When you're building or buying a computer, the monitor isn't always high on the list of priorities. But monitors differ just like other hardware, and after all—they're the thing you're going to stare at all day, so it deserves a little thought. Here's how to pick the right one.
Size and Resolution
First, you'll probably already have a size in mind. Maybe you want a really big 27" monitor for your big desk, or maybe you want something smaller. Maybe you prefer two monitors, in which case you'll have to make sure they both fit on your desk (two 27" monitors will be hard to fit in a lot of places!).
However, when you decide on a size, you should also think about the resolution of the monitor—that is, how many pixels it displays (and thus how sharp the image is). 1080p monitors (that is, monitors with a 1920x1080 resolution) are very common these days, and at 23" produces a fairly sharp images. A 27" monitor, however, would not look great at 1080p, because its pixel density is lower. You'd probably want a higher resolution (like 2560x1440). Not only will the picture be sharper, but you'll have more "room" on the screen for your icons, web pages, and other stuff.
Lastly, keep in mind that while most monitors are 16:9—like an HDTV—there are other aspect ratios out there. Some monitors, for example, have a resolution of 1920x1200, which is about the same sharpness as 1080p, but gives you an extra vertical 120 pixels, making it (essentially) a taller screen. These can be particularly great for browsing the web and writing, but are a bit harder to come by.
Panel Type
Next, think about what you want from your panel. There are a few different types of panels out there, and each one is good for different things. We've shared the above video before, but it's very relevant here.
Twisted nematic (TN) Panels are the cheapest and most common type of LCD panel these days. If your monitor doesn't say otherwise, it's probably a TN panel. They have low latency and support higher refresh rates (see below), so they're ideal for gamers, especially if you want to game in 3D. However, their colors are the least accurate and get distorted at different viewing angles, so other panel types will be much better looking if you don't require high refresh rates.
Vertical Alignment (VA) Panels are a good midrange option (though they're a bit rarer than the other types). They have better color accuracy than TN panels, and the best blacks of all the different panel types, but can still produce weird color effects if you view them at the wrong angle.
In-Plane Switching (IPS) Panels are a more expensive option, but have great color accuracy and better viewing angles than TN or VA panels. As a result, they're great for graphic designers or photographers, but even if you don't fall into that category, IPS panels are noticeably better looking than TN. However, they don't come in higher refresh rates, and can sometimes have a slower response time than TN panels. This is only really a problem if you're a very competitive gamer, or if you want to game in 3D (since 3D gaming requires a 120Hz monitor). Plane-Line Switching (PLS) Panels are very similar to IPS, but even better—and more expensive.
Refresh Rate
If you play games, refresh rate is something you might want to consider. Most monitors come with a refresh rate of 60Hz, which means you can only see 60 frames per second when you play (even if your game is getting 100 FPS, you can only see 60 of them on a 60Hz monitor). A 120Hz monitor provides a smoother gaming experience and allows you to play games in 3D at 60Hz for each eye.
However, keep in mind that high refresh rates generally only come on TN panels, so you need to decide whether refresh rate is more important than having a better looking IPS display.
Anti-Glare Coating
Many monitors come with an anti-glare coating on them, which prevents (yup, you guessed it) glare from light coming behind you. They're handy if you're in a very well-lit room or have a window behind where you sit, but they can also make the picture look a little duller and fuzzier. Glossy screens look sharper, but suffer from glare problems if you're in a room with lots of light. Semi-glossy screens provide a compromise between the two.
Stand and Swivel Options
Lastly, every monitor has a slightly different stand. Some are solidly built while others are flimsy. Some can swivel from side to side, while others only tilt vertically (and some can even turn your monitor 180 degrees so it's in portrait mode). It isn't the most important spec, but it's something to think about as you narrow down your last few options. A well-built monitor will be easier to tweak to your liking than a cheap one.
Connector Types
This one's pretty simple: Make sure the monitor you buy has the type of connector you want to use. If your video card outputs in DVI, it'll be easiest if your monitor has a DVI port (though you can always get an adapter). Sometimes, certain cards will even place restrictions on certain port types (for example, only being able to power dual monitors via DisplayPort). So do your research and make sure your monitor has the ports that you need.
Everything Else
These are the most important specs, but look at the other features as you shop around. You may want a monitor with built-in speakers, or USB ports in the back, for example. You'll learn a lot as you search around. And, of course, be sure to read user reviews so you don't get a panel that's notorious for backlight bleeding, ghosting, or any other issues.There are also some more advanced specs out there, like contrast ratio, pixel pitch, and others, and you can look them up if you're curious. But chances are, the above specs are the most important you'll come across, and will help you narrow down your choices to just a few monitors. Want somewhere to start? Check out our hive five for the best monitors out there right now (and whatever you do, calibrate it as soon as you get it for best results). Good luck!
Images by Marcel Müller, and PhotoDon.
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