Output devices
Includes items such as screens (monitors), printers, speakers and headphones.
Traditional computer monitor.
The original computer monitors were TV type screens on which you viewed your programs. They were supplied in different sizes, common sizes range from 15" to 21" screens. You should be aware that poor quality or badly maintained monitors could harm your eyesight.
Flat screen computer screens
Traditional computer monitors are based on the same sort of technology which is used within a television screen. More recently, flat screen computer screens have become available. These take up a lot less room on a desk and use less energy than the traditional, more bulky monitors.
You should be aware that often if you specify a screen of a certain size, say a 17‐ inch screen, this is the size measured diagonally, not horizontally across the screen. If you are upgrading you should also ask for the "visible viewing area" of the screen.
Projection devices
These are projection devices which can be attached to your computer and are useful for displaying presentations to a group of people. They are best used in combination with presentation programs, such as Microsoft PowerPoint. They are used within education and are also very popular for sales presentations. The price of these devices has dropped dramatically recently. When purchasing one of these devices the two things to look out for are the resolution (go for a minimum of XGA) and the brightness of the lamp (the brighter the better). Other factors to be aware of are the quietness (or otherwise) of the device, as well as the cost of replacement bulbs.
Speakers and headphones
Most computers are sold with the capability to add a pair of speakers to your system unit. In fact, in some cases, the computer screen may have speakers built directly into the unit. This enhances the value of educational and presentation products and can now be considered a standard PC component.Most computers allow you to plug headphones into one of the computer sockets. This is useful as the sound will then not annoy others in the room.
Speech synthesizers
A recent development is the ability not only to display text on a monitor but also to read the text to you. Thus, you could receive a text email from a colleague and the system could read that email to you. This is of enormous benefit to the visually impaired when using a computer. On the flip side, it is now possible to use a microphone to talk to the computer and for the computer to directly convert the spoken word into text which will be displayed within say your word‐processor. Whilst these systems are far from foolproof they are getting better as more advanced software is being made available.
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