If you stare at computer monitors for hours every day, you come to appreciate the benefits of having the right computer monitor for the job. It’s important everyone in your business has computer monitors which are clear, large and bright enough.
For general use, you’ll almost certainly be looking at flat screen computer monitors. These have almost entirely replaced old-fashioned, bulky cathode ray tube (CRT) computer monitors.
In addition to flat screen computer monitors, your business may also use computer projectors in meeting rooms or to give presentations.
You can buy desktop PCs with or without computer monitors. However, as the flat screen computer monitors included with PCs are typically quite basic, it can be wise to purchase more suitable computer monitors separately to match your IT requirements.
It is possible to use two computer monitors with one computer. This is often called ‘dual screen’ or ‘dual computer monitors’. It can improve productivity by giving you more space to work in, but having two computer monitors means you will require extra processing power and a separate connection for each of the computer monitors.
It can be easier and cheaper to achieve the same amount of screen space with a single, large computer monitor. Indeed, large computer monitors are most beneficial to people whose jobs require them to switch frequently between computer programs or keep several files open at once.
Flat screen computer monitors are also called LCD or TFT monitors. There are a few key things to look for when choosing them:
If possible, trial new computer monitors in your business before purchasing. Make sure you test them in bright light, as some computer monitors have shiny, reflective coatings. This can be a real strain for people who have to use them all day.
Flat screen computer monitors can be bought for as little as £70, but expect to pay £100 for a usable, mid-range display.
Computer projectors are an alternative to computer monitors which allow you to project a large image onto a blank wall or screen. Projectors are useful for presentations and meetings and can often be connected up to DVD players or TV tuners too.
Projectors come in two main types: LCD (liquid crystal display) projectors and DLP (digital light processing) projectors. It doesn’t really matter which you choose – they both do the same job.
As with computer monitors, check the resolution of computer projectors carefully. Projectors with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels should be adequate for presentations, but aim higher if possible, especially if you’re looking at projectors for high-definition video.
The brightness of computer projectors is measured in ‘ANSI lumens’. Look for 1,200 ANSI lumens for projectors that will work well in a dim room, 2,000 for projectors that will be uses in a normal office environment, and 3,000 for projectors that you’re planning to use in brighter light.
Budget £400 for a good, mid-range computer projector. Small, portable projectors may be more expensive.
More about computer screens and accessories:
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