A lot of people are discovering that it pays to sit down and do some research before buying a computer monitor. It's not a cheap commodity, and no one wants to be staring at a bad investment every day. People don't always choose their monitor. They typically just use whatever is provided to them at work or whatever comes with the affordable desktop computer package they buy every few years. Consequently, when the time comes for them to actually buy a monitor, they get perplexed. And this is becoming commonplace, because multiple monitors are all the rage now. This Mahalo page is for typical people, who don't have the time to do the in-depth research into the suitable new computer monitor for them.

Did you know that HDTVs can work well as basic computer monitors now? The first part of this page will explore that option. The second part will enumerate the key factors to consider when buying a monitor, including some that are often taken for granted, but can make a difference. The third part will provide tips and tricks for the actual purchase of your ideal monitor.

This section might look out of place here, but many people know little or nothing about it. Monitors normally come at a huge discount when bundled up with a desktop computer in a store. If you're thinking of buying a new desktop computer package soon, and if you recently bought an LCD or Plasma HDTV, or High Definition Television, you might want to hold off buying a monitor for a while, unless you really need one or an extra one. New generation HDTVs are now very capable of doubling as computer screens.

New generation HDTVs, as well as many new generation desktop computers, include an HDMI or High Definition Multimedia Interface. If you have them both, use an HDMI to HDMI cable to connect them. If your computer lacks HDMI, buy and install a USB HDMI or an HDMI card. Many desktops have the DVI or Digital Video Interface, the next best interface. An HDMI to DVI Converter or a cord with HDMI and DVI connectors will make the DVI work.http://www.ehow.com/how_2321697_use-hdtv-as-computer-monitor.html When the cabling is done, adjust your TV's resolution to match that of your computer. Alternative interfaces include S-Video or VGA, but they can compromise picture quality.

Bookmark this page. When you're ready to buy a new desktop computer, be sure to check monitor upgrade options. They are usually provided by makers like Dell. And you can come back to this Mahalo page if you need further assistance in identifying your ideal monitor.

LCD monitors have come a long way. Color-calibrating hardware and software have made professionals embrace the flat panels. Black level and LED backlighting technologies are making steady progress. So, unless you have a preference for the vintage bulky CRT monitors, there is no reason to look back. The following are things to consider when picking the right monitor. Some of them are normally overlooked, but can be crucial:

Supported by your computer's video card? You would like to avoid having to buy a new graphics card, a cable adapter, or an interface, unless your computer really needs an upgrade.

Matte or Glossy? Matte LCDs are more ergonomic than glossy LCDs http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafety/worksafely/highGloss.jsp

Decent Contrast Ratio? Anything between 400 and 600 is good enough.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JebE7zY6eLc

Adequately Bright? Anything above 250 candelas/square centimeter is satisfactory.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JebE7zY6eLc A lot of computer monitor manufacturers crank up the brightness of monitors for the metrics to mislead customers. It's cheap to do so. If your monitor is too bright, make sure to lower the brightness setting to avoid eye strain.

Color of the Casing? Black is gentle to the eyes and more easily blends in well with other colors in most rooms. Reflective colors like silver or glass can cause eye strain.

Quick enough response time? "Rise and fall" or "how fast black turns to white" is a more reliable measure than "grey to grey" or "how fast one shade of grey turns into another." Fast or low response time can benefit video gamers and movie buffs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JebE7zY6eLc

Correct Screen Size? Length is measured between two diagonally opposite corners. Most go for the largest monitors they can afford, but some don't want anything noticeably bigger than 17 inches.

Suitable Native Resolution? 1280x1024 pixels is entry-level for the common 17 to 20-inch LCD monitors now. 1920x1200 and 2560x1600 are common for larger LCD monitors.

Ergonomic? Height adjustment and pivoting ability make the computing experience more comfortable.

Stand Vertical? Some monitors can now stand and work vertically.

Wide-screen? The standard HD aspect ratio, 16:9, can simplify work with large spreadsheets or programs like Adobe Photoshop, which use many toolbars or palettes.http://www.pcworld.com/article/125652-2/how_to_buy_a_monitor.html On the other hand, it can compromise work that entails scrolling down documents or web pages a lot, unless it can shift to a vertical position.

Dual-monitor or Multi-monitor? Having more than one monitor connected to a single computer is an alternative to the expensive very large wide-screen monitor. Computer hardware and software have to support it.

Built-in Speakers? This is a space saver.

Black and White Capable? Color LCD monitors which can turn monochrome via hardware or software setting adjustments minimize eye strain.

Multi-touch Screen? Possibly inspired by the success of the Apple's iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad, companies like Acer have begun selling multi-touch screen monitors.

3D Capable? 3D is here to stay. It doesn't always work because people have different interpupillary distance, but 3D research is ongoing.

While LCD monitors have become a common sight, they still come at a price, except when they're bundled with a desktop computer. Since you don't really replace or buy a computer monitor often, it's best to invest in an LCD monitor that offers the best combination of features, quality, and affordability.

These monitors are readily available on the Internet at discount prices at many recognized and unrecognized websites. However, it is highly recommended that you buy an LCD monitor from a retail store location rather than online. You don't just save money on shipping this way. LCD monitors are in general not very tough consumer electronics. An LCD monitor bought from a store is more likely to have been handled properly from the factory to the home.

One thing about electronics is that no matter what's written in the manuals, some electronics that are supposed to work together fine do not always do so. Even if an LCD monitor works with your computer, you might discover something that resuts in you wanting to return or exchange the monitor after a few days. Buying your computer monitor from a store that has a generous exchange and return policy can give you peace of mind. An "unconditional refund, no restocking fee" policy is ideal, but hard to find these days.

The best electronic stores normally have a website. Best Buy is an example of a store some consider a techie's paradise. They don't always have the lowest prices, but they usually carry the best electronic products in the market. With some research on Best Buy coupons on the internet, including a visit to Bestbuy.com, you can also buy your ideal monitor perhaps at the lowest price.

Once you're ready to go to the store, consider taking your computer to the store. This way, you can have it checked whether the LCD monitor you're buying is really compatible with your computer, regardless if it's a desktop or a laptop. You can call the store ahead of time to check if they have the basic peripherals, so you can just bring your computer without the peripherals and wires.