Every consumer wants to get the best deal when making big purchases on computer components. Finding a good, cheap computer monitor may seem like an easy thing to do, but the buyer should always remember that the word cheap in this context has two very distinct meanings: cheap as in low cost and cheap meaning minimally equipped. A savvy buyer will want to find the cheapest computer monitor for the price while not sacrificing overall quality. Consider these suggestions when searching for the best deal.
Buying a Cheap Monitor Often Means Lack of Features
In order to save on manufacturing costs and keep the price of a computer monitor as low as possible a vendor will often remove features from a specific model. Higher end computer monitors will often include additional inputs for DVI connections or S-Video. High end monitors may also include cable TV inputs and have built in tuners to allow broadcast television shows to be displayed on the monitor without the need for an external converter box.
All of these things add to the overall cost of building a monitor and these costs are passed on to the buyer. Prices for the same size of computer monitor may vary by as much as one hundred dollars or more based on what special features and inputs are provided on the device. For example, the VA926 nineteen inch LCD monitor from Viewsonic sells for around $345 while the professional model VP950b sells for $445. For the extra money the buyer gets additional cables, VGA and DVI inputs, and special software for calibrating the color and other settings on the monitor.
Cheap Computer Monitor Suggestions
Other vendors sell similarly equipped computer monitors much more cheaply, Acer is an excellent vendor of LCD flat panel monitors and a nineteen inch monitor similar to the one detailed above sells for less that $200. The Acer products are every bit as sturdy and use good quality components but sell for less due to the off-brand nature of the manufacturer. Samsung also sells excellent monitors in this same price range for users that prefer to have an internationally recognized brand on their equipment.
Low Cost Does Not Have To Mean Low Quality
Saving money is a good thing, but not at the expense of usability. Always do research at various product ratings web sites to see what others think of a specific model of computer monitor before making a purchase. Look at sites like Amazon to get a wide overview of what people like and dislike about that particular model. After taking all of these things into account a buyer should be able to make a purchase with confidence that they are truly getting the best deal for their money.
