$260

Computers are great; even better with a monitor. Time was, you’d connect your blinged-out calculator to your television set, but as computers got more sophisticated, they required a dedicated display. I grew up with bulky CRTs, and though I find childhood comfort in their quiet hum and warm glow, I have to say I am not sorry to see them go. The future, as they say, is flatpanel displays. They’re lighter, more energy efficient, and they don’t have 10 kilos (22 lbs) of toxic metals inside them.

If you use a computer with any regularity, you probably already know that you can never have too much “screen real estate”, as we like to call it. In this day and age, it’s unreasonable to be stuck with a 17 or, heaven help you, a 15 inch monitor. Upgrading to a bigger monitor will pay dividends in the future, especially if you do graphics, publishing, video, or software. And if you have an extra video card (or a fancy video card that supports dual monitors), you can go “multiheaded” like our friend Al Gore (who endorses both widescreen monitors and being reasonable, but doesn’t his wrist hurt?).

There are so many LCD displays being manufactured right now, with varying levels of quality, that it can be daunting to choose one. For $260, this 22″ widescreen (1680×1050) Samsung 2232BW LCD monitor is very good deal. Consumer Search labels it the best 22″ widescreen display, and it’s currently at a sweet spot of price/size/quality that can’t be beat. This Christmas, give a friend the ultimate gift of boosted productivity and higher contrast. They’ll thank you time and again for being so reasonable.

Updated 2008/11/8.

Saul :: Nov.08.2008 :: LCD Monitor :: 1 Comment »