44: Recommended - monitors

Generally speaking, the larger the screen size, the better. Standard sizes start at 15" and go up to 21". We recommend most people to use a 17" monitor, as monitors of this size are always able to display the recommended resolution of 1024 by 768 pixels at a high refresh rate. Whatever size your monitor, it should be able to display this resolution at a refresh rate of higher than 85Hz to avoid flicker, which can lead to headaches and eye-strain.

Monitors that use Sony Trinitron or Mitsubishi Diamondtron tubes give particularly clear image quality, although they tend to be a little more expensive than normal CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors. Iiyama monitors are also very well regarded, with excellent back-up service.

Digital flat panel or TFT/LCD displays are still more expensive than traditional CRT monitors, but now offer excellent brightness, clarity and resolution. A typical 15" LCD monitor is able to display 1024 by 768 pixels, and a typical 17" LCD monitor is able to display 1280 by 1024 pixels. It is also possible to buy LCD displays that can "pivot" -- that is, rotate through 90 degrees -- so that thay are taller than they are wide. This is ideal for working in Sibelius, where typical pages of music fit this aspect ratio.