Guide to Pricing and Costs of Monitors

It is easy to find the right display monitor to fit any company's budget

By M. Krasniak, Freelance Writer/Editor

Action Steps for Monitors
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Outfit your office with high-tech plasma computer monitors and get the greatest picture available

Plasma computer monitors are some of the most expensive monitors on the market. These monitors have the best picture and the largest number of sizes available, which practically guarantees you will be able to find the perfect size for your office's needs. The technology behind these computer monitors and displays is new, so that is one of the major reasons for the expensive price tag. As with all electronics, the price for these high-definition monitors will probably go down over time.

I recommend: The CDW website features these Panasonic plasma monitors that range in price from about $1,000 up to about $7,300. Look on PCMAG.COM for a large selection of the latest in plasma displays. They range in price from around $700 up to around $15,000.

Enjoy the convenience and extra desk space you get with LCD monitors

As with the plasma computer displays, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitors have the convenience of a slim design and are lightweight, while providing an excellent picture. This type of computer display screen has been around longer than the plasma screen, so there is an LCD monitor to fit every company's budget.

I recommend: Compuvest sells this particular Samsung LCD computer monitor for around $300. Shop on the PCNation website to get great deals on LCD monitors that range in price from around $100 all the way up to around $43, 500.

Take advantage of a low-cost CRT monitor when your office needs a run-of-the-mill computer display

If you're looking for a common, low-cost solution to your computer monitor needs, then look no further than Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitors. These types of computer monitors are the lowest-priced monitors on the market. You get what you pay for, though. A CRT monitor is bulky, heavy and much larger than a plasma or LCD monitor, so chances are you will lose a significant amount of desk space. But if finding a low-cost monitor to outfit your entire office is your main concern, then a CRT monitor fits the bill.

I recommend: The Monitor Outlet website offers CRT displays in a variety of sizes in prices that range from around $100 to about $140. Check out the Newegg website because it sells this handy CRT monitor for around $125.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider asking your computer monitor suppliers if they have any used or refurbished display monitors for sale. Even though a computer monitor is older and used, it doesn't mean that it won't work well or it can't do the job you need and expect from a computer display.

Guide to Buying a Computer Monitor

Ways to screen out the best and clearest monitors

By Lynn Walford, Freelance Writer Copywriter Owner, Freelance Writer Now

1. Reduce energy costs.
2. Reduce eyestrain.
3. Save scrolling time for wide spreadsheets or graphics viewing.
4. Improve productivity.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Beware of CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors

Sure, CRT monitors may save you some cash initially, but they have some serious disadvantages. They tend to be heavier, they take up more desk space, they’re more tiring on your eyes, and they hog more energy than other models. That’s why they appear to be headed for extinction. For years, graphics pros have preferred CRTs for their color fidelity, but LCD models are catching up in this arena.

I recommend: If you’re set on a CRT, you can find them at SuperWarehouse.com.

Consider an LCD monitor

Liquid crystal display monitors are thin, lightweight, energy-efficient, flat-screen computer monitors that are slightly more expensive than CRT monitors, but may be worth the extra cost thanks to several advantages. LCD monitors are brighter and produce excellent text, which lessens eyestrain. If you’re in a graphics or photo-related business, you can now find LCDs with calibrating tools that allow you to match colors exactly, but note that these are usually high-end models.

I recommend: Check out CNET’s top picks for LCDs for business users and LCDs for graphics pros. Find links to LCD monitor vendors at Business.com.

Choose an energy-saving computer monitor

The average LCD monitor consumes one-half to two-thirds less energy than the average CRT monitor. And because LCDs produce less heat, they can reduce the air conditioning costs for your office. For major savings, choose an Energy Star monitor that consumes up to 85% less energy than standard monitors.

I recommend: Search for Energy Star qualified monitors by brand, display type or size. These money-saving monitors also enable Monitor Power Management (MPM), which puts the monitor into a low power sleep mode when inactive.

Size matters

Monitors are measured diagonally from corner to corner, like televisions. LCD monitors have a native (fixed) resolution at which the display looks best. A 15-inch LCD has a 1024 by 768 pixel native resolution, while most 17- 19-inch models use a 1280 by 1024 native resolution. Although you can display other resolutions on LCDs, they may not be as clear as the native resolution. Entry-level business monitors should be at least 17 inches. For workers who spend most of their time working at their computer, 19 inches is preferred. In general, it is best to get the biggest monitor you can afford that fits on your desk. Many monitors have built-in speakers, which also saves desk space. The wide-screen format is best for working in large spreadsheets.

I recommend: At TigerDirect.com, monitors are listed by size so you can easily zero in on what you need. PC Connection has drop down menus that allow you search by display size, manufacturer and price.

Test drive computer monitors at local stores

The best you can tell if you like the images on a monitor is to see it in person. Be sure to evaluate both text and graphics on any monitor you’re considering.

I recommend: Go to your local Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA, Office Depot, Staples, OfficeMax or find a local computer vendor via ShopLocal, where you can search for “monitor” according to your zip code. If you plan on using a computer monitor filter or screen, consider that when you're shopping.

Shop for the best prices

The Web has many tools to allow you to pinpoint the best prices for monitors. Remember, if you buy online, there is the added cost of shipping and handling. Always review return policies before making a purchase online.

I recommend: If you have decided on specific brand and model of computer monitor, sites such as PriceGrabber, NextTag and Shopping.com will help locate the lowest price for that specific monitor. If you want to find the best deals and you are flexible in the brand of monitor you want, visit TechBargains and PriceWatch.

Save space with flat panel monitors

Flat panel display monitors are becoming more popular all the time, both for their own aesthetically pleasing dimensions and because they save valuable desk space.

I recommend: Best Buy for Business offers a number of flat panel monitors. Other vendors can be found on Business.com flat panel monitor page.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure the monitor connector matches your computer's connector.
• •  Make sure your new computer monitor displays in the native resolution you like to use and is compatible with your video card and driver.
• •  Keep the monitor box, foam and receipts, manual and warranty stored in a safe place. Monitors are fragile, and many manufacturers will not accept a returned monitor unless it is packed in its original box and packaging.
• •  Avoid eyestrain by adjusting your computer monitor to the proper height and angle and keeping it clean.
• •  Avoid using common household chemicals or abrasive wipes (or cloths) to clean LCD monitors which may destroy the surface. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning methods.

Guide to Monitors Basics

Figure out the best type of display monitors for your office's needs

By M. Krasniak, Freelance Writer/Editor

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Stay with tradition and utilize CRT display monitors

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitors are the 'traditional' computer monitors and displays that people have been using for many years. These computer monitors are the largest and the heaviest of all of the monitor types. Because of the space requirements, many offices have moved away from this type of monitor to make more room on desks and tables. They are phasing out this type of monitor in favor of one of the newer technologies.

I recommend: UpgradeNation.com can hook you up with the right CRT monitor for your needs such as this one. Look to ViewSonic when you are in the market for a new CRT monitor.

Take back your desk space with the slim design of an LCD computer display

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitors are one of the newest types of computer displays used in businesses today. LCD monitors are slimmer than CRT monitors are, so take up less space, leaving more room on desks for other items. They are also significantly lighter than your traditional computer monitor. An LCD computer display screen has a clearer, sharper picture.

I recommend: The Super Warehouse website displays many LCD monitors to choose from in all price ranges. Check out Geeks.com for a great selection of LCD monitors.

Spoil yourself and your employees with a high-definition plasma computer display screen

A plasma display monitor is some of the newest computer monitor technology. While very similar to an LCD screen in that it is lightweight, flat and more compact, plasma computer monitors and displays offer up the sharpest picture and often the highest price tag. Business owners who want to purchase a larger computer display will usually buy a plasma screen monitor because they tend to have a greater range of sizes than any other type of screen.

I recommend: The B & H Foto & Electronics website has a huge selection of plasma monitors in many sizes and prices. Look on the PC Connection website the next time you are in the market for a new plasma display.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you locate the best computer monitor providers for your needs, inquire about quantity discounts. Chances are, if you are refreshing all of your office monitors, they will work with you to knock some money off each unit.

Guide to Monitors Key Terms

Learn the terminology for computer monitors

By Jamie Belanger, Computer Technician & Marketing, 1-800-905-GEEK (Geeks on Call)

Action Steps
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CRT, or cathode ray tube

A CRT, or cathode ray tube, monitor was the old standard in the computer industry. It creates images using a beam of electrons projected through a large glass tube. Large screen sizes were supported by ever larger cathode ray tubes, making these monitors extremely heavy and bulky.

I recommend: WiseGEEK tells you everything you need to know about CRT monitors.

LCD, or liquid crystal display, also known as flat-panel display

LCD, or liquid crystal display, monitors are quickly replacing CRT monitors as the standard. They are also known as flat-panel displays. LCD monitors create images by shining light through polarized glass and liquid crystals. LCD offers several advantages over CRT, including less power consumption, smaller size and lighter weight.

I recommend: Learn LCD basics at ENERGY STAR. You can track energy savings with the LCD savings calculator.

Digital connection versus analog connection

There are two main ways of connecting your monitor to your desktop: a digital connection or an analog connection. CRT monitors use analog connections exclusively. Most LCD monitors come with both analog and digital connections. Plugging an analog connector into an LCD display can result in image distortion. It's always best to use a digital, or DVI, connection if your video card and monitor both support it.

I recommend: OnlineComputerTips.com describes the difference between a digital and analog connection for your monitor. CBS Interactive reviews the differences in quality between an analog and digital connection.

Response time and refresh rate

Response time is the length of time it takes for a pixel to change from one color to another in an LCD monitor. The refresh rate applies to both CRT and LCD displays, and it refers to the amount of time it takes for your monitor to refresh the whole screen. LCD monitors blur if the response rate of their pixels is slower than the refresh rate. All but the newest LCD monitors have a refresh rate of 60hz, which is 60 screen refreshes per second.

I recommend: Knol on Google describes the difference between refresh rate and response time.

NIT

A NIT is a means of measuring the brightness of an LCD monitor or screen. It's a measurement of light in candelas per square meter. For example, many laptops come with screens that range from 200 to 250 NITs. This is fine for indoor office work but will be nearly impossible to see outside or in direct sunlight. For working in direct sunlight, you want a monitor with 500 to 900 NITs. Direct sunlight requires over 1000 NITs for a clearly visible display.

I recommend: STEALTH.COM has an excellent article on LCD technology, including a section describing the particulars of screen brightness, or NITs.

Screen resolution or display resolution

The display resolution or screen resolution is the number of pixels contained on a display. Pixels are individual dots of color. Resolution is described as the number of horizontal pixels by the number of vertical pixels, like 1024x768. As widescreen displays become more popular, new resolutions such as 1200x800 have become standard.

I recommend: HowStuffWorks describes how computer monitors work, including detailed information on display standards and resolution.