The top rated computer monitors are not always the best quality monitors, and when you factor in things like warranties, energy efficiency and overall quality, the differences between monitors can be staggering.
What Makes a “Good” Computer Monitor?
Determining a computer monitor’s quality and desirability can be a tricky business. Without actually purchasing and ‘trying out’ the various monitors the customer tends to rely on reviews; reviews of consumer agencies that rate the monitors on things like energy efficiency, warranty and price, and consumer reviews of customers who have actually purchased and owned a particular monitor, but perhaps the most important thing, before you even begin to consider a computer monitor, is to determine what you want out of it.
Above: Alienware OptX AW2210 21.5-Inch LCD Monitor
Different computer monitors, just like people, tend to have different strengths and weaknesses. If you just use your computer monitor for “average” use (surfing the internet, doing a bit of work on your word processor, reading email etc.) then you should be looking at overall quality, and not be too concerned with all the bells and whistles that some of the pricier monitors come with. However, if you do monitor specific work (such as photo adjustment) or are really into gaming, then you will want a monitor that is tailored to your specific wants and needs.
As to warranties, again, it will depend on the amount of use to which you put your monitor. Those who only use their monitor for “normal” use may not find it cost efficient to purchase a monitor with an extended warranty (or to purchase a separate extended warranty), whereas those who subject their monitors to heavy usage, or who purchase expensive, highly sensitive monitors may wish to look at a monitor that comes with a longer or more inclusive warranty.
When it comes to computer monitors, there can be a world of difference between the top-rated computer monitors, monitors that have the best warranties; those that are the most energy efficient, and those with the best overall quality.
A Word on Warranties
Purchasing a computer monitor – particularly a flat screen LCD or TFT monitor without a warranty of some sort is a risky business due to their delicate nature, and because some monitors are sold without a warranty at all, it pays to do your research before you make your purchase. When you do your research, ensure that you read the warranty carefully because you will need to know how long the warranty is good for, and what all is included in the warranty (sometimes not as much as you might think).
That being said, let’s take a look at the top-rated computer monitors.
Top Rated Computer Monitors
Keep in mind that the ‘top rated’ computer monitors are not always those monitors that are the best overall quality. So why are they “top rated”? Most likely because they have functions and features that standard monitors can only dream of.• Alienware OptX AW2210 21.5-Inch LCD Monitor
This Dell monitor is gamer friendly. At 21.5 inches, this widescreen monitor has solid image quality, built-in menus and a sleek exterior design, though its price tag (at $300) is slightly higher than average. One of the biggest draws of this monitor is its extended three year comprehensive warranty.• HP w2558hc Black 25.5-Inch LCD
This HP monitor has excellent image quality and lots of extra features. It provides very sharp image resolution and text is perfectly clear even at 6 points. Colors and skin tones are realistic, and there is no visible fluttering, which makes it excellent for gaming. But the price is a bit over the top, at $549 it may be out of the average person’s price range. The HP2558hc comes with a limited one-year warranty.• HP 2009m LCD Widescreen Monitor
The HP 2009m is affordable at only $200. It has a 20-inch wide-screen display, excellent image quality, great tone and color and an anti-reflective coating that gives the display a restful sheet that actually enhances readability, not interfering with it. This monitor comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Computer Monitors With the Best Overall Quality
As you can see, many of the “top rated” computer monitors are tailored specifically for gaming or are aiming for high-resolution. If, however, you are only planning on getting average usage from your computer monitor, there are monitors that are considered to be the best for “overall quality.”• The Asus VW198T is a 19-inch computer monitor with high resolution and a price tag (just over $100) that doesn’t intimidate. It has a higher resolution than most computer monitors its’ size, though the pictures are smaller than on other 19-inch monitors. Asus monitors come with a limited one-year warranty.
• The Acer H213H bmid is 21.5 inches, and is not recommended for professional photo editing, but otherwise is considered to be one of the best in its size and class. Its 16:9 aspect ratio is great for watching high-def entertainment, and pixel response is fairly fast, which makes it a favorite with gamers and its price tag ($170) is fairly reasonable.
• The 24-inch HP LP2475w comes with a high-quality H-IPS panel that recommends it for photo work and graphics. Its resolution is high enough that it can display high-def without scaling and it includes an HDMI input for watching video from a DVD or Blue-ray Disc player in addition to the PC. It also contains a DisplayPort that allows it to connect to iMacs and other apple products. With a price tag of $550, however, it can be a bit expensive and only comes with a one-year limited warranty, though extended warranties can be purchased.
