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.

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.

To help support Computer Hope you can purchase directly through our well-known associate, Amazon. Click the below browse button to begin browsing through the flat panel section.