LCD Monitors
With the rise in the popularity of flat panels, it is no wonder that LCD monitors have replaced traditional bulky CRT screens from most of our computer systems. Bigger, better and newer models are coming into the market as we speak so it would be wise to choose some of the best LCD monitors because we might need it for the next 3-5 years at least.
LCD Monitor Buying Guide
1) Screen Size
Generally this refers to the diagonal size measured in inches. For normal home use, 15" LCD monitor is usually the norm although the trend has shifted to the more popular 17" and 19" size recently. Please bear in mind that bigger is not always better because you need to look at the resolution as well. A higher resolution screen displays much more information per square inch.
2) Resolution
This refers to the number of pixels that occupy the viewing screen area. The standard resolution for most LCD screen is 1280 x 1024 pixels which is good enough for most people although the more higher 1680 x 1050 pixels resolution suits hardcore gamers or movie buffs.
3) Aspect Ratio
This refers to the ratio between the width and height of the screen. Normally most televisions and computer monitors have aspect ratio of 4:3 but with advanced technology, manufacturers have begun to offer LCD monitor as high as 16:9 aspect ratio to give more powerful entertainment options for consumers.
4) Contrast Ratio
In layman terms, this refers to the ratio between the brightest and darkest color of a display system. The higher the number, the better is the screen viewing quality
5) Viewing Angles
This refers to the angle (from screen perpendicular) at which color, brightness and contrast drops significantly. Typically, the viewing angle is 160 degrees horizontal/vertical for most LCD monitor. Anything less and viewing from an angle does not look good.
6) Luminance
It is measured as the density of luminous intensity and expressed as candela/square meters (cd/m2). For brightness intensity, 300 cd/m2 is the desired option.
7) Response Time
This refers to how fast moving images are displayed. The faster the response time, the faster the display’s pixels are able to keep up with the information sent by the graphics card. In other words, less jerkiness and more human-like graphics being displayed. Typical response time is about 8ms although with newer technology, 3 - 5 ms is achievable.
LCD Monitor Reviews & Ratings
We found the best LCD monitor reviews from CNET, Consumer Reports, Hardwarezone, LCDMonitorReviews, PC World and PCMag. Professional testers there reviewed some of the best LCD monitor models from well-known and high-quality makers such as Acer, Benq, Dell, HP, NEC, Samsung, Viewsonic and Westinghouse. LCD monitor ratings based on display quality and ease of use determines the best LCD monitors in their class.
Best LCD Monitor (17")
LCD Monitor Reviews #1: In a class of its own with unrivalled LCD monitor reviews from reviewers and consumers is the best rated Samsung SyncMaster 740BX 17" LCD Monitor. Take your viewing experiences a notch up with this Samsung LCD monitor that will sure to excite you. This best LCD monitor from Samsung features 1280 x 1024 resolution with 1000:1 contrast ratio, 300 cd/m2 brightness and 5ms response time to provide distinctly brighter, sharper and smoother picture for all your work and entertainment purposes.
Best LCD Monitor (19")
LCD Monitor Reviews #2: Moving up fast with outstanding LCD monitor reviews from owners and expert reviewers is the best rated Samsung SyncMaster 941BW 19" LCD Monitor. Do more work with this Samsung LCD monitor that will leave you in great satisfaction. This best LCD monitor from Samsung features MagicBright2, MagicColor (16.2M colors) and MagicTune technologies with 500:1 contrast ratio, 0.285 mm pixel pitch and 300 cd/m2 brightness for superb viewing experiences. Fast 4 ms response time ensures crisp motion, great for viewing. With 1440 x 900 resolution and 16:10 aspect ratio, view more in great cinematic mode.
LCD Monitor Reviews #3: Topping high expectations with excellent LCD monitor reviews from owners is the best value Viewsonic VA1912WB 19" LCD Monitor. Innovation & performance combine to produce this Viewsonic LCD monitor that will bring cheers to your pocket. This best LCD monitor from Viewsonic features Dynamic Structure Technology with 700:1 contrast ratio and 280 cd/m2 brightness for more intense graphics and crystal-clear images. With 1440 x 900 resolution and 16:10 aspect ratio, experience true cinematic viewing pleasure or multitasking capabilities. Fast 4 ms response time enhances gaming experiences.
Best LCD Monitor (22")
LCD Monitor Reviews #4: Simply magnificent with outstanding LCD monitor reviews from users and reviewers is the best rated Samsung 226BW 22" LCD Digital/Analog Widescreen LCD Monitor. Step up your viewing experiences to a different level with this Samsung LCD monitor that will leave you smiling. This best LCD monitor from Samsung features MagicBright3, MagicColor (16.7M colors) and MagicTune technologies with 3000:1 contrast ratio and 0.282 mm pixel pitch for truly sharp, spectacular color of unimaginable clarity. With ultra-fast 2 ms response time, enjoy gaming or motion editing to the next level. With 1650 x 1050 resolution & 16:10 aspect ratio, multitasking just got easier. Comes in dual analog/digital interfaces.
LCD Monitor Reviews #5: Bringing fresh new life to computing experiences with superb reviews from LCD monitor users is the best value Acer AL2216WBD 22" LCD Monitor. Style and performance combine to create this Acer LCD monitor that will surely please you in more ways than you could ever imagine. This best LCD monitor from Acer features 700:1 contrast ratio, 0.282 mm pixel pitch and 300 cd/m2 brightness for sharper, richer color. With 1680 x 1050 resolution and 16:10 aspect ratio, view HDTV content or do multitasking easily. Fast 5ms response time provides joyous gaming experiences.
Best LCD Monitor (24")
LCD Monitor Reviews #6: Powering far ahead of nearest rivals with impressive LCD monitor reviews from experts and users is the best rated Samsung SyncMaster 245BW 24" LCD Monitor. Open up your computing windows to a whole new level with this Samsung LCD monitor that will leave you breathless. This best LCD monitor from Sansung features MagicBright2, MagicColor and MagicTune technologies with 1000:1 contrast ratio, 0.270 mm pixel pitch and 400 cd/m2 brightness for sharper text and brilliant colors. Fast 5 ms response time provides realistic motion in gaming. With 1920 x 1200 resolution and 16:10 aspect ratio, enjoy true gaming and video experiences like never before.
LCD monitor Reviews #7: Shining bright with excellent LCD monitor reviews from owners is the best rated HP W2408 Vivid Color 24" Widescreen Flat LCD Monitor. Add colors to your computing world with this HP LCD monitor that will bring your gaming, surfing and video experiences to life. This best LCD monitor from HP features BrightView panel with 1000:1 contrast ratio and 5 ms response time for richer, more vivid colors and crisp motion for that outstanding picture quality. With 1920 x 1200 resolution and 16:10 aspect ratio plus support for HDCP allows for optimum viewing of high-definition content easily.
LCD Monitor Reviews #8: Two thumbs up for Dell UltraSharp 2407WFP LCD Monitor. This must surely excite most multimedia enthusiasts as editing (video, 3D image) and viewing can be done simultaneously in a single window. With high 1000:1 contrast ratio, 450cd/m² brightness, 6ms response time, 1920×1200 pixels resolution and 16:10 aspect ratio, it’s no wonder it’s the top rated LCD monitor in it’s class.
Resources: Liquid Crystal Display (Wikipedia)