These days LCD (flat screen) monitors are the most popular type of computer monitors you can buy. They take up much less space than conventional (CRT) screens, and provide a high quality picture.LCD monitors have got cheaper over recent years, with some models costing less than $150 (£90 approx). Choosing a cheap monitor doesn't necessarily mean you lose out on quality, most major manufacturers make a low budget model which features specifications suitable for most computing needs.LCDs come with a variety of screen sizes, ranging from 14 inches through to 25 inches and beyond. Your choice of screen size will depend on your needs, if you are using your computer for office use, for example word processing, spreadsheet work, etc, then a smaller monitor may suffice. If your monitor is for home use or gaming then a larger monitor would probably be more suitable, especially if you like to watch films on your PC.
LCD monitors also come with 2 different screen formats (screen aspect ratio), 4:3 (same as the old style TV screens) and 16:9 (same as widescreen TVs). As with screen size your choice will depend on personal preference, although if you are going to watch movies on your monitor then a widescreen 16:9 format is preferential. Another benefit of having a 16:9 aspect ratio is the fact that you have more horizontal space, allowing you to have two windows visible at the same time, such as a live TV broadcast alongside your work.
Another benefit of LCD monitors is their low power consumption compared to conventional CRT monitors. The power consumption is usually stated in the monitor's specifications, with typical power consumption being around 20 watts depending on screen size.
Other features commonly found in LCD monitors include built-in TV tuners and integrated speakers, which again will depend on what you are using the monitor for.
