monitor buying guide

When choosing a monitor, consider the company behind it.

First and foremost, make sure that the company offers a money-back guarantee. Most displays show their problems right out of the box or within the first month or two of use, so you want to be able to return it for a refund or an exchange with a minimum of hassle. Ninety days is standard, but this varies among retailers (many online retailers give you only 30 days). Also, beware of restocking fees.

Next, consider the warranty coverage. Most companies offer two to three years of parts-and-labor coverage; anything less is suspect. If you're buying an LCD, make sure that the backlight is covered by the warranty; manufacturers used to exclude them from coverage, but more and more now include them. LCD buyers should also note a company's policy on defective pixels; one or two defects are to be expected, but if there are many, you should be able to return the unit for exchange or a refund. Some companies deal with pixel problems on a "case-by-case" basis, meaning that they don't have a set policy. If you end up with a problematic display, you'll have to negotiate with the company. This is where the satisfaction-guaranteed return policy can become very important.

You're far less likely to need technical support for a monitor than for a computer system or a software program. Still, it's good to know that there's someone you can call if trouble arises; look for toll-free support numbers and weekend coverage.

Be sure to keep all of the packing material for your monitor. If you should ever need to return it or ship it back for warranty service, you'll need the packaging. Monitors can be bulky, fragile, and extremely difficult to protect adequately. You don't want to end up improvising.

To find out more about how warranties really stack up and what you should look for in a vendor's service and support, take a look at CNET's hardware warranty explainer.