Although nearly every flat screen monitor is based on LCD technology, there are differences between the models. Apart from the price, one of major advantages of the TN Film screen is its fast-image formatting. But as that can only be measured in milliseconds, it's generally only important to gamers.

Office applications are more concerned about factors such as contrast, viewing angle and color consistency, such as the MVA, PVA and S-IPS displays. However, they cost more than TN displays, which sell for less than US$317. MVA and PVA displays start at double that figure. IPS displays cost around US$3,000, and are more suited for people like graphic designers.

Prices should be based on more than just the fact that a monitor has a flat screen. "The height of the display should be adjustable," says Peter Knaak of the Berlin-based Stiftung Warentest, a consumer goods organization. "It's also good if you can tilt the screen forward or backward to get the right viewing angle." Some displays have a reflective surface, which can be distracting.

Jaroslav Smycek of the Hannover Consumer's Center recommends 19-inch models because they're good for the eyes. "It keeps the text from being too small," he says.