A good monitor can make using your PC feel like a whole new experience. Here's how we test monitors to see if they deliver the goods.

Color photo: This detailed, very colorful digital photo of a picnic scene (including fruit, vegetables, and people) lets us check a monitor’s color accuracy, saturation, and detail.

Color calibration will ensure whatever's on your computer monitor displays as close to correctly as possible. Fine-tune these settings for best performance.

Shop wisely, and you can land a midsize display with wide color coverage and maybe some surprising extras starting at well under $100. Here's how to snag the best cheap monitor (or two of 'em ...