Just a few years ago, the main consideration when buying a computer was size. Today, there are many more features that require attention. There are as many different monitors on the market as there are computers. How can you tell which one is right for you?

A large number of inexpensive monitors are available. Many of these monitors provide less than stellar image quality or are equipped with older technology.

So how can you tell which monitor will give you a clearer and crisper image? The answer lies in the ability to decipher the specifications. When you choose a monitor, looks are important. But looks don't necessarily reflect how well a monitor will perform. A good dissection of the specifications will tell you if a monitor will produce true to life images.

To ensure your satisfaction, our Customize To Order program features quality monitors - those that take advantage of the latest technologies.

A good quality monitor is very important. It provides a high-quality image, whether you're working on a presentation, viewing digital pictures or watching a DVD movie. What's more, quality affects your eyes. A poor monitor will cause eye strain, which leads to fatigue and headaches.

CRT and LCD Monitors

CRT Monitor
A CRT or Cathode Ray Tube uses a ray gun at the rear of a tube and projects the picture to the front of the screen. The front of the screen is embedded with phosphors. Phosphors are contained in little packets all over the front of the screen. When the ray gun passes over a phosphor packet, it glows. It's this glow that you actually see.

The ray gun scans the screen vertically from one side to the other. It performs this scan several times a minute, a process called Vertical Refresh Rate. The important point here is that it's done automatically.

LCD Monitors
LCD or Liquid Crystal Display monitors don't use a tube or ray gun. Instead, they use small LCD pockets and a series of colour filters. When an electric current is applied to liquid crystal, it starts to move. On an LCD display, light tries to shine through the liquid crystal. By varying the electric current, more or less light is allowed to pass. This action, combined with the colour filters, produces images.

TFT
A TFT monitor is also an LCD-type monitor. TFT stands for Thin Film Transistor. By using a TFT, each liquid crystal pocket has its own transistor. This is not the case with a regular LCD screen. By using transistors to control each liquid crystal pocket, the monitor can produce sharp and crisp images. The TFT screen also uses a special assembly process, with layers of glass and various filters. The process greatly increases the viewing angle, both horizontal and vertical. The viewing angle is a very important specification for an LCD screen. It determines whether or not you can view the screen comfortably at any angle.