I got my first LCD just today and I wanted to know what the best thing in terms making it last longer *if that is even true*. Should I let windows power it off after lets say 1 hour or what? Currently I have it set to a blank screen saver after 5 minutes of inactivity then to power off after 1 hour. Just guessing folks with LCD monitors will know this more than what I have found on the net. Its half for doing nothing and half say to power it off nightly with the button on the monitor to save the screen or backlight. Any tips will be greatly appreciated.

There would be negligible difference in the life of the unit whether it is left on "standby" or turned off when not in use however there is an appreciable difference in power consumption over the long term. At the risk of sounding like a rabid greenie, If you aren't using it turn it off. I used to have a signature but it disappeared and I just couldn't be bothered writing another so please feel free to ingore this.

I agree with Richard, less wear and tear if you turn it off when not in use. WinSimple Software

Okay thanks. I have thought of that. I do in fact want to do my part, with my old CRT I turned it off every night as I went to bed. I plan to do that too. With the windows power management setting to power off after one hour would that be the same as flipping the off switch on the monitor? I can always kill it via the switch but off by automation would be preferred if that is the same :D I know its not a huge step in terms of energy savings but its a step.

>> With the windows power management setting to power off after one hour would that be the same as flipping the off switch on the monitor? << No it isn't. The windows power management cuts the video signal going to the monitor which blanks the screen. Becasue there is no video signal, the monitor has nothing to do and consumes less power but it is still consuming some power in stand-by mode. With a CRT monitor this could be a marked difference but with a LCD the difference will not be so great as they use less power to begin with. The monitor specs will tell you how much power is consumed in stand-by mode and full power. If I remember correctly to qualify for Green credentials the stand-by mode must be one third or less of full power. The switch on the monitor kills all power going to the monitor. Stuart

Ok thanks for the reply. I will kill it via the switch nightly. Appreciate it Ed