Even before you start to think about specific monitor features, you face some important choices. First, you must consider the size of the LCD display that you need, and then the aspect ratio that you wish to use.

  • Screen Size. Display size is specified in terms of the diagonal measurement of the screen. In general, the larger the display, the more information you can show at one time. It is important, however, to keep resolution in mind. A large display that is limited to low-resolution images cannot show as much information as a smaller display that supports a higher-resolution image.

    For most office tasks, a 15-inch LCD is adequate. The extra cost of moving to a 17-inch LCD, however, may be well worth doing, since it provides more space for multiple programs to be visible simultaneously. Specific applications can benefit from even larger displays: In desktop publishing, for example, it's helpful to have two full-size pages displayed side by side, much as you can have with a 20-inch or larger display.

    Also, keep in mind that Windows supports multiple graphics adapters, so it's possible and sometimes more practical to get more display area by using two separate displays-a solution that will often will cost less than the price of a single, larger display.

  • Aspect ratio. Most computer monitors and televisions have a 4:3 aspect ratio. This means that the screen is 4/3 as wide as it is tall. The advent of high-definition TV and DVDs has led to the creation of wide aspect ratio displays, with 16:9 most common. Not only does this help give you the full view of entertainment programming, but the extra width can help you see more data on a screen at one time.