New options for flat panel LCD displays
Date: August 9, 2004
Out with the old and in with the new, the traditional computer monitors are priced so low they are almost free. $150 will get you 19-inch CRT monitor online, not including $40 in shipping costs. However, recently consumers are biting the bullet and shelling out the bucks for flat panel LCD displays. The difference in price is a little daunting, but LCDs run cooler, look sleeker, save space and energy, and, more often then not, provide sharper, brighter images.
The 17-inch flat panel LCD displays run for about $450, but for about $325 can land you a 15-inch model with a decrease in pixel count of 1024x768. A 19-inch runs for $650, which comes with the exact same native pixel count of the 17-inch model—1280x1024.
For some, 19-inch flat panel LCD displays are still not big enough. For $900 and up, you can get a 20-inch model with a pixel count of 1600x1200; this displays almost 50% more information. The wide-screen LCD design provides users with the option of positioning two windows side by side.
A lot of consumers are confused as to what model flat panel LCD display they should purchase—our advice is to check them out in a store to see how your eyes react (then purchase it online to get the best prices). Sony’s HS-series uses the XBrite screen technology that makes the LCD screen exceptionally bright. The Viewsonic’s $1,000 20-inch VP201b model is another good pick for screen brightness. LCD flat-panel monitors have also made huge improvements in the last 5 years in side-angle viewing (up to 80 degrees in some cases without loss of clarity). For $580, Samsung’s 17-inch SyncMaster 172X has great side-angle viewing and also a very fast refresh rate so you won’t see trailing images during fast action. If adjustability is what you are looking for the Dell models are exceptionally adjustable.
Many flat panel LCD displays come with built in speakers, but you may want to purchase separate speakers (they usually sound better than built-ins); it all depends on what your priorities are. If you are using the computer for gaming, sound is important. On the other hand, if you using your computer for office applications, sound may be secondary. For about $500, NEC’s 17-inch MultiSync LCD 1735NXM comes with barely noticeable built-in speakers.
Some flat panel LCD monitors can pivot to the vertical “portrait” position from the conventional horizontal position. Viewsonic’s VP201b and Samsung’s $580 17-inch SyncMaster 173P come with Portrait Display’s Pivot Pro Software that allow you to rotate the image in this fashion.
There are other available options for your flat panel LCD screen display, just be aware of your needs and wants when deciding which one to buy.
More articles at our Flat Screen TV Articles page.
