The hard disc unit, keyboard and monitor are the main components of a computer and they are to be chosen after due care and consideration.
The monitor receives signals from the hard disc and forms images of texts and graphics.
In the case of desktop computers, most of the shoppers prefer to buy a composite set, instead of buying components separately.
But those who prefer to fabricate a computer themselves will go for individual parts of their choice.
As there are many well known brands of computers as well as their components available in the market, the shoppers have wide choices in this context.
For those who have limited use of computers like surfing the internet or sending Emails, a normal size computer is sufficient.
But for more specialized jobs, the users may insist on specific size, type or model of monitor according to their requirements.
In the latest introductions of computers, laptops and notebooks many innovative models of monitors are incorporated.
For example, the sleek LCD monitors are used in portable computers.
They are generally expensive than the conventional CRT types.
At the outset, a monitor should provide clarity to images.
It should be compatible with the unit with which it is to be incorporated.
It is important that the shopper should consider factors like space available and cost factor while choosing the monitor.
Once such issues are sorted out, other factors like aspect ratio, bandwidth, dot pitch, refresh rate and resolution are to be considered.
Aspect ratio is the ratio between the width and the height of the monitor.
Normally it will be 4:3 and in the case of widescreen it will be 16:9.
Bandwidth refers to the speed at which a screen is able to refresh.
Inadequate bandwidth will cause flickering.
Dot pitch is the space in millimeter between two adjacent pixels of same colour.
With smaller dot pitch, sharper images can be obtained.
As for refresh rates it is better to have minimum 72Hz.
Resolution is represented by the number of individual pixels on the screen measured horizontally and vertically.
It varies according to the size of the monitor.
There are many other technical specifications that are required in a monitor.
But it all depends on the type, size and other characteristics of the monitor chosen as well as the composite unit on which it will be attached.
Now that computers are used for innumerable purposes, a general criterion cannot be prescribed in this respect.
Massive desktops and sleek laptops require entirely different types of monitors.
It is a highly technical subject which requires careful consideration.
Large number of computer shoppers are not fully conversant with all technicalities associated with the device.
The modern shoppers therefore rely upon the dealers or experts who deal with the products.
Internet, being a convenient source of information about all consumer durables including computers and accessories, the shoppers can visit the websites which deal exclusively with computer monitors.
Apart from offering valuable information about various products available in the contemporary markets, these websites periodically provide product reviews.
In the present scenario, when people have little time to make an extensive search or shopping expeditions, the special websites are time saving and productive sources for the consumers.