Compare Computer Monitor Brands

Computer monitor Buying Guide

Like TV screens, computer monitors are continuing to go wider and bigger. The squarish 17-inch monitors are now almost obsolete, replaced by widescreen models. Their larger size allows for easier side-by-side page viewing or more spreadsheet columns with less scrolling.

Shopping tips

Latest Computer monitor Ratings

Brands

Apple, Dell, eMachines, Gateway, HP, Lenovo and Sony all market their own monitors for their computers and all but Sony also sell monitors separately. Other brands of monitors include Acer, BenQ, Envision, KDS, LG, NEC, Philips, Planar, Proview, Princeton, Samsung, ViewSonic, and Westinghouse. Some of those companies don't make their own monitors but buy them and put their own brand label on them. You can compare monitors by brand with this guide.

Acer | Dell | HP | Samsung | Viewsonic

Acer

Acer offers a line of value monitors for home and small-office use, as well as business-oriented monitors and monitors for gamers. Some include built-in speakers. Widescreen models are available. For the widest selection at the best prices, try www.Newegg.com. PCConnection also has a wide range of choices, while Amazon and Tiger Direct have better-than-average prices.

Dell

Monitors available on Dell's website range in size from 15 to 30 inches and are widescreen and square. Some include built-in webcams. Dell also still has a couple of CRT models available. Amazon and Tiger Direct have better-than-average prices, while Dell's website has a wide selection of models.

HP

Widescreen and square models are available from HP, some with speakers added. Amazon and Tiger Direct have better-than-average prices, while PCConnection has a wide range of choices.

Samsung

Samsung's wide variety of monitor offerings includes the SyncMaster line. Models are available in square and widescreen formats, and some include integrated speakers and webcams. The new Touch of Color high-definition line offers a variety of inputs. For the widest selection at the best prices, try Newegg.com. PCConnection also has a wide range of choices, while Amazon and Tiger Direct have better-than-average prices.

Viewsonic

Viewsonic's budget line is OptiQuest, but there's also a Value line with lower-priced monitors. The Graphics line is aimed at advanced graphics users and gamers, the X series toward home and business users. Some models include a webcam or integrated speakers. For the widest selection at the best prices, try Newegg.com. PCConnection also has a wide range of choices, while Amazon and Tiger Direct have better-than-average prices.

Next in this section: Shopping tips