Question about monitor contrast ratio.

I just bought this monitor and I wanted to know if it is a good buy for the price?

P.S. What is the contrast ratio and what does it do?

I bought that monitor not to long ago. It didn't come with a DVI cable so I had to buy one. It's a really nice monitor but I had to return it because it was hurting my eyes more then my CRT monitor. I guess I'm not use to LCD screens or higher resolution then 1024x768.

P.S. How is the monitor? Is it hurting your eyes as well?

Ya I put the brightness down to around 30 and I also played around with the contrast but even then my eyes and head starts to hurt after like 1 or 2 hours of looking at the monitor. As for my CRT monitor I can look at it all day with the light on or off in my room and it doesn't hurt as much or give me headaches. It's to late to get use to it now cause I don't have it anymore.

Also when looking at my LCD TV it hurts my eyes a bit more then it does with my old tube tv. I guess I have a problem with LCDs which I know I'm not the only one. I'm on my computer EVERYDAY for long hours lol.

that's my current monitor, but i bought mine from best buy for $200 on sale (once i saw the ad, i had to jump on it). i love it by the way. vibrant colors, very fast response time, and great contrast ratio. LG is a reputable brand, too, that offers a 3-year warranty on this product.

i have noticed that this LCD has gone on sale at least two times at a price point of $200 within the past few weeks. also, best buy sells a samsung with the exact same specs for the exact same prices (i.e., either $240 MSRP or $200 on sale). either of those monitors will surely serve you well if you want to game at a resolution of 1440 X 900.

two more notes:

1) i've spent a lot of time gaming on this monitor yet i've experienced no headaches or eye tension.

2) i've heard that when it comes to getting a DVI cable (digital connection), it depends on the luck of the draw. some people have gotten it and others have not. i personally did not get one, only a D-SUB/VGA (analog connection) cable, so i'd bet on NOT getting one bundled if purchasing from best buy. don't let this sway you too much, though, as you can buy a DVI cable cheap at newegg for $10 (see link below).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812189047

Generally, I think the higher the contrast ratio, the better.

Ya I put the brightness down to around 30 and I also played around with the contrast but even then my eyes and head starts to hurt after like 1 or 2 hours of looking at the monitor. As for my CRT monitor I can look at it all day with the light on or off in my room and it doesn't hurt as much or give me headaches. It's to late to get use to it now cause I don't have it anymore.

Also when looking at my LCD TV it hurts my eyes a bit more then it does with my old tube tv. I guess I have a problem with LCDs which I know I'm not the only one. I'm on my computer EVERYDAY for long hours lol.

Iceman2005