Computer LCD Monitors
I don’t know about you but I treat my computer like my car…it either works or it doesn’t. And with technology changing almost every day it’s difficult to keep up with the advancements being made. When I bought my computer they gave me a hard drive, a monitor, a mouse and a keyboard. I didn’t need to understand, I just had to use it.
But is every computer monitor equal? Are some better than others? Clearly by the price tags on some of them, the manufacturers seem to think so. So what makes a computer LCD monitor so special and why should you have one?
What Is LCD?
First of all, what does LCD stand for? Well, it’s an acronym for a computer techie phrase, liquid crystal display. I am not a computer geek nor do I play one on TV so what exactly does this all mean? Let’s try and figure out the mumbo jumbo shall we?
My first monitor was a big box that took up a lot of room on my desk. Not only that, but you had to move your desk out quite a distance to make the darn thing fit or loose half your desk space. Today’s monitors are flat screen because of the liquid crystal display. Those little crystals take up a whole lot less room than all the tubes and wiring in the old monitors. In fact, LCD has really made the cathode ray tubes (CRT) of yesteryear obsolete.
Benefits
Why did the universe switch over to LCD technology? Older monitor models weighed in around 50 pounds and were very awkward to carry. I know I was scared every time I tried to move mine. In contrast, LCD monitors weigh roughly 10 pounds and, because of their design, are very easy to carry.
Besides weight being a good reason to switch over, the LCD screen is brighter than the CRT screens were. A computer LCD monitor does not really need to be tested in the electronics store for brightness. They are all very bright and if you purchase one with an overly bright screen you will probably end up turning the brightness down some in the end.
As consumers we are always looking for ways to reduce our energy costs. Owning a LCD monitor for your desktop is one advantage you may want to consider. The difference in electricity used is somewhere between one-third to one-half less than a CRT box. If you are concerned about the effects of radiation coming from your computer then it’s good to know the LCD monitor gives off a far lower bit of radiation than the CRTs. This is especially important if your child is on the computer a lot. These two benefits are also great for people who sit in front of their computer screens all day.
As wonderful as the computer LCD monitor sounds it has one potential downside to it. The backlight used in these screens can potentially burn out faster than you expect. Some of the higher end models may be able to provide you with a longer lasting backlight. Check the specs and the warranty on all the monitor parts before you buy.