Many people want to know which monitor is the best monitor they can buy. The answer to that question really depends on the person. The monitor that is best for you may not be best for another consumer. For example, if you are a gamer then you are going to want a different monitor than someone who uses their computer for a home business. Below we have broken down the most common purchasing groups, helping the people within those groups determine which monitor is best for them. If you identify with more than one of these groups, that’s okay. In such a circumstance, go with the higher-end monitor suggested in the two different groups. Then you can be sure all your needs are covered.

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If you’re an entry-level or mid-end user, chances are you don’t need a lot of performance from your monitor. You probably let your kids use the computer for homework and you do a little shopping on the Web or maybe work from home once in a while. The computer is definitely a staple in your home, but it’s not something that you’re attached to at all hours of the day. If you fit into this group, your needs will be pretty straightforward and simplistic.

• Affordable price
• Average size
• Adequate connectivity

First and foremost, you need a decent-sized monitor, but one that is not too big. A 17-inch monitor is likely going to give you or your family members a headache if you’re working on word processing documents or even browsing the Web for extended periods of time. While you do need to work within the space you have available to you, LCD and LED monitors take up minimal space while providing you with a decent-sized screen. Even in cramped quarters, it isn’t hard to fit a 24-inch LCD or LED monitor into your workspace. While a 24-inch LCD or LED would have been very pricey a few years back, you can easily find one today for less than $200.

In addition to finding an affordable monitor that is big enough to enjoy, you need to make sure the monitor offers the proper connectivity. Why is connectivity important? Let’s say you buy a monitor that has only a DVI connection. Unless your computer is compatible with DVI connectivity, you aren’t going to be able to use the monitor.

In most cases you will want a monitor that offers at least D-SUB or VGA connectivity. Newer monitors coming onto the market, however, offer HDMI connectivity – and this is probably what you should strive for. HDMI is an acronym for High Definition Multimedia Interface. When you have a monitor with HDMI connectivity, you can play high-definition content on your PC and will receive better image quality.

In addition to the connectivity from your computer to your monitor, you’ll want to look for USB connections as well. USB connections allow you to plug items like cameras and cell phones directly into your monitor. If your monitor offers USB connections, then you can view the images on your cell phone or camera while bypassing your computer altogether.

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• Height-adjustable stands or pivot stands
• Reduces strain
• Improves posture

Oftentimes people who spend long hours at the computer have special needs in terms of the positioning of their monitor. There are many ergonomic monitors and products on the market that can reduce the strain of spending hours in front of the monitor and help improve your posture.

The adjustable arms and pivot stands that your computer monitor attaches to will help increase your viewing comfort and reduce the risk of injury due to long-term viewing at harmful angles. These monitors help reduce back strain, eye strain and neck strain. If you have back problems or spend a lot of time in front of the computer, ergonomic monitor products are a must. 

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• nVidia 3D technology
• Higher response rates
• Faster refresh rates

If you’re an avid gamer you know that the wrong monitor can have a serious impact on your gaming experience. This is why you need to purchase a monitor that can keep up with your gaming needs.

The first thing you want to consider is whether or not your monitor will be able to keep up with your graphics card. If you’re a gamer, chances are you have a pretty intense graphics card. A 3D monitor that is nVidia 3D Vision ready or comes with a 3D kit will be best for your gaming needs.

Monitors that have 3D technology are most likely to have the other specs that you, as a gamer, need to enhance your gaming performance. For example, the 3D monitors tend to have better response rates, so you won’t experience graphics issues during your game play.

If you decide not to opt for a 3D monitor, make sure you purchase one that has a higher response rate and faster refresh rates as there will be least chance of ghosting effects or other graphics issues while you are gaming.

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• Larger screen size
• HDMI connectivity
• LED Backlight

If you’re going to be using your computer for home entertainment purposes, the monitor you select has to be up for the task. This means selecting a monitor that can provide you with superior image quality and manage HD media.

3D monitors with HDMI input are great for home entertainment computers. You may also want to consider touch-screen monitors that are compatible with Windows 7 or Windows 8. Make sure the monitor you select has 3D compatibility as these monitors will normally have the specifications you need for your home-entertainment needs. Touch-screen monitors are also becoming increasingly-popular amongst home-entertainment users.

As to screen size, you will want a larger monitor since you will be using your computer to watch videos. If your screen is too small it will take away from your viewing enjoyment. For those who want to use their computers as a home entertainment center, a monitor with a screen size of at least 30 inches will be best. 

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