Cheap computer monitors
Monitors represents a very important part of your computer. It is the only part of the computer you will be constantly looking at while using your computer, so selecting a good one is very important to you and your eyes of course. It is also one of the most expensive parts so selecting good quality for the right price is crucial.
Although the most common monitor type are CRTs, LCDs are quickly taking over for many computers. The lightweight and bright screens make LCDs easier to move around and easier on the eyes. Also as companies are phasing out CRTs, they have lowered LCDs prices even further. There hasn't been a greater time to get a quality monitor than now!
The most common screen size today is 17". Due to different measuring techniques a 17" CRT will give you around a 16" actual viewable area. However with a 17" LCD, you'll get 17" of actual viewable area. Keep this in mind when comparing CRTs and LCDs.
We recommend getting at least a 17" LCD. The price difference between a 17" CRT and LCD aren't enough to warrant getting the CRT and a 15" LCD is too small for practical purposes. When looking for an LCD look to see if they have cable management features and any I/O ports (USB, Firewire, etc.) on the monitor itself.
If money is an issue stick with a 17" CRT which will give you the most for your money. I do not recommend monitors below 17" in screen size. Simply because the price difference between 17" and 15" monitors is so small, and the difference in size is substantial. Also do not buy monitors with built in speakers because the sound that they produce is terrible, and today you can buy a great set of speakers with subwoofer for a very low price .
BUDGET PC
CRT - 17" - 1280 x 1024 / 67 Hz - 0.21 mm
The EX700F is a 17"(16") flat-screen CRT that provides great visual performance for a truly competitive price. If you are building a budget PC 17" CRT monitor is a way to go.
GAMING PC
If you are crazy about playing games you should get at least a 19" monitor. LCD's are still not as fast as CRT but are slowly catching up. However, I would still recommend a big CRT monitor because of the more affordable price and slightly better performances.
If you are short on space and prefer an LCD, then check out the ViewSonic VP912B 19" LCD Monitor. It features 450:1 contrast ratio and 12ms response time, perfect for gaming.
HOME THEATER
You will definitely need a HDTV or a wide screen monitor at least 17" in size. On the picture you can see a 17" wide screen LCD. If you have room in your budget, check out Dell's new 24" wide screen LCD.
BUSINESS PC
If you will use your PC for business purposes (in your office for example) I would recommend you to buy a 17" LCD monitor. It looks much better than CRT, and most importantly, can save a lot of space on you desk.