Tracking Down Low Budget Computer Monitors

Nowadays, I keep a couple of extra monitors around "just in case."  Since these are not  monitors that I use on a daily basis, I opted to get a low budget computer monitor.

What is the Cheapest Computer Monitor?

The cheapest computer monitor on the market is the CRT monitor, which is the big, bulky looking monitor. 

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For daily use, I have a more expensive, sleek looking LCD computer monitor that has a flat screen.  Fortunately, for my backup monitor, the thin monitors are far from a necessity.  While the thin LCD flat screen monitors have a somewhat better viewing quality and are better for the eyes, they still have the same viewing area as do the big, boxy CRT computer monitors.  CRT monitors also use quite a bit more power than the LCD monitors, but not it doesn't make too much difference in the electric bill, especially when compared with how much they cost compared to their sleeker counterparts.

A 21 inch CRT can be as cheap as fifty or sixty dollars, while an equivalent LCD could cost you four times that.  As crazy as this sounds, I was able to find a 21-inch CRT on eBay! for just $12.00.  With shipping, the whole thing cost about $40.00, which is still a huge bargain.  The shipping fee is important to remember when you are shopping for budget computer monitors.  If you order online, the shipping charges on CRTs will be much higher than for LCDs.  Check out the shipping policies on the site that you order form, or find a site that offers a free shipping deal. 

Offline Sources for Cheap Computer Monitors

In the offline world, most computer parts stores sell CRTs, so you could always check there and save on shipping costs.  Also, keep an eye on your classified ad section in the newspaper.  Old computer monitors are often sold for just a few dollars because people have upgraded and want to get rid of them.  If you are buying a used monitor from a classified ad or at a garage sale (you can find them at garage and yard sales), plug it in and make sure that it works.  Also, before buying, make sure that your bargain computer monitor is compatible with your computer.

"Tracking Down Low Budget Computer Monitors," contributed by Rob Brown