Shopping for an LCD on a Budget

Retail stores are quickly losing their appeal and hold on consumers as the internet provides more and more sources of quality new, used and refurbished computer monitor equipment. However, there are draw backs that consumers need to know when shopping for that 17" monitor of their dreams. The number one thought that should always be in one's head is research. Knowing what size that will be aesthetically pleasing seems to be the front runner for the common household PC user. While I am also at fault for having committed the sin of techno-vanity, other considerations also need to be addressed.

When searching for that 'perfect' monitor, keep a couple of things in mind. First of all, you might want to consider what the contrast ratio is for that particular model. When a monitor has a high contrast ratio, you will get a cleaner, more vibrant image for your viewing pleasure. The second consideration to be made is what kind of response time you will need. A very low response time is ideal if you wish to maintain a crisp clean image. Gamers probably know this concept better than most.

Shopping online can sometimes be a bit of chore. Finding the right monitor that's the perfect fit for you can lead to some frustration on your end. Not being able to see the item in real life can be a little nerve racking, especially as the price tag continues to climb. One way to relieve all of this unwanted stress is to find the sites that have the best monitors out there to fit your budget.

One of the sites I have found for buying monitors is ebay.com. The nicest feature on eBay is that you get to set the price range that you are comfortable with. Usually there is a great selection of monitors that vary in price and quality. eBay provides the consumer with new and used monitors of all makes, models and sizes. They provide private sellers along with business to business sales. One of the most important things to check is the product description list. You want to make sure you are getting all of the items and accessories you will need.

Another site that I have found to be very useful in my perusing is Ubid.com, simply for the fact that they only sell used and reconditioned equipment on their website. However, you always have the option of purchasing an extended warranty on all of the products sold on their website. Buying an extended warranty to go along with your "new to me" monitor is simply a great idea. You never know if you will end up getting a lemon. The warranty doesn't negate the pain you endure when you bite into the lemon but the aftertaste is pure sugar.

Last but not least is the famous Craigslist.com. This website has many attractive features, two of which are: You can sometimes get to see a picture of the item you are hunting for and if you happen to live in or near a large city you can save yourself the cost of shipping and handling. The added bonus is that if you happen to be within driving distance, you can see the item before any money has changed hand. The downside is that you are not likely to get a warranty with it.

Having said all of this, just remember the greatest shopping tool you can possibly use is the internet. The internet makes research (the most important step) a breeze and makes the price tag a little easier to swallow when you get that shiny new (or new to you) monitor home and start enjoying it.