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Selecting a Computer Monitor
Because the monitor is the primary visual component of
the computer, it is one of the most important elements of
your workstation. When purchasing a computer system, it
is important to note that the monitor included in that package
may not be the best one for you. Here are some factors to
consider when making your purchase:
| Color quality: Notice how accurately
the monitor reproduces colors. The weight given to this
factor depends on the purpose for which the monitor
is being used. If it is primarily used for word processing
or similar functions, this factor may be relatively
unimportant. If it is used primarily for graphic design
then it may be relatively important. |
| Image quality: Observe whether the
image displayed on the monitor appears well focused.
A distortion-free image is very important. |
| Ergonomics: Adjustment controls (such
as the brightness and contrast buttons) should well-placed
and easy to use. The monitor should have a range of
motion that permits relatively effortless tilting and
swiveling. Make sure that there is sufficient room within
your workspace to accommodate the monitor and its base.
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| Size: Fourteen-inch monitors were
the standard a few years ago but the technology has
advanced (and the price has declined) so that your minimum
purchase should probably be a 15-inch monitor. If you
spend most of your time working at resolutions no higher
than 800x600, a 15-inch monitor should provide you with
enough room for applications such as word processing
and database entry. If you work at resolutions of 1024x768
or higher, you're probably better off with a 17-inch
monitor. |
| High refresh rates: These help eliminate
screen flicker. For most people, a rate of 72Hz to 75Hz
is enough to achieve the desired results; a rate less
than 70Hz will result in obvious flicker and can lead
to eyestrain and headaches |
If possible, don't buy a monitor sight unseen. Find a store
where you can test and compare a number of models. Check
for margins of black around the screen edges. Ideally, the
image should fill the screen from top to bottom and left
to right, and should be adjustable. Check also for color
distortion and poor convergence on the edges of the screen,
and see if the controls improve what you see.
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