Versatile flat panel displays

If you use your computer for general business applications such as word processing, e-mail and perusing the Web, a 20-inch flat panel display will provide plenty of viewing area. But if you work with spreadsheets or need to view several open windows simultaneously, you’ll work more productively with a larger screen. If you have an older computer, you’ll want a monitor that includes analog as well as digital inputs.

I recommend: The 20-inch ViewSonic VX2025wm LCD flat panel display offers excellent resolution as well as a response rate (the rate at which a pixel can change colors) that would impress video-game enthusiasts. The slightly pricier Dell UltraSharp 2407WFP is a 24-incher that gives you more room to view lengthy documents or multiple documents at once. It also has four USB ports positioned along the side and bottom of the monitor—a convenient feature that saves you from having to plug digital cameras or other devices into PC USB ports that may be hard to reach. You’ll find more vendors of high-performance flat panel displays at Business.com.

Flat panel displays for multimedia mavens

Designers, video editors, animators and photographers need a larger LCD flat panel display that delivers the best resolutions and response times. Many of these monitors include speakers, but if you have a discerning ear you’ll probably prefer to use separate speakers.

I recommend: With its 5 millisecond response time and high contrast ratio, ViewSonic's 22-inch VX2235wm is a popular choice for working with video content. The SyncMaster 244T from Samsung scores high with reviewers for its superior display of text and colors, as does Apple Computer’s Cinema Display line, which includes a monster 30-inch flat panel display. It works with Macs as well as Windows PCs. Check out Business.com for sellers of multimedia-friendly flat panel displays.

Commercial and industrial flat panel displays

There are flat panel displays for nearly every environment, from rugged, battle-field ready models to user-friendly touch-screen monitors for retail settings.

I recommend: VarTech Systems sells a broad range of flat panel displays for industrial applications, including a line of sunlight-readable monitors. CCS-Industrial offers a line of 12-inch to 23-inch flat panel displays that can withstand harsh environments. If you’re looking for flat panels with touch-screen capabilities, VarTech’s touch-screen flat panels can be used on kiosks and other display systems. Business.com lists sources for more workhouse flat panel displays.