For an LCD monitor, the response time indicates how fast the monitor can display changes on the screen. When information changes on the screen, a ghosting effect may occur, which means the previous information remains on the screen after the new information appears. The lower the response time, the faster the images on the screen update, which reduces the ghosting effect. You should look for an LCD monitor with a response time of 16 milliseconds (ms) or less.

Some CRT monitors have a flat screen instead of the curved screen offered by most CRT monitors. Flat-screen CRT monitors provide a sharper image and reduce glare, but are more expensive than monitors with a curved screen.