For Your Viewing Pleasure, 2.0
Nov 16 '02
The Bottom Line With monitor prices (most LCD and CRT) falling to amazing lows recently, it has never been a better time to buy a new monitor.
In the past couple of months, prices on both LCD and CRT monitors have dropped tremendously. You can now get a decent 15" LCD monitor for under $300, and a decent 17" LCD monitor for under $500! Over a year about, the prices were almost double that. However, just because you can afford these monitors does not mean that they are right for you.
LCD versus CRT
When you go out looking for a monitor (or deciding which to buy bundled with your new computer), you will generally find two types of monitors: LCD (liquid crystal display) flat-panels and CRTs (cathode ray tubes). An LCD is that thing monitor (generally less than two inches think), the CRT being the tube monitor resembling a television screen (don't get confused by flat CRTs, I'll go over those later). Both have their pros and cons, both have their places. LCDs are chic and nice looking, take up little space on your desktop, consume little energy, and generally have better picture quality and sharpness. CRTs are easy on the wallet, easy on the eyes, the most color-accurate, generally larger, and more durable. An LCD will most likely cost two- or three-times as much as their CRT counterpart, however has all the afore-mentioned advantages.
Sizes
When you compare a 17" LCD monitor and a 17" CRT monitor, you have to know that they are not the same size. CRTs have a plastic rim around the side (generally one-inch thick) which is counted in the measurement. LCDs, although they have similar rims, are not measured in terms of the overall diagonal measure, by rather only the picture-viewing portion. So, an 18" LCD monitor is the same size as a 19" CRT monitor (although will generally cost two- to three-times as much, as I have already stated). If you look close enough on an ad or specification sheet of a CRT monitor, it won't be hard to find the viewing size (although, like I said, it will most likely be about one-inch less).
As for what you want, it varies from person to person. I like big huge monitors (21" would be ideal, however I am limited by my wallet to 19"), however not everybody requires such proportions. I'd recommend at least a 17" monitor (both LCD and CRT), but I'd say if you have the money, go to a 19" CRT (a 17" LCD should be perfect for most). If you really have money to burn and don't mind the space on your desk, go for a 21" monitor. They will last you a long time and are a great investment.
CRT Details
If you choose to go the CRT route, there are some specifics that you should know about. The main one is the curvature of the glass. Older monitors (and your television screen, most likely) were curved because it was cheaper and easier to make. However, these days, it has become cheap and easy to make flat CRTs. Please understand that these are not thin, but rather the glass on the screen is not curved. This makes for a better viewing experience. When you buy a flat CRT, however, you might notice two faint lines running the width of your monitor. These are called aperture grills, and are required in flat monitors. They don't bother the majority of people, and the people who they do bother will get used to them in a matter of days and eventually won't notice them.
On brands: most are generally acceptable. If you are buying a monitor bundled with your computer (from Dell, Gateway, Compaq/HP, IBM, etc.), it will generally be a good one (they are usually made by Sony, Viewsonic, etc. with the computer brand sticker stuck on it). However, if you are going to buy a monitor not bundled with a computer, brands are of some concern. I would go for a Viewsonic, a Sony, an NEC/Mitsubishi, or a KDS if all else fails.
LCD Details
Most LCDs these days are generally good, however brand is of some concern. More companies make decent LCD monitors than do CRTs, however, so this list may not be complete (feel free to leave a comment if you have a brand that should be added, as I am not as well versed in LCD monitors as CRTs). Viewsonic, Scepeter, Sony, NEC/Mitsubishi, Samsung, KDS, and whoever makes the monitor that comes with a complete system are all good brands and should serve you well.
Thank you for reading, and I hope I have helped you make an informed decision. If you find anything wrong with this review, or would simply like to add to/subtract from it, feel free to either leave a comment or e-mail me at ssmith619@yahoo.com.
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