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Connectivity
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Monitors can be connected to your PC in the following
ways:
15 pin mini D-sub cable
USB cable
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Just as keyboards and the mice have been the traditional way
of inputting information, the monitor or CRT has been the traditional
way of viewing that information.
CRT Technology
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CRT stands for Cathode Ray Tube which is
the same technology used in televisions. CRT's have evolved dramatically
over the past two decades. The first PCs used 9" or 12"
monochrome monitors typically green or amber. As prices of color
televisions came down, the color CRT was also more affordable
and became increasingly popular.
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Today, CRT displays range from 14" to 22" models
in many different model ranges and price ranges. Let look at some of
the characteristics that will be important to you in making a purchasing
decision.
Key Features to Look For
Here are some of the attributes you should research when comparing
monitors.
Viewing Area
If there was ever a reason to heed to the warning "Buyer
Beware", it strongly applies when you purchase CRTs and televisions.
Manufacturers always advertise the size of the monitor slightly
larger than the actual viewing area. For example, the viewing area
of a typical 15" monitor can be between 13.5" to 14.0".
When you are making comparisons between vendor's specifications,
be sure that you are comparing the "viewable area" data
so that you are comparing apples with apples.
Dot Pitch
Dot pitch is another specification attribute whose meaning
was not clear but has been better defined in the past couple of
years. Dot pitch has historically meant the size of the pixel, which
displays a particular color of light. The smaller the dot pitch,
the better the quality of the screen and the easier it is on a person's
eyes. The very early CRTs with a dot pitch of .39mm was brutal to
look at compared to today's standards of .21-.24mm. Today, specifications
measure dot pitch by both horizontal (hdp) and diagonal (ddp) sizes.
On high-resolution monitors, they use a stripe pitch that is
a single band of light rather than a single dot that is used in
dot pitch. These are also known as aperture grills (ag).
Maximum Resolution
Resolution is measured by the number of pixels across and down
the screen. Typical resolutions specs include 640x480, 800x600,
1024x768, 1280x1024, 1600x1200, 1792x1344, 1920x1440 and 2048x1536
and will depend on the monitor size and performance. 1024x768 is
currently considered the standard desktop resolution.
Optimum resolution is the recommended setting for the user
where the image is flicker-free. Pushing the monitor to the maximum
resolution displays more content on the screen but not necessarily
without distortion.
Refresh Rates
Monitor resolution is typically described by a screen size
factor followed by a refresh rate factor, e.g. 1024 x 768 @ 87Hz.
The refresh rate is the number of times a screen image is displayed
or refreshed per second, expressed in Hertz (Hz). In the above example,
the screen is refreshed 87 times in a second.
In North America, 60Hz is the frequency of AC electricity.
Monitors that have a refresh rate set to 60Hz experience a flickering
or pulsing effect resulting in eye fatigue in the long run. Again,
optimum refresh rates are ones that are farther away from 60Hz.
Many CRT refresh rates will vary from 61Hz to 150Hz.
Quality Ranges
Most manufactures will usually have three lines of quality,
catering to consumers' technical requirements and pocketbook:
Value Series
These are lower end monitors that are manufactured for the
price conscience consumer. They will not have the best specs but
are adequate for home or low-end office use.
Graphic Series
These are mid-range monitors that will have lower dot pitches
as well as better color and brightness fidelity. Some models will
have built-in multimedia components like speakers and microphones.
These monitors are better suited for office use where graphic applications
are used constantly.
Pro Series
These are high-end monitors that will have the best resolutions.
These monitors are best suited for CAD/CAM or graphic intensive
applications.
Short Length Technology
Short-length or short-depth monitors are great for locations
where desk space is at a premium. They have a reduced footprint (a "footprint"
is the amount of space a device takes up) where you can place a larger
monitor than normal. For example, a 17" short-depth monitor would
fit into the same depth as a typical 14" monitor.
Pure Flat Technology
Pure-flat technology is a perfectly flat screen from edge to
edge compared to the concave edges of normal screen. The benefit is
less distortion that results in a clearer and crisper display.
LCD Technology
Liquid Crystal Display technology that has been available on
laptops for many years is now available for your desktop at an affordable
price. There are several advantages that LCD panels provide over regular
CRTs:
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Increased desk space due to thin design that can be mounted
on a desk or even on a wall
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Reduced eye strain through a brighter, flicker-free screen
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Reduced electromagnetic radiation and electricity usage
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Key Features to Look For
Some specifications unique to LCDs worth mentioning include:
- Contrast Ratio - the higher the better
- Video Inputs - most LCD panels can support both analog
and digital connections
Examples of Monitors
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Make
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Model
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Supports
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Price
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Special Features
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NEC
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AccuSync 70
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PC or Mac
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$$
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17", .23mm hdp
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Viewsonic
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G70f
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PC or Mac
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$$
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17", .21mm hdp, flat screen
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Viewsonic
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GS790
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PC or Mac
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$$
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19", .22mm hdp, short-depth
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Sony
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DeluxePro 17FD
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PC or Mac
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$$
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17", .24mm ag, flat screen
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Sony
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DeluxePro 15 Flat Panel LCD
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PC or Mac
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$$$
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15" Flat Panel, integrated speakers
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Viewsonic
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VE175
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PC or Mac
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$$$
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17" Flat Panel
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