Rather than buying a new computer entirely, many people decide to invest in a new liquid crystal display (LCD) screen to better their computer's display and visual quality. But, if you are buying a new screen, there are a few important elements to consider.

One of the first things to set up ahead of time is your budget, so that you can stick to it.

"Monitor prices depend on the type, size, and features of the display," explains PC Magazine's John Delaney in a recent article on the publication's website. "For example, a no-frills model that uses a 22-inch [twisted nematic] TN panel will probably costs around $150. Budget monitors usually lack niceties such as USB ports and a height-adjustable stand, but they do use LED backlighting, require very little power and are very bright. Performance is adequate for most entertainment purposes or for viewing business and productivity apps, but not well suited for tasks where color and grayscale accuracy are key."

As Delaney points out, there are larger LCD screens with decent display and backlighting that are available for purchase at low prices. But, if visual components play a big role in the tasks you use your computer for, you should certainly consider screens with more advanced image settings and higher performance.

While a larger screen can often make work easier, it's not necessarily the most important feature, because a 30-inch screen takes up a lot of space, and - especially if you already have a television - may not be something you use for viewing video often, anyway. Instead, pay close attention to features like pixel response rate, resolution and whether or not it comes with a webcam. These aspects make a big difference in quality and functionality, too.