Top monitors for the holidays

The price-to-feature ratio for the 27-inch Dell U2713HM monitor is on point, with solid performance, a multitude of ergonomic options, a beautiful extreme-definition screen resolution of 2,560x1,440 pixels, and an impressive array of connections. Pound for pound, it's the best monitor you can currently buy.

"IPS-Glass Panel Pro LED" is a pretty weird name for a monitor, but if you're looking for high performance at a reasonable price, you likely won't be turned off by the awkward name. The Pro's 27-inch screen features a 2,560x1,440-pixel resolution, and with a $500 price tag, that's pretty impressive.

The Asus PB278Q is like the Monoprice Pro, except with much better ergonomics, a slightly higher price, and an easier-to-remember name. Its stellar 2,560x1,440-pixel-resolution screen means performance won't be disappointing.

It may be hard to find, but if the monitor gods are kind and you're able to look past its shoddy build, the VX2460H-LED offers great performance at a reasonable price.

The Pavilion 27xi isn't all it could be. It has a plastic build and its 1080p resolution can't match the sharpness of the much more desirable 2,560x1,440. However, it's available for around only $300, making it a fantastic holiday value.