Monitors for every user (pictures)

No matter your needs, there's a monitor for you. Check out six highly rated monitors that address the needs of everyone, from gamers to artists and everyone in between.

Xiomara Blanco

Xiomara Blanco is an associate editor for CNET Reviews. She's a Bay Area native with a knack for tech that makes life easier and more enjoyable. So, don't expect her to review printers anytime soon.

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Xiomara Blanco

May 22, 2013 2:23 p.m. PT

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For the gamer

The HP ZR2740w's 27-inch screen sports a 2,560x1,440-pixel resolution that makes high-end PC games look incredible. It's one of the cheapest extreme-definition (XD) monitors and features a multitude of ergonomic options, adding to its qualifications as a great gaming monitor. Read the full review here.

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For the professional artist

If you're a professional artist who listens to the color of your dreams, as The Beatles once suggested, the HP DreamColor LP2480zx is appropriately named and suited to your creative ventures.

The 24-inch monitor features impeccable color reproduction and direct black-level control. It's also great for general use like watching movies and playing games.

If performance is king and price is no object, the HP DreamColor LP2480zx monitor will make your dreams come true. Read the full review here.

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For the videophile

If you watch a lot of video on your desktop, the Samsung SyncMaster T27A950 could give your TV a run for its money. As a small, 1080p-capable HDTV, the monitor boasts stellar movie performance, and its gorgeous, unique build is equally impressive.

Samsung used Ultra Clear Panel technology on the 27-inch monitor, a coating added to the front of the screen that reduces reflections and increases contrast level; the deep black levels and vibrant colors are vividly eye-catching, even when some reflections are still visible. Read the full review here.

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For the student

For a student, keeping up with midterms, finals, and essays is common fare, but so is keeping up with time-sucks like blogs and social media. The Asus PA248Q monitor gets an A for its wide screen and the large space it provides for working (and procrastinating) efficiently.

The 24-inch monitor's lightweight build and complete collection of ergonomic options make it easy to adjust for marathon writing sessions or cramming.

Aside from its practical aspects, it offers good performance and plenty of features for a reasonable price. Read the full review here.

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For the cheapskate

Looking for a solid monitor at a low price? Well, how low can you go? Considering "low" to be relative, the most impressive, inexpensive monitor is the ViewSonic VX2460H-LED. For a cheap monitor, it performs well and features color customization options as well as HDMI connections.

However, the perks of color customization options are necessary to get a good-looking picture, and the monitor's build has a plastic feel and wobbly screen, but what do you expect for under $200? Read the full review here.

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For the investor

If you're looking to invest in a solid monitor regardless of the bells and whistles, the Dell UltraSharp U2713HM is worth your consideration. It offers a large variety of ergonomic support, connections, and customization options. Not to mention, it performs like a champ.

Its beautiful extreme-definition screen resolution of 2,560x1,440 pixels also makes it great for games and movies. If you're looking for an all-around great monitor, the Dell UltraSharp U2713HM is hard to beat. Read the full review here.