LCD Monitor Brands and Links

LCD monitor or TV?

While many LCD TVs can be hooked up to a computer, there's a big difference between LCD displays meant primarily for your home theater and LCD monitors intended to be used with computers. Only some LCD televisions smaller than 32 inches have resolutions beyond 1,366 pixels by 768 pixels. That's enough to display DVDs and HDTV, but it's far below what you'll find in a monitor meant primarily for your computer. A 24-inch widescreen computer monitor (some of which can also double as a TV) has a resolution of 1,920 pixels by 1,200 pixels, enough to fit two full web pages or documents side-by-side on the screen. See the ConsumerSearch report on LCD TVs for more.

Every trustworthy reviewer uses DisplayMate software for testing. If you're interested in doing your own monitor testing, see the DisplayMate.com website.

If you buy a monitor that isn't height-adjustable, you can buy a monitor stand. About.com offers free instructions for building a monitor stand. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

CNET offers a monitor buying guide that explains the differences between types and recommends models.

ComputerShopper.com offers buyer's guides to 17-19 inch monitors and 20-inch and larger monitors, with suggestions for good basic specs to shoot for at each level.

PCHardwareHelp.com has a handy guide that explains the differences between IPS, VA and TN technologies.

U.K.-based site TFT Central offers a thorough explanation of tech specifications, as well as a guide to widescreen monitors, FAQs, buying guides, a glossary, reviews and technical explanations about how LCD panels work.

TFT Central has a searchable database that lists LCD panels and the monitors they're used in.

A guide to panel types and models used in monitors can also be found at LCDTech.

Likewise, FlatpanelsHD.com has a search engine that lets you match panel models with monitor models.

Dead Pixel Buddy is a free program that will let you scan your monitor for dead pixels.

University of Utah researchers say bigger screens are better for productivity -- up to 26 inches, after which productivity drops off again. Read the report at CodingHorror.com.

LCD monitor brands

You can also find specifications and more information on manufacturers' websites:

Acer

Apple

Asus

BenQ

Dell

Eizo

Gateway

Hanns.G

HP

Lenovo

NEC

Samsung

ViewSonic