Monitor: Samsung 740N 17 Inch LCD (Rs. 10,300)
The monitor is easily the most expensive component in a computer roundup. Hence, when one is selecting a monitor, careful thought must be given while selecting. We could have easily selected a CRT monitor for this roundup but we chose not to. LCDs have become mainstream now and offer far more value for money with their bright output and great viewing angles. They are also slim hence occupy less space and require a lot less power to run as compared to the bulky CRTs. One thing to remember is that unlike CRT, LCDs have a resolution called "Native resolution" i.e. this is the recommended resolution one should work with for the maximum clarity. If you use any other resolution the picture will be less sharp and there will be a noticeable degradation in the quality of the display.
The LCD market space is fairly crowded making it a tough bargain for anyone to try and find a good deal. We chose to go with Samsung as this slim LCD monitor with its bright display and vivid colors is one of the best in the 17-inch class. The monitor offers a native resolution of 1280x1024 with a refresh rate of 75 Hz which makes it a pleasure to work with. Another great point for this monitor is the fact that comparable monitors from Viewsonic and LG cost around Rs. 1,000 more.

Keyboard & Mouse (Rs. 800)
Microsoft builds excellent keyboards and mice that are sturdy and are ideal for long hours of work. At a cost of just Rs. 800 this is considered to be an excellent buy. To top it, the set comes with a three-year warranty unlike other brands which offer only one-year warranty
Cabinet: VIP ATX Cabinet with Integrated 350W PSU (Rs. 1,650)
There is not much to say here. VIP is a well known maker of ATX cabinets available in decent colors and well designed power supplies, that are known for their reliability.

Speakers: Altec Lansing ATP3 (Rs. 2,700)
Altec Lansing makes some great PC speakers that offer an excellent experience for games and movies. The ATP3 2.1 speaker system fits right into the budget category offering above average performance with some features that can be found in products twice its cost. The sub-woofer packs a punch and is capable of outputting 18 watts RMS. The speakers are also equally well powered and are capable of outputting 12 watts RMS.



