Monitors
Some other options out there are PC/TV hybrids, which function as presentation displays or home-entertainment systems. They start at less than $800, but are generally low resolution, about 800x600. They feature bright CRT’s and high quality speaker systems, aimed at displaying TV programs with a similar look to the standard TV. They also function as large presentation devices for PowerPoint slides, but do not do well showing such things as architectural designs to an audience, as they tend to look fuzzy.

You can get high resolution presentation devices, but they generally cost more, at about $2500 for a 29” model. They have built in features, and they also usually have a large array of video source connectors and image quality adjustments. Most of these displays are intended for kiosks and other commercial displays, or for corporate presenters in need of high quality images and an array of video inputs.

Flat panel LCD monitors look great, and tend to have better color, but they are also pricey. The smallest unit is 15”, but still runs at $400 more than its 17” CRT equivalent. These units generally require a compatible graphics adapter, which may or may not be included in the price.

LCD OR CRT?
This brings up the question of ‘should I buy a CRT or an LCD’? This depends on your budget and need. CRTs (which stands for Cathode Ray Tube) are generally cheaper and more flexible. CRT’s also work well at multiple resolutions, in contrast, LCDs have a single optimum resolution. LCDs also don’t let you have control over color-calibration and color-temperature settings. Full-motion video also tends to look better on CRT screens.

On the flip side, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens are much clearer and less intrusive. They weigh less, and take up less space. They don’t have the convergence or focus problems and their clarity makes it easier to view higher resolution on smaller screens. The latest LCDs are also digital, unlike CRTs. That makes for a more accurate color information and pixel placement. The only problem one faces with the digital displays is that most graphics information is still in analog form and has to go through conversion. The good news is that more graphic cards are being built with digital options.

Choose a reliable brand
A warranty is the most important thing in choosing a brand. Of course a three-year warranty is more appealing than a one-year warranty. But, sometimes a solid all-inclusive one-year warranty is worth more than three years of hassling a bad warranty. You have to make sure that your warranty covers such things as replacement parts, do you have to install them yourself? Who pays for shipping on any major repairs? Is that a loaner unit available while yours is being worked on.

Another way to choose a reliable brand is to ask for advice from trusted colleagues. Keep in mind that their experience with a company does not guarantee that our experience will be the same.

So, when it comes to choosing the monitor that’s right for you, it all comes down to the performance you need and the money you are willing to spend.

Helena, Montana

406.495.3525
1 Engineering Place
Helena, Montana 59602

Billings, Montana

406.656.6000
315 N. 25th Street, #102
Billings, Montana 59101

Bozeman, Montana

406.587.0721
901 Technology Boulevard
Bozeman, Montana 59718

Tempe, Arizona

480.517.5800
80 E. Rio Salado Prkwy, #201
Tempe, AZ 85281