Computer Monitor

A computer monitor is an electronic device used to display information sent from a computer. It is an associated piece of a computer unit and is one of the output peripherals that is almost as important as the CPU (Central Processing Unit) itself. Without a monitor, users would be unable to visually analyze any data given by the computer, making it rather useless.

Since the introduction of the modern day computer, monitors have always accompanied a computer as it is generally considered a part of the whole. Older monitors (CRT) were considered bulky, energy inefficient and they generated a massive amount of heat when turned on. Newer models have moved away from this design and now use LCD technology to display data. LCD monitors, such as the 30 inch LCD monitor already discussed, in comparison to CRT monitors are very compact and lightweight, have low power consumption, more reliable and can be made into any size or shape.

Even newer technology has gone into developing a better monitor. Plasma Monitors utilize plasma cells which provide even greater viewing pleasure by offering high contrast ratios, excellent viewing angle and high speed responses. No matter what technology is employed, every monitor does the same thing --- present data in a way a user can visually understand.

Of course, when viewing data, the larger the screen, the more data the brain can interpret at any one time. Monitors have a wide array of sizes that suit any environment; they range (for desktop models) from 15” to about 50”. Multiple monitors can be combined together to increase the size of the screen by stretching the graphics across two or more monitors, or provide separate displays for showing different images.

Apart from the screen size, one must take into consideration the aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the width of an image to its height. This ratio is expressed as two numbers separated by a colon; so for example, many widescreen models have a 16:9 aspect ratio whereas as other models may have a 4:3 ratio.

Monitors come separate from a computer only attached by a data cable which may provide an analogue signal or a digital one. Laptops however, have monitors that are integrated into the package and are generally one half of the whole. These operate in basically the same way as a standalone monitor except they are attached to the body of the laptop at the base and have internal wiring.

In order to save on space and offer added functionality, many monitors come with built in speakers which are not as loud as standalone pieces but offer some form as listening pleasure. They can also double as a TV; this is achieved through either a TV tuner being attached to the computer or a TV being used as a monitor. CD Drives can also be integrated into the casing and may support DVD and blue ray CD’s. It is important to note, that other forms of visual output devices exist for computers, for example projectors. These are not the same as monitors in that they ‘project’ their image unto a surface whereas a monitor displays its image on a screen.

Price ranges for monitors vary greatly and depend on the brand, screen size, technology and whether or not they carry any added functionality.