Computer Flat-panel Buying Tips
Computer Flat-panel Buying Tips
Flat-panel is a relatively new technology when compared to the CRT or standard monitor technology and is now available for desktop computers. With new technology comes new important considerations to look at when purchasing a flat-panel solution.
Technology
Before looking at what configurations you need to look for when purchasing a computer Flat-panel, it is important to know if you want a CRT or a Flat-panel and LCD monitor.
CRT Today, one of the most commonly used technologies for computer monitors. CRT, or Cathode Ray Tube, is a technology much like what you will find on most TVs. CRT monitors are an affordable solution but are bulky and very heavy.
Tips on buying a monitor can be found on our Monitor buying tips section.
LCD LCD, or Liquid Crystal Display, monitors are similar to what is found on portable computers. LCD monitors overall display much sharper of an image, are lighter and more space efficient; however, they are much more of an expensive solution for desktop displays.
Size
Dimensional Size When looking at LCD and Flat-panel displays, one of the most noticeable and considerable reasons for purchasing a Flat-panel is its size. As you will see, a Flat-panel display is about 1-2 inches deep.
Screen Size - When looking at Flat-panel displays, the screen size is measured differently from a standard monitor. Standard monitors are measured from the bottom left of the screen to the top right of the screen including any of the surrounding plastic or casing. However, when measuring an LCD, the actual viewable area is measured. The below chart is a comparison of an LCD sizes and the general comparison to CRT (standard monitor) displays.
LCD CRT
13.5" 15"
14.5" - 15" 17"
18" 21"
Resolution
Resolution is the maximum resolution of pixels capable of being shown horizontally x vertically. Be cautious when purchasing a monitor at any size that advertises a large resolution size, such as 1,600 x 1,200 for a 15" monitor.
Some monitor manufacturers may allow for such high resolutions at a high cost but most users never need such resolutions. As the monitor increases in size, the image display will decrease; below is a listing of a usable resolution limit by the size of the monitor.
15" 800 x 600 or 1,024 x 768
17" 1,280 x 1,024
19" 1,280 x 1024
21" - 1,600 x 1,200
Other considerations
Refresh rate When purchasing a Flat-panel or LCD, the refresh rate is not important.
Display angle With an LCD you will find that it is very difficult and sometimes impossible to see
from any other angle besides straight on. If you plan on using the display for DVD movies where other people may be watching the same screen, you may want to consider a CRT instead of a Flat-panel display.
Backlight Unlike a good CRT, a Flat-panel LCD is backlit and the light must past though polarization filters and other layers before emerging from the display. This is why most LCD are not as bright as a CRT.
Flat display A flat-panel, unlike any CRT, is truly flat. Some manufacturers may advertise a CRT as being a flat display, but they will always have some curvature.
Controls When purchasing a Flat-panel or LCD you may find that there are not many controls to adjust the display. This is normal to expect very few and sometimes one or two buttons used to adjust the display.
Price range
When purchasing a Flat-panel or LCD you should expect to pay more than a Monitor (CRT) as this is a new and improved technology. Below is what you should expect to pay by size of display.
14" display: $500 or less
15" display: $600 - $1,200
18" display: $900 - $3,000
22" display: $3,000 or more
Ready to buy
Once you are ready to make a purchase of a flat-panel make sure you are buying from a reputable source and you have reviewed our section on what to look out for when purchasing over the Internet.
Computer Hope is ready to setup and help you with issues you may encounter during the purchase and installation of your flat-panel regardless if you purchase through us or another vendor.
Control Keys in Computer A-Z ➨ Control Key Shortcuts » Computer Shortcut Keys and Their Functions » Keyboard Function Keys
List of All Current Scholarships for International Students - Updated Daily - Apply Today! Click Here!
Funding Grants for NGOs
Scholarships for Study in Africa » Scholarships for African Students » Undergraduate Scholarships » African Women Scholarships & Grants » Developing Countries Scholarships » Erasmus Mundus Scholarships for Developing Countries » Fellowship Programs » Funding Grants for NGOs » Government Scholarships » LLM Scholarships » MBA Scholarships » PhD and Masters by Research Scholarships » Public Health Scholarships - MPH Scholarships » Refugees Scholarships » Research Grants » Scholarships and Grants
Scholarships in Australia » Scholarships in Austria » Scholarships in Belgium » Scholarships in Canada » Scholarships in Germany » Scholarships in Ireland » Scholarships in Italy » Scholarships in Japan » Scholarships in Korea » Scholarships in Netherlands » Scholarships in Switzerland » Scholarships in UK » Scholarships in USA
Click here to post comments
Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Computer Basics FAQ.
