PICK THE RIGHT COMPUTER MONITOR

August 25, 2008
The Economic Times

Monitors frame our relationship with our computers and a great computer is only as good as its monitor.

That's why it's important to ask yourself: "What do I want to do with this computer" before purchasing, says Jaroslav Smycek of the Hannover Consumer's Center.

Although nearly all flat screen monitors are based on LCD technology, there are differences between the models. "Twisted nematic (TN) Film models are popular. These screens are in the lower end of the price range," says Josef Reitberger of "CHIP" - a Munich-based computer magazine.

Apart from the price, one of TN Film's major advantages is its fast-image formatting. But as that can only be measured in milliseconds, it's generally only important to gamers.

Office applications are more concerned about factors such as contrast, viewing angle and colour consistency. "Multi-domain Vertical Alignment (MVA), Patterned Vertical Alignment (PVA) and Super In-plane switching (S-IPS) displays hold the advantage here," says Reitberger.

But they cost more than TN displays, which sell for less than 200 euros ($317). MVA and PVA displays start at around 500 euros.

"IPS displays cost around 2,000 euros. They're for people like graphic designers," says Peter Knaak of the Berlin-based Stiftung Warentest, a consumer goods organization.

Frequent computer users are well served with an investment of several hundred euros, say experts. After all, a good monitor should outlive two PCs, says Reitberger.