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Decoding the Spec Sheets

Though the image quality of an LCD monitor depends on several factors, two common specifications that are cited by display manufacturers are brightness and viewing angle. The brightness of an LCD monitor is measured in candelas per square meter (cd/m ²), or nits. The monitors that are reviewed here range in brightness from 200 to 300 cd/m ². The higher this number, the greater the brightness the display can produce.

Viewing angle describes how far from the monitor's center you can sit before the picture starts to blur or lose contrast. Manufacturers provide a measurement, in degrees, in both the horizontal (left/right) and the vertical (top/bottom) planes. Viewing angles typically range from 120 to 170 degrees. The greater the viewing angle, the easier it is to view the monitor when you're not sitting directly in front of it. Keep in mind, however, that the viewing-angle specifications cited in our features chart come from the manufacturers; PC World did not independently verify them.

Another factor that affects image quality is the technology used to compensate for displays' viewing-angle limitations. The least-expensive method uses a light-diffusing film to counteract angle-of-view distortion; two other systems, which operate on the liquid crystals inside the panel, are called in-plane switching (IPS) and multidomain vertical alignment (MVA). IPS and MVA are more expensive but also provide a wider viewing angle. We think IPS strikes the best balance between extending the viewing angle and maintaining a reasonable price. Unfortunately, manufacturers usually don't tell you which technology their monitors use. Check out our chart to get a feel for what's typical, and try out several displays before you buy one.

A Perfect Fit: Ergonomics

Many LCD panels come with a base and software that permit you to pivot them from landscape to portrait orientation. This capability adds to the cost of the monitor, but it's useful for displaying long text documents such as Web pages and word processing files, as well as page layouts in desktop publishing programs.

Still not a Perfect World

LCD monitors do have some drawbacks, including jaggy-looking type and pixel response times that are slower than those typical of CRTs; the latter can have the effect of text that blurs as you scroll or icons that leave trails as you move them around the desktop. Generally, the brightness and sharpness of text displayed on LCD monitors (as well as the high resolutions) far outweigh any jagginess you may perceive.

Most LCD monitors sold today redraw their screens fast enough to adequately display moving images. But when you play games or scroll through word processing files or Web pages, you may be bothered by pixel artifacts or blurriness. MVA-type LCDs have faster pixel response times than others, but currently they aren't very common for desktop use.

Another consideration is how many dead pixels constitute a defective panel. A dead pixel remains permanently lit or permanently dark because of a malfunctioning transistor, and it can be noticeable on screen. Manufacturers' policies about when they will replace a panel with dead pixels vary, so investigate your monitor vendor's policy before you buy to ensure that you won't get stuck with imperfections you can't live with. All the models in this comparison come with a three-year warranty on all parts, including the backlight.

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