Computer Monitor Reviews

Can’t decide which monitor will fit your gaming computer best? Our computer monitor reviews should help. For the last several years there has been a battle between computer monitors. CRT and LCD technology have been duking it out. LCD is that thin little monitor that weighs 5 pounds and takes up no space on your desk. CRT is that big behemoth that makes you cringe at the thought of moving it. It requires a large area especially if you have a 19 inch or better. Simply by looking at them one wonders where is the decision? LCD is where it’s at, or is it? Gamers and graphic designers have long preferred CRTs over LCD for their color fidelity, viewing angles, and contrast. In these areas CRT has been the hands down winner. LCD screens can only produce a limited number of colors. CRT’s color wheel is infinite. Given these important areas where LCDs were lacking in the past one had to decide if size or performance was more important. Computer monitor reviews today sing a different story of LCD screens.

Do CRTs Even Exist Anymore?

If you are looking for a CRT screen you might have to buy a used one now though. LCD has one the market share and manufacturer’s are producing what is selling. LCD technology has come along way. I finally ditched my CRT monitor for a new 23 inch LG wide screen monitor. I have to tell you, it’s Awesome. I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed with the color, viewing angles, or color accuracy of this monitor. It didn’t cost me an arm and a leg either. While the technology has advanced for the LCD monitors if you do not choose wisely you will be left with an inferior picture though. Read computer monitor reviews thoroughly to be sure you make a good choice.

Games Look Great on Widescreen

For gaming we want to look for a bright, large screen. Take if from me, widescreen is where it’s at. You get more screen real estate making multiple monitor setups completely unnecessary. Color accuracy and image clarity are also important. If you are going to spend $1,000+ on a computer to play games on you absolutely must get a monitor that will do the video card justice. Other than big, bright, and wide screen, here are a few other things you should look for.

1. Contrast Ratio – This is the difference between white and black. You are looking for a high number here. CRTs are usually around 20,000:1. If you want to match their performance try to get close to that number.
2. Response Time – we’re looking at how long it takes for a pixel to go from black to white and back to black. It is measured in milliseconds. It is a must to get one that is below 12ms. 5ms-8ms is better. If you look you can find 2ms.
3. Viewing Angle – if you only use your monitor when you are sitting directly in front of it I guess this isn’t as much of a concern. It is recommended to get one with a wide viewing angle though. Otherwise the image gets washed out as you move from the center.

So Which Monitor Do I Buy?

This information should get you started. We’ll get some computer monitor reviews posted of specific monitors to help make your choice easier. I have to tell you that nothing beats comparing monitors side by side though. This can be difficult since stores often don’t carry the two monitors you are looking at but there is nothing like a side-by-side comparison. If you can, go look at it in a store and then come back and order it so you can take advantage of the deals on the internet. I had my mind made up on the monitor I was going to buy until I saw it beside a few others in the store. I changed my mind. I picked up this LG M237WD-PM 23" LCD Monitor with Built-in Digital TV Tuner a few months ago and I couldn't be happier. It was quite a change from the old 19" CRT that I'd been using for many years. If you can't make it to the store to view the monitors in person read the computer monitor reviews that customers have left for monitors that they have purchased at places like Tiger Direct. If several people have bad things to say about a monitor steer clear of it.