The high-tech components of contemporary computer monitors
Screens for desktop computers come in a variety of styles and sizes, with basic elements in different configurations to suit any application. Most PC monitors consist of either LED-backlit screen illumination or different LCD illumination displays, including thin film transistor (TFT) and in-plane switching (IPS) LCD technology. Both LED and LCD technologies accommodate thinner, lighter desktop monitors.
Many monitors are also flat-panel displays with viewing angles that can range between 170 and 178 degrees, letting you view the screen almost directly from the side. Many come with anti-glare technology or are touchscreen-ready, or both. Like other computer peripherals, including a broad range of computer scanners and printers, monitor screens come in sizes suitable for any personal or office space, ranging from 15.6 to 24 inches diagonally, upwards to a wide-screen display of 37.5 inches.
The different resolutions of PC monitors
Monitors come with different pixel counts to provide varying levels of screen resolution. In general, the higher the resolution, the more detail appears on the screen. Monitor resolution categories start with high-definition (HD) and full HD, both of which provide sharp image contrasting, and work their way up to wide quad high-definition (WQHD) and ultra-high definition (UHD). UHD, also called 4K, ideal for viewing extremely detailed images, including multi-pages in a tiled format. Horizontal and vertical pixel counts for computer screens range from 1920 x 1080 all the way up to 3840 x 2160.
Computer monitor contrast ratios and brightness levels
Monitors offer two other important features in different arrays for finding the right balance between ultra-high performance and affordability. One is the contrast ratio, or the balance between the illumination of the brightest and darkest colors on the screen. Most monitors offer an optimal contrast ratio of 1000:1, although high-end monitors range up to 2000:1. Another property is brightness, or the level of light emitted by the screen. Typically, monitors start with a brightness measure of 300 cd/m2 and range all the way up to a peak level of 400 cd/m2. Investing in a privacy screen can also help cut down on glare and resolutions issues.
Brands and other features
Check out Quill for both emerging and established manufacturers of desktop monitors, including the following:
- Acer®
- ASUS®
- Dell™
- HP®
- LG®
- Samsung®
Monitors also offer essential integrated components, including USB ports to accommodate USB cords and USB flash drives, as well as HDMI ports for connecting HDTVs, projectors, or DVD players. Many have high-performance audio systems built into their sleek bezels. Most of today’s monitors can be also be fitted with separate monitor stand for proper work-posture positioning or can be wall-mounted for convenience.