There are many times when one opts to junk the computer monitor being used and go in for a new one. This decision is sometimes a forced one, since the monitor may just decide to give up its ghost and refuse to work, no matter how much one pleads with or threatens it. At such times, the user suddenly finds himself in the market for a new monitor, irrespective of whether he likes it or not.

Walking into a store and plumping for the first monitor that one takes a fancy to is not exactly the best way to go about the task. There are a number of factors that will have to be taken into consideration before one selects a monitor that will suit his or her unique needs best. From standard 17 inch CRT models to the mega-sized 21 inch LCD TFT flat panel monitors, the sheer range of monitors available is sure to boggle any mind.

The most important factor is your budget. Everything else comes next. Depending on the allocated budget, one has to decide between a CRT and LCD monitor. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. CRT monitors still have some advantages over LCD monitors, including price, response time, color quality, etc., though LCD monitors are the latest ?in thing? and offer amazing brightness and clarity.

Once this decision has been made, the next is to compare the specifications of various models in the monitor category selected. The important specifications include native resolution, panel size, viewing angle (both horizontal and vertical), contrast ratio, response time, brightness and physical adjustments (tilting angles, rotation, etc.). Among them, native resolution, panel size and physical adjustments are important considerations while viewing angle, contrast ratio and brightness are considered somewhat important. Response time is a minor consideration, important only for high-end gamers.

The type of computer monitor will also greatly depend on what one is planning to use it for and the number of hours that will be spent staring at it. Computer monitors can either be bought from computer retail stores or online.