How times change. Two years ago it was almost impossible to find a cheap computer monitor with decent features like multiple inputs and large screen sizes. Today there are a slew of LCD computer monitors on the market that not only provide these essential features but also go a lot farther and often for less that $150. So what are the best and cheapest computer monitors moving into the new year?
Asus MS246H 23.6 Inch Wide Screen Monitor
For the price it is currently selling at a buyer will have a hard time finding more screen real estate and better customer reviews. Selling for under $200 the Asus MS246H has nearly 24 inches of screen and full HD resolution of 1920x1080.
The price of LCD panels tends to fluctuate quite a bit though so if a buyer finds this monitor for under $170 they should grab it while they can. With a 50000:1 contrast ratio and excellent color reproduction this monitor, although on the high end of the “cheap” scale, is worth the extra money.
Acer G235H 23 Inch Wide Screen Monitor
Shaving off less than an inch of screen space while skinning nearly $40 off the price compared to the Asus MS246H is the G235H monitor from Acer. Selling at most online retailers for under $150 at the time of this writing the G235H is even less if the buyer is willing to go with a refurbished unit.
The G235H includes three input ports as well, HDMI, DVI, and standard VGA are all supported on this unit and it also provides full HD resolution plus an 80000:1 contrast ratio.
AOC E2043F 20 Inch LCD Monitor
Although smaller than the huge 23 inch monitors mentioned above the AOC E2043F is one of the cheapest computer monitors available that still sports very high ratings and high quality components. AOC boasts that their unit has an ungodly 5000000:1 contrast ratio. This number alone makes it seem a bit overhyped, but the reviews seem to be solid.
The only downsides are the lack of a DVI adaptor and only 720p video support. However, it should be noted that studies have shown that on such small monitors it is difficult if not impossible for most users to tell the difference between 1080 and 720p video so the AOC E2043F is still a very good
Although finding a good quality, cheap computer monitor is a little more difficult with the recent increase in LCD panel prices, it is still possible to find a good deal. Start with the suggested models shown above or do your own research by cross referencing price with user ratings for the appropriate size monitor to meet your needs.
Chad Criswell - Chad Criswell is a professional educator and freelance technology writer for numerous online and print publications throughout the United ...
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