Monitor Cost

Typical costs:

• A budget-priced LCD monitor can be purchased for about $100 to $200. This type of LCD monitor is a low cost way for students or general-purpose users to upgrade from an old CRT unit. Expect a 15- to 20-inch screen, either standard 4:3 or widescreen format, with a maximum resolution of up to 1600 x 900. Even budget monitors should have a response time of at least 12ms, fast enough to play video games or watch DVDs. An example of an inexpensive monitor is the Acer V173b, a 17-Inch LCD monitor with 1280 x 1024 maximum resolution available for a shade under $100. The HP 2009M[1] is available for about $150 and offers a 20-inch HD screen with a maximum resolution of 1600 x 900.
• Business or home office users should look for a monitor that offers a high brightness rating and is easily adjustable for comfortable viewing over long periods of time. Expect wide viewing angles and units with swivel, tilt and pivot settings. These types of monitors are available for about $200 to $500. An example of a business monitor is the HP L2245wg available for about $250. The 22-inch wide aspect screen offers a 160-degree viewing angle, tilt, pivot and swivel options as well as anti-glare and anti-static features.
• Video gamers require a monitor with a large, bright screen, accurate colors and plenty of connectivity options. Look for a full HD screen that can be connected to Blu-ray and DVD players as well as video game consoles. Expect to pay $400 to $1,500 and above for this type of monitor with a 24- to 30-inch screen. The Dell Ultrasharp 2709W costs about $700 and offers a 27-inch WUXGA full-HD screen with 1920 x 1200 maximum resolution and high brightness rating.
• For editing or watching movies, users need a monitor that delivers crisp images with accurate black levels and flesh tones. Look for a 24- to 30-inch widescreen unit with a fast pixel response time and multiple connectivity options. An HDMI connection preserves HD content from a Blu-ray player or HDTV signal without degradation. Expect to pay $500 to $1,800 and up for a monitor suitable for viewing movies. The Dell UltraSharp 2408WFP is a 24-inch WUGA 1920 x 1200 display available for under $600, while the Gateway XHD3000 costs about $1,000 and offers a 30-inch HD screen with many home theater style features as well as 6 video inputs and 6 USB ports. For Mac users, the Apple Cinema HD 30-inch Display[2] costs about $1,800 and offers an optimal resolution of 2560 x 1600 and a wide 178 degree viewing angle.

• A new monitor should come with a stand, power cord and cable to connect it to a computer.
• Some monitors can be mounted on a wall or on flexible display stands. Wall brackets and flexible stands cost from about $20 to $300.
• Monitors often come with a 1-3 year warranty. Make sure the backlight is covered under the warranty.

• Monitors are sometimes discounted when bundled with a new computer purchase.
• Manufacturer such as Hewlett-Packard[3] offer closeout and refurbished monitors at discounted prices, as well as discounts for some government and education employees.
• Some monitors come with built-in speakers, which can save an additional purchase.

• Consumer Reports[4] offers a buying guide for computer monitors.
• Major retail outlets such as Office Depot[5] stock a wide selection of monitors.
• Online sellers include J&R.com[6] and Amazon[7] .
• Check out manufacturers' websites such as Dell[8] .
• Compare prices between retail and online suppliers, factoring in delivery times, shipping costs, taxes and return policies

1.  reviews.cnet.com/lcd-monitors/hp-2009m/4505-3174_7-33557215.html
2.  store.apple.com/us/search/Apple-Cinema-HD-Display-30%22-flat-panel?mco=MjE0NTg4OA#...
3.  h71016.www7.hp.com/html/hpremarketing/daily.asp?jumpid=re_R295_store/buspurchase-r...
4.  www.consumerreports.org/cro/computer-monitors/buying-guide.htm?pn=0
5.  www.officedepot.com/a/browse/monitors/N=5+509677/
6.  www.jr.com/category/computers/monitors-and-projectors/lcd-and-flat-panel-monitors/
7.  www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=493964
8.  accessories.us.dell.com/sna/category.aspx?c=us&4=4009&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn

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