Upgrade Your Computer Monitor

Monitors: From Basic to Elite to Excessive

Are you still suffering along with that old 14-inch VGA monitor? Or maybe you purchased a new computer, and either got no monitor to go with it, or a cheap, no-name model. Prices have come down and technology has improved, so I recommend that people consider a 17-inch monitor to minimize eyestrain and scrolling. If you want to upgrade your monitor, here are some up-to-date, unique monitors that you should consider...

ViewSonic provides monitors that combine a widescreen panorama with a low budget price. For example, their 17-inch VA1703wb LCD with a 1440 x 900 resolution and 16:10 aspect ratio, 250-nit brightness, and a contrast ratio of 500:1 is difficult to ignore. The monitor provides 160 degree horizontal and vertical viewing angles with panel surface anti-glare and a lifetime of about 30,000 hours. The VA1703wb comes in a black casing and a 16 x 14.7 x 8.3 inch ultra thin design when on its stand, and weighs a mere 8.2 lbs. There is plenty of space for side-by-side full pages or multiple windows, just in case someone is actually thinking you're working when you are in fact playing online games.

Other features include the company’s ClearMotiv video response, OSD/Power Lock for security, and OnView control for adjusting your screen. Choices include ViewMatch color adjust, H- and V-frequencies, information resolution, a manual image adjust, and memory recall. ViewSonic’s Wizard software not only makes set-up easier, but it simplifies your settings. Both PC and Mac compatible, it is also energy efficient with MPR II and Energy Star ratings. ViewSonic’s products have won over 2000 awards of excellence and it is easy to see why when you see the proof for yourself. The 17-inch version will cost you only about $209.00, a decent price considering its reputation.

If you are as passionate about your monitor as you are about your computer, then you should know about Soyo’s GoVideo Dual LCD Monitor GVLM1928. The black 19-inch screens feature a resolution of up to 2560 x 1024 and have an 8 ms response time. With 300 nits brightness and a 700:1 contrast ratio, the monitors can even be placed back to back if you are in a duo computer family or a very small office and have to share space. The GoVideo’s size is 31 x 16 x 10 inches (with stand) and it has a weight of 28.7 lbs. Each screen has a 160 degree horizontal and 140 degree vertical viewing angle. There are over 16 million colors with both a brightness/contrast and color temperature control. Button adjustment includes menu, OSD, phase clock, video select, temperature, sharpness, volume, and language choice of English, Spanish, French, Italian, or German.

The dual monitor has the convenience of integrated stereo speakers that have an output of 4 x 1 watts, handy if you are worried about the fact that now you may have less desk space in your cubicle. The price of the GoVideo has recently been reduced from $699.99 and is now available at WalMart for $468. If you prefer a smaller monitor, it is available in a 17-inch model (the GVLM1728) for around $399.00. You just can’t beat a price like that considering it is a two-fer. Each model comes with a one year warranty.

Looking for an ultra-cool next-generation 3D monitor? Strap on those funny cardboard-framed glasses and have a look at these...

The 22-inch iZ3D is computer monitor capable of displaying 3D images, with the aid of passive polarized glasses. The company says this monitor is great for PC games such as HALO and Grand Theft Auto, 3D entertainment, and allows users to experience their 3D animation in a way not possible with a standard 2D monitor. It features a top resolution of 1680x1050, 250 nit brightness, various viewing angles, and sells for $999.

The INFINI3D 104S LCD Monitor from 3DIS provides a stereoscopic 3D display without special glasses. Switchable between 2 and 3D by the touch of a single button, it features a screen size of 10.4" and a 4:3 ratio. The panel can be adjusted for optimized viewing between devices and has a multi-user, wide angle viewing zone. With its conversion software, the Infini can also take 2D images and convert them to 3D. 3DIS says that the picture makes for a higher brightness and sharper image while providing less stress on your eyes. The company claims that the technology will make for better gaming, medical, architecture, and advertising applications. It appears that this product is not yet available, but 3DIS will be featuring it at the CES 2008 this January in Las Vegas, if you care to see it in action.

The best way to test a monitor is to go to your local Best Buy or Circuit City, check when all the salespeople are busy and turn on every one in sight. Stand back a couple of feet and compare. Take notes on the model number and find out all you can about it on the Internet. Sometimes there are online deals to be made that you cannot get in the big box electronic stores.