A display should have true colors and consistent brightness across the screen. Check for dead and stuck pixels--it's not uncommon for monitors to have one or two defective pixels but you want as few as possible. Insist on a contrast ratio of at least 400:1 for sharper images. If you plan to use your display for presentations, insist on viewing angles of at least 140 degrees horizontal and 140 degrees vertical. Ensure that the panel's native resolution is suitable to your needs. For basic users, a 15-inch LCD monitor should suffice. Graphics and video editors who generally require a larger working screen should opt for 17-inch (1,280x1,024) or larger LCDs.

12ms response time

Things to consider • Gaming, presentation or graphics design? • How much are you willing to spend? • For 3D games or video playback, look for a monitor with a pixel-refresh response time of 12ms to 20ms.

Some screens feature thin bezels which are useful especially when deployed in a multi-monitor setup, since narrow bezels are generally less obtrusive than thicker ones.

Sony SDM-HS93

Things to consider • Thickness of bezel. • Does the LCD use reflective glass coat? • Color scheme: Does it blend into your working space?

Some space-saving LCDs can be attached to VESA-compatible mounts, which connect to third-party wall mounts or swinging arms. Other LCDs also include a swivel feature, with many offering height adjustability and most with the ability to tilt forward and backward. Some LCD panels can also pivot between Portrait and Landscape modes, making legal-size documents and Web pages easier to view.

LCD in portrait mode

Things to consider • VESA arm connection support? (For offices) • Potrait mode? (For Web and Word document viewing?) • Swivel base? • Height and sideways adjustment?

Consider extras such as USB hubs, speakers, microphone and headphone jacks. Most LCDs have analog VGA connection, while others are equipped with a digital DVI-D connection for sharper visual quality.

Digital video input (DVI)

Things to consider • VESA arm conncetion support? (For offices) • Potrait mode? (For Web and Word document viewing?) • Swivel base? • Height and sideways adjustment?

Insist on a full-refund return policy as well as a three-year warranty for parts and labor, with three years of coverage for the backlight. LCD buyers should also note a company's policy on defective pixels; one or two defects are to be expected. But if there are many, you should be able to return the unit for exchange or a refund. The industry standard for LCDs is usually seven dead (or bright) pixels.

Service and support

Things to consider • Bright and dead pixel warranty • First week instant exchange policy • Service-and-support by phone • Length of warranty--three years being the standard