5 questions help determine which computer monitor to buy

— -- A better computer monitor gives you a new window on the world and can make you more productive. Here's what to consider before making one of the most effective (and cheapest) computer upgrades.

1. How much do I need to spend?

Monitors range in price from under $100 to several thousand dollars, with the price depending on two things: size and features. The larger the screen, the bigger the price tag, with 15- and 16-inch models starting under $100, and 30-inch models costing up to $3,000. The best value is in the 24-inch range, with good monitors such as the Dell UltraSharp U2412M costing about $300. Costlier monitors include extra features, such as self-calibration on the Eizo CG245W ($2,799), which serious designers and photographers will love. An increasing number of monitors also offer LED backlights, which use less electricity.

2. What size monitor do I need?

Bigger monitors run at higher resolutions, so you have more screen space to use. That means you can have more windows open, such as a spreadsheet and a word processing document, at the same time. For simple Web browsing, a 19- or 24-inch monitor lets you see multiple pages side by side. A 24- or 27-inch monitor might be the right choice for video or photo editing. Many monitors can be rotated to a portrait orientation, so you can see an entire printed page. The 30-inch displays are for those who need to see a lot of information sources at once, which is why brokers and day traders use them.

Also consider that most desktop computers can drive multiple monitors, so you could consider two 24-inch monitors instead of a single 30-inch.

3. Which connections do I use?

Make sure your computer and new monitor can talk to each other. Most desktop computers offer DVI, VGA and HDMI outputs, as well as the newer DisplayPort. Laptops usually offer a single mini DisplayPort, HDMI port or VGA output.

Monitors offer a number of inputs, usually including a DVI, VGA and at least one other input.

The ideal option is to match the same type of output and input. The newer types (such as DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort) are preferred, as older ones (such as VGA) may not support large monitors. You can usually find an adapter to connect mismatched cables, though not all combinations are possible, and adapters can create problems. Avoid them, if possible.

Apple has a new type of connection called Thunderbolt on its latest laptops and desktops, but only a single Thunderbolt monitor is available at the moment, currently through Apple.

4. How do I make my photos look good on screen?

A good monitor should make the colors in photos and videos look the same as they do in real life. However, most monitors don't do this out of the box. They're usually configured to look as bright as possible in the store.

To give you its best color, a monitor has to be calibrated. First, install the software that comes with the monitor, which may offer calibration features. Next, use a calibration program such as DisplayMate that takes you through the calibration process step by step. Serious photographers may want to invest in a display calibrator such as X-Rite ColorMunki or Spyder 4, which measures the colors from the monitor and calibrates display automatically.

5. Can I use my HDTV as a monitor?

Yes, but it's not a great idea. Many computers have an HDMI output, or you can get a DVI to HDMI adapter for a few dollars. But try sitting 3 feet from your HDTV for a bit, and you'll see the problem: HDTVs are for watching from a distance, while computer monitors are for up close. Keep the HDTV in the living room and the monitor in the office, and you'll get the best of both worlds. With a decent 24-inch monitor available for less than $300, it won't break the bank.

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Find out more about computer monitors from Reviewed.com at ComputerMonitorInfo.com. Reviewed.com is a division of USA TODAY.