Old CRT monitors can save users nearly half the cost compared to new screens. However, selecting a quality monitor from the secondhand market requires some experience, effort, and… a bit of luck.
Currently, the computer monitor market in Vietnam is diverse, featuring many brands like Dell, Sony, Viewsonic, and Samsung. However, not everyone can afford to buy a new monitor; many opt for used monitors (secondhand) as prices are around one million VND. The one million VND difference between old and new 17″ CRT monitors can help them save money or invest in more necessary components and accessories. Below are some tips for purchasing a used monitor.
1. Brand is Just a Small Part
People often prefer well-known brands like Compaq, Samsung, Sony, and Dell. However, be cautious with used monitors as they may have had their casings swapped or relabeled, which is not difficult for “refurbishing” experts. Therefore, the brand is only a small part of the equation.
2. Avoid Too New or Too Old Casings
You should carefully inspect the casing, as it is the first step in verifying the seller’s honesty. If the casing looks too new or too old (with a yellowish tint), it’s a red flag; the seller may have easily replaced the casing, or a yellowed casing indicates it’s very old. For black monitors, pay attention to the glossy or matte finish on the monitor casing. If the glossy areas are more pronounced than the matte areas, be cautious as it may indicate an old screen. Also, examine the screen surface for scratches; if there are any, it’s best to avoid that monitor.
3. Manufacturing Date
Opt for monitors manufactured from 1998 onwards by checking the specifications printed on the back. Ensure these specifications are clear, sharp, and not smudged or erased, as this may indicate the label has been replaced. If the label is completely missing, move on to the next step.
4. Control Buttons and Adjustments
Older or refurbished monitors often have rotary knobs, which is undesirable as they belong to an outdated generation. Monitors manufactured after 1995 typically feature push buttons located beneath or on the side of the monitor. The buttons should be intact, clearly labeled, and easy to operate. Take your time to carefully check each button, especially the degauss button (labeled as Degause or symbolized by “U”). Experience shows that the presence of a degauss button can indicate the monitor’s age, but check carefully as it can sometimes be hidden in the menu.
5. Powering On the Monitor
Your next step is to turn on the monitor and assess its performance. Pay attention to the screen’s responsiveness; typically, a monitor should display an image within 5-7 seconds. Poor-quality monitors often take longer due to aging components. Used monitors may not fully display the image due to screen contraction over time, so carefully adjust it using the buttons. If adjustments are impossible, it’s best not to purchase that monitor. Some sellers may use software to fix this issue, but hardware problems may remain, resulting in poor screen quality.
A helpful tip is to bring a separate Averbox TV card to connect directly to the monitor for testing; this can reveal many faults.
Pay attention to the colors and sharpness of the displayed images. Adjust the brightness to maximum to check for dark spots and then to minimum to see if any areas are overly bright. Finally, ensure that when you turn off the monitor, there are no bright spots in the center or a hazy appearance across the screen. Also, check the monitor’s resolution and ensure the refresh rate is above 60 Hz; otherwise, it’s best to avoid it.
Currently, the most popular sizes are 17″ and 21″, priced from 600,000 to 850,000 VND each. Larger, ultra-flat monitors start at over one million VND. Prices in Ho Chi Minh City are similar. Dell and Compaq monitors ranging from 15-17″ cost about 20-40 USD. Higher-quality and larger monitors are priced between 1-5 million VND. Monitors produced from 2002 onwards can reach prices of 50-70 USD. You can easily find used monitors from brands like IBM, HP, Compaq, NEC, Dell, TVM, and many others ranging from 15-21″ at computer streets like Bui Thi Xuan or Ton That Tung and surrounding areas.
