When shopping for a computer monitor, try to keep one maxim in mind: try before you buy. Picture quality can vary from one monitor to the next, and you want to make sure you can comfortably view the on-screen action for hours at a time without headaches or eyestrain. Also, keep in mind which types of applications you plan on viewing and how much you can afford to spend. Most computers come bundled with CRT, or Cathode Ray Tube, monitors capable of Super Video Graphics Array, or SVGA, quality resolution. Resolution refers to the number of pixels, or picture elements, a monitor is capable of displaying. The higher the resolution, the better the picture quality. Generally, the larger the monitor, the higher resolution it can display. For example, 15 inch SVGA monitors are normally capable of a maximum resolution of 800 x 600 pixels, while 17 inch monitors usually offer 1024 x 768 pixel resolution. Remember, though, that larger monitors and better resolutions carry bigger price tags. There is a second type of monitor called LCD, or Liquid Crystal Display, flat-screen monitors. While more expensive than CRT monitors, LCD monitors are slimmer and lighter and can offer higher resolution at small-screen sizes. For more information, consult a computer professional.
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