The Many Benefits Of Computer Flat Screens
Computer flat screens are prevalent these days. I finally dumped my old and tired CRT monitor (not a simple task evidently, CRT screens are classified as hazardous waste and you must use a municipal collection service to make it legal) and purchased my first computer flat screen — also called flat panel monitors. I absolutely love it. I can't believe I put it off for so long; it has made an enormous improvement in my computing happiness.
The first and most glaring difference I have noticed is the superior picture quality of my new LCD computer flat screen. It definitely puts my old CRT tube to shame. My new flat panel monitor is sharper, clearer, has a faster refresh rate and higher contrast ratio. I used to notice a lot of eyestrain and subsequent headaches from staring at my old monitor for a while, but I do not experience that with my new computer flat screen.
The only disadvantage I see with the LCD monitors is the slight ghosting of video when viewed in close, as with video editing, of which I do a small amount. This won't be an issue with most people, however. And viewing DVDs from a comfortable distance, looks just fine.
Another great reason for owning a flat screen is of course the smaller footprint. Computer flat screens are space savers. I had to utilize pretty much all of my desk surface with my old CRT screen, but with my LCD flat panel I now have a lot of room to spread out with.
When computer flat screens began to emerge several years ago they were weren't cheap. Also, they had some problematic technical issues like dead or discolored pixels and such. Nowadays, though, the technology and manufacturing processes have been improved upon greatly and through mass production have come down in price a great deal. Getting a good name brand — I bought an LG — computer flat screen is only slightly more expensive than an equally sized CRT monitor. Also, they don't offer wide screens like my 19", which by the way, I absolutely love (1440 x 900 pixels — lots of real estate!).
There really aren't many reasons not to get a computer flat screen, especially if you are purchasing a new computer. The money you save by choosing a CRT monitor instead, is not significant anymore and you'll have a bulky, heavy piece of hazardous waste to deal with as a result. I predict that CRT monitors (and CRT televisions as well) will be slowly phased out of the market and before long will disappear from the shelves entirely.
Next time you're in a Best Buy, CompUSA, Fry’s Electronics, or other store that sells monitors, check out their selection of computer flat screens. Also, if you've got a spare minute or two just do a quick search for them online. You just might be surprised on how inexpensive they've recently become.