Money Matters

• Monitors can exceed the life span of any other computer part. So, buy the best monitor that you can afford.
• LCD monitors are space savers because they are generally thin compare to the bigger CRT. But LCD is more expensive than CRT. It is up to you, the consumer, who will decide which is better

Specifications

• On today’s standards, a 15-inch monitor is good enough for basic viewing. But if you can afford between 17" and 19" or even a 21" you can see a much-detailed and fuller view than a 14" monitor.
• Remember that when you buy a 15-inch monitor it does not mean that it has a 15" diagonal viewable screen.
  • The formula: 
    Monitor Size – 1 inch = Actual Viewable Screen
• It must have at least 0.27mm dot pitch or below.
• The flatter the screen, the better.
• Choose a monitor having 4 sharp corner edges and not rounded corners.

Compatibility and Compliance

• Choose Plug N’ Play monitors.
• See if there’s a "Designed for Microsoft Windows" logo for a better integration with Windows.
• Monitors that complies with an "Energy Star" symbol means that it has low power consumption.
• See if it passes VESA 2.0 (or later) compliance test so that it may not interfere with other electrical devices such as TVs and radios.

Aside from these tips, test the monitor that you’ve bought in the store before taking it at home. Many computer shops replace the one that you choose with a second hand or slight defective one before they give it to the buyers.

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• Designed for Microsoft Windows logo program
• Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA)