It wasn’t long ago that slim, space-saving liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors were considered pricey, state-of-the-art devices. These days you can find LCDs (also called flat screen computer monitors) that are as affordable as Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs), their bulkier predecessors. Companies such as ViewSonic and Samsung are selling cheap flat screen computer monitors with display sizes as large as 20 inches for under $250. These cheap LCD computer monitors are perfect for business applications such as word processing, bookkeeping, e-mail and Web access.

Key features to look for when shopping for cheap computer monitors:

1. An LCD’s maximum resolution (known as its native resolution) should be sharp.
2. The panel size should be large enough for your viewing requirements.
3. You should be able to adjust the tilt and height of the monitor for comfortable viewing.

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

Cheap LCD computer monitors

There are plenty of sturdy yet cheap flat screen computer monitors of all sizes on the market. In fact, you can even find big 21-inch monitors at affordable prices. If you’re involved in graphic design or work with photos or video, sorry, but you’ll have to move beyond the cheap LCD computer monitors to get the capabilities you need.

I recommend: When searching for cheap LCD computer monitors, the key is to shop around. Check Business.com for links to LCD monitor manufacturers and dealers, such as HP and NEC. Want to spend less than $200? The Web is full of reliable, cheap flat screen computer monitors. Try Newegg.com where you can get a 19-inch Samsung LCD or a 17-inch ViewSonic LCD. At CDW you’ll find an economically priced 17-inch Acer LCD.

Go retro with a CRT monitor

They may look a tad outdated next to the sleek LCDs, but in the world of discount computer monitors, CRTs can be a more practical choice if you don’t mind the smaller screen size (as small as 13-15 inches) and higher energy consumption.

I recommend: The ViewSonic E90 CRT gives you 18 inches of viewable space. When it comes to cheap computer monitors, you can’t do much better than TigerDirect.com where you’ll find CRTs for as little as $50.00. More vendors offering CRT deals can be found at Business.com.

The cheapest of the cheap computer monitors

Whether you’re looking for CRTs or cheap flat screen computer monitors, you can’t beat the price of a used monitor. Monitors that have been refurbished cost a little more but will probably be more reliable. You can also get deals on overstock or surplus monitors.

I recommend: Find cheap computer monitors at MonitorsOnSale.com and Directron.com. There are more sources for used and refurbished monitors at Business.com. Check out Craigslist for local sellers of low-cost computer monitors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many people look only at CRTs when shopping for cheap computer monitors, but keep in mind that a CRT can eat up as much as two-thirds more energy than a LCD.
• •  If you frequently share your computer monitor with other people when you’re giving a presentation, look for cheap LCD computer monitors that have a viewing angle of at least 150 degrees.
• •  Are you a multi-tasker? Consider buying two cheap flat screen computer monitors or keep the flat screen monitor you already own and add a new, higher-end monitor. That way you can do simple tasks such as bookkeeping on your old monitor and perform more advanced tasks, such as editing photos, on the more powerful monitor.