| Text and images (scans of census records) are | | | | look for CSTN or DSTN (the latest passive |
| crisper and sharper and the LCD monitor is easier on | | | | technologies). Brightness: How bright is the picture, |
| your eyes. Monitor's size: Traditional monitors are | | | | expressed as cd/m (I have no idea what the units |
| similar to a TV because both of them have the CRT | | | | mean). Look for a brightness level of 200 cd/m or |
| (Cathode Ray Tube). That is the reason for its bigger | | | | greater. Again, if the monitor specs don%u2019t list this |
| size. It therefore occupies more space at the desk. It is | | | | value (not all do) be sure you can get your money |
| also heavy. | | | | back. If the lighting in your office (kitchen table) is |
| However, LCD monitors have thin flat screen. | | | | subdued the brightness factor won%u2019t be as |
| Therefore occupies very less space and is lighter than | | | | important as if you have a lot of sunlight streaming in. |
| the CRT monitor. LCD monitors can be fixed even on | | | | Don%u2019t pay extra for extra brightness unless |
| wall. Display Size: Even though the display size of a | | | | you%u2019re worried about bright sunlight. Overall, the |
| CRT monitor is calculated diagonally, the actual display | | | | contrast ratio will have a bigger impact on picture |
| size is smaller. For instance a 17" CRT monitor will | | | | quality. Monitor's size: Traditional monitors are similar to |
| actually have a display size of only 16" However, the | | | | a TV because both of them have the CRT (Cathode |
| display size of 17" LCD monitor will have 17" display | | | | Ray Tube). That is the reason for its bigger size. It |
| size. Resolution: CRT monitors can show different | | | | therefore occupies more space at the desk. It is also |
| resolutions. The resolution can be changed as required. | | | | heavy. However, LCD monitors have thin flat screen. |
| LCD Monitors will have Native Resolution and | | | | Therefore occupies very less space and is lighter than |
| therefore has a fixed resolution. The best resolution will | | | | the CRT monitor. LCD monitors can be fixed even on |
| be the native resolution for that LCD monitor. Viewing | | | | wall. Display Size: Even though the display size of a |
| Direction: A CRT screen can be viewed from all | | | | CRT monitor is calculated diagonally, the actual display |
| directions. And from different distance. But LCD | | | | size is smaller. For instance a 17" CRT monitor will |
| monitors cannot be viewed from all directions. LCD | | | | actually have a display size of only 16" However, the |
| monitors can only be viewed straight. Therefore its | | | | display size of 17" LCD monitor will have 17" display |
| viewing direction is limited. If viewed from other | | | | size. Resolution: CRT monitors can show different |
| directions the colors will change and sometimes the | | | | resolutions. The resolution can be changed as required. |
| vision will be unclear if not viewed straight. But in recent | | | | LCD Monitors will have Native Resolution and |
| years the new LCD monitors have improved on this | | | | therefore has a fixed resolution. The best resolution will |
| defect. Radiation Emission: The radiation emission in | | | | be the native resolution for that LCD monitor. |
| CRT monitors are higher. This will not be visible | | | | CRT |
| normally but it will affect eyesight and may cause | | | | Speaking of easy on your eyes, there isn't any glare, |
| head ache. Long term use of these monitors may | | | | and the flat screen means no distortion. By the way, |
| even affect the eyes adversely. LCD monitors do not | | | | even those expensive old-fashioned flat screen CRT |
| have this type of Radiation emission. Therefore LCD | | | | monitors have some distortion. Monitor's size: |
| monitors are good for the eyes. Price: CRT monitors | | | | Traditional monitors are similar to a TV because both |
| are priced very cheap. However they consume more | | | | of them have the CRT (Cathode Ray Tube). That is |
| power. LCD monitors are priced higher, but they | | | | the reason for its bigger size. It therefore occupies |
| consume less electricity. Though the electricity | | | | more space at the desk. It is also heavy. However, |
| consumption is not very significant for personal use, it is | | | | LCD monitors have thin flat screen. Therefore |
| very cost efficient in big organizations with many | | | | occupies very less space and is lighter than the CRT |
| computers. | | | | monitor. LCD monitors can be fixed even on wall. |
| Monitor | | | | Display Size: Even though the display size of a CRT |
| Text and images (scans of census records) are | | | | monitor is calculated diagonally, the actual display size |
| crisper and sharper and the LCD monitor is easier on | | | | is smaller. For instance a 17" CRT monitor will actually |
| your eyes. Dot pitch: This is the space between dots | | | | have a display size of only 16" However, the display |
| and is measured in fractions of a millimeter, e.g., .25mm. | | | | size of 17" LCD monitor will have 17" display size. |
| The smaller the number the better because the dots | | | | Resolution: CRT monitors can show different |
| are tighter. Many manufacturers don%u2019t even list | | | | resolutions. The resolution can be changed as required. |
| the dot pitch anymore and you probably won%u2019t | | | | LCD Monitors will have Native Resolution and |
| be able to tell the difference between a .22 and .27 | | | | therefore has a fixed resolution. The best resolution will |
| pitch anyway. So, if you like the monitor then | | | | be the native resolution for that LCD monitor. Viewing |
| don%u2019t worry about the dot pitch. Passive-matrix | | | | Direction: A CRT screen can be viewed from all |
| vs. active-matrix: Do not buy a passive-matrix monitor. | | | | directions. And from different distance. But LCD |
| I seriously doubt you%u2019ll even see one for sale, | | | | monitors cannot be viewed from all directions. LCD |
| but%u2026just in case. Having said that, there are | | | | monitors can only be viewed straight. Therefore its |
| some new passive-matrix technologies that are worth | | | | viewing direction is limited. |
| buying. If the monitor isn't TFT (a type of active-matrix), | | | | |