Computer Monitor Styles

Just 10 years ago, you'd be hard-pressed to find any computer monitor than a CRT. CRT stands for "cathode ray tube," which is a similar technology of that you'd find in a traditional TV. Still used today, CRT monitors are able to display a wide array of resolutions (a fancy way of saying detail).

During the last few years, as technology has advanced, computer monitors have become available in several different varieties and styles, all which have their own unique advantages. For example, many people today still favor the crisp, colorful detail that a CRT monitor can provide, although they tend to be very big, bulky, and heavy.

Conversely, LCD computer monitors  in today's market are quite small and light, able to be moved and transported with ease. LCD is an acronym for "liquid crystal display," a technology that has been around for quite awhile (the numbers of an digital alarm clock, for example), although more recently applied to computer monitors.

LCD monitors computer monitors, often called flat panel monitors because of their thin profile, are gaining popularity among computer users because of their portability and vibrant displays. While most are not able to match the resolution of high-end CRT monitors, today's LCD monitors utilize display technology that allows them to emulate the superior resolutions of their CRT counterparts.

Flat panel monitors offer some features that CRT monitors don't, like 16:9 wide screen displays. Having a flat panel wide screen monitor enables the user to watch wide screen movies in a larger format than with a 4:3 traditional CRT monitor. Typically, LCD monitors are a bit pricier, although as technology advances, the price slowly drops with each passing week.

Most monitors are available in used or refurbished models. A refurbished computer monitor is one that has been returned to the manufacturer, repaired or reconditioned, then sold again. Usually refurbished monitors offer a limited warranty from the manufacturer.

A used computer monitor is one that has been purchased by an individual or business, used for a period of time, then sold directly on the open market. Used computer monitors can usually be purchased cheaper than refurbished monitors, but typically don't come with any kind of warranty or return policy.

When buying a computer monitor for your home or office, simply keep in mind what you'll be using it for and how portable you need it to be. For example, do you need a monitor with an extremely high resolution? Do you need a monitor that's easy to frequently move around? By considering exactly what you'll be using your monitor for, you can choose the perfect model to meet your needs.

More information on computer monitors