Have you been staring at that big honkin' computer monitor a little too long? Ready to upgrade to a flat panel? If so, you've waited for the perfect time. According to Display Search, a Texas-based display analyst group, the current economic downturn is having quite an effect on the computer monitor market. In fact, cheap computer monitors have continued to hit store shelves at low prices so much so that manufacturers have started selling them dangerously close to cash cost. What does that mean for you? It's time to scoop up these cheap computer monitors while the deals are hot.

Please note: Average prices based on AOL Shopping availability at press time. *Some prices may be higher than than those in the article.

Cheap Deal #1
Acer V173B 17" Computer Monitor
Average Price: $133.21

Much like their cheap notebook computer offerings, Acer comes through again with high quality-low cost cheap computer monitors. This 17-inch computer monitor is a fantastic deal for the size. Not only does it have the higher end in brightness (300 cd/m2), but it also has a contrast ratio of 2000:1 and resolution of 1280 x 1024. This means that with the images on these cheap computer monitors are crisp and colorful.

Cheap Deal #2
ViewSonic Optiquest Q19WB 19" Computer Monitor
Average Price: $153.44

Not only is this 19" ViewSonic computer monitor a great deal, but the perks that come with are must-haves. This cheap computer monitor offers great sound with built-in speakers, a widescreen display and comes equipped with a Kensington security port to keep ne'r do wells at bay. In fact, you can even mount this computer monitor to the wall to free up precious desk space.

Cheap Deal #3
Dell E207WFP 20" Computer Monitor
Average Price: $197.98

Known for quality, Dell is not always known for selling cheap computer monitors. This sweet deal is great for gamers who don't mind 24-bit color quality in order to avoid the 32-bit price. This computer monitor offers both analog and digital video interface connections and supports HD viewing all on a widescreen LCD display. Don't be fooled, this cheap computer monitor is cheap in price only.

Cheap Deal #4
Samsung 216 BW 21.6" Computer Monitor
Average Price: $196.50

You'd imagine that an accomplished manufacturer of flat panel TVs would be adept at making great computer monitors. Samsung has made a name for itself in both realms, and it really shows in this model. This cheap computer monitor stretches out to an oddly sized 21.6 inches, but you'll hardly notice while appreciating the 1680 x 1050 resolution, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 24-bit color depth and fantastic 16:10 aspect ratio. So go ahead, stretch out those windows side by side. There's room to spare.

Cheap Deal #5
Envision AOC 2219S1 22" Computer Monitor
Average Price: $232.49

For those looking for a cheap computer monitor to double as a movie screen, look no further. This Envision 22-inch computer monitor has got it all: 1680 x 1050 resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, 300 nits of luminance and a whopping 3000:1 contrast ratio. The super bright whites and deep blacks will bring out the best in your DVDs and photos. This is a cheap computer monitor to watch... literally.