More than likely you are reading this article on an LCD or plasma monitor. These monitors are much less bulky than the older monitors that took up half of a normal sized desk. Most of these monitors have a much clearer picture than the older monitors did. If you want to take the next step, then you will want to switch to LED monitors.

There is one primary difference between the LCD monitor and the LED monitor. That difference is the source of the back light. In the older monitors, the source of the back light was a florescent tube. After three to four years these tubes begin to dim. Since there was no way for the consumer to change the florescent tubes the monitor eventually had to be replaced. The picture on the monitor becomes progressively darker and due to this become a large source of electronic waste in our landfills.

In addition, although lighter than the monitors they replaced, LCD monitors are still heavier and thicker than LED monitors. Part of the thickness is due to the size of the florescent tubes. In contrast, LED monitors are very thin, especially if they are the edge lit type of monitor. It is the introduction of these monitors that make the ultra thin notebooks of today possible.

Since fluorescent lamps do not produce a full color spectrum, the picture produced by the LCD monitor is not as sharp as that of the LED monitors. LEDs produce a high quality of white light that makes the colors even more realistic in the LED monitors.

In addition, you will save energy with these newer monitors. While the amount may seem insignificant for a desk top computer, for a notebook or laptop computer less energy consumption means longer battery life.

Some users do complain that the edge lit LED monitors do not have an evenly lit screen. They find it brighter along the edges and darker in the center. This is due to the fact that the LED lights are only along the edges, making the super thin screen possible. This may simply be a matter of adjusting to the use of the screen.

Still other users find LED screens to be too bright for their applications. Since the brightness can cause eyestrain after continued use, users are advised to find monitors that allow for brightness control. By dimming the monitor, users may reduce the amount of eyestrain they experience.

These two minor complaints should not be enough to keep you from purchasing one of the best monitors that are available today. These are the absolute thinnest monitors available. They are extremely clear and last much longer than the LCD monitors with florescent tubes.

Choosing a long life monitor is a great choice for the environment. This means that you will not need to purchase a new monitor every time you purchase a new machine. By purchasing fewer monitors, you can do your part to reduce electronic waste in landfills. Choose an LED monitor for the longer lasting monitor. A new monitor should outlast your current computer.