I am looking for a new computer monitor but I am unsure what to look for. The only thing I know is I want is 17inches and I have roughly 100 pounds to spend. I don't really know what specs to look for or which makes. Could you guys maybe reccomend a few ggod mointors or what i should be lloking for. Thanks in Advance.
You can get a 22" for that kind of money, is there a space limitation?
What to look for:
low refresh rate (MS), 5MS or less is good for most everything.
High Viewing Angle - This is the angle away from strait-on that the picture still looks correct. Higher is better, but not always needed depending on desk setup.
Aspect Ratio: Higher is better, some of the cheapest screens come in 2500:1...so this should be the minimum you are looking for.
Inputs: Should at least have a DVI, most screens also have VGA...you might need this depending on how old your computer is and how well it was designed. Some screens also have HDMI input, a nice bonus that very few will ever use.
HDCP: This is a special chip in the monitor that lets it play protected content (such as blu-ray movies). You want this if possible, but it can be hard to tell what screens have it. Some of the most expensive screens do not have it, while the 2nd cheapest screen on newegg does have it (but does not advertise it).
The cheapest 22" screen that I know of that meets all of these criteria (minus the HDMI input) is the Acer X223Wbd. Others may trash this screen for being from a cheap brand...but I have had very good luck with this series (I own 4 of them). Here in the states, it sells for $160...a bit under 100 pounds according to XE.com
For £100 you are looking at TN only monitors which puts you in the lowest image quality bracket, but stick with half-decent brands like Samsung, LG and Viewsonic and you'll be alright. Refresh rates of anything 8ms or less are typically fine. Viewing angles are largely irrelevant as the colour alteration in TN panels sees an end to that. DVI is highly recommended over VGA as it offers a much crisper picture. When looking at contrast ratios, always look at the genuine contrast ratio, not the dynamic figure, as this is essentially irrelevant (typically genuine contrast isn't going to be much above 1000:1).
It's not really a question of brand loyalty, but obviously be advised going with cheaper brands like Acer, you are making sacrifices for build quality, which could prove an issue in the long run.
