I still use CRT monitors. Two 19 inch ViewSonic monitors that still function perfectly, still weight 50 pounds and still take up all of my desk space. I think the time has come for me to upgrade...maybe. But probably unlike most of you, I have not actually worked on anything else other than CRTs. I've used computers with LCDs a few times, mostly when doing IT work in offices (read: cheapo crappy LCDs), but I have never really spent a significant amount of time in from of one. Should I upgrade? The ones I have now work fine and don't seem to have any problems (other than being huge, heavy and bulky), so I need a reason why I should fork out money to replace them. Are they better? Are they worth it? Are they better on your eyes? Do they have less glare? WHAT? If I do replace them, I was thinking of either buying two similarly sized screens or buying a single freaking huge screen. And if I get the large one, how will that affect my duel-screen productivity? Can I even use one huge screen to function in a similar manner as two screens?

I find LCDs to be a lot easier on the eyes. I have to have my CRT monitors set to refresh at 85hz or I get headaches, with LCDs it doesn't matter. Aesthetically they're nicer on the eyes, too. Your desk will look much more pleasant with two LCD monitors on it than it probably does with two huge CRT monitors.

As for two screens vs. one huge screen, I'd go for two. Huge screens look cool but I've always found two screens to be more practical. The actual physical division o fthe screens makes the desktop seem less cluttered than having all your junk on one huge screen.

Two mid-range LCD screens at 19 inches, you're looking at about a $250 to $300 investment. I don't recall you being rich, so I'm going to assume that's a fair bit of coin. Quite hard to justify what you'll get from the switch.

What you will get:
* Generally sharper rendering, particularly of text
* Somewhat worse color accuracy, unless we step up the price point big time.
* Probably widescreen.
* Much more physical desk space.
* Substantially lower power consumption.
* A lot easier to pack up and move, in case you do that often.

For huge screens, you can get software that helps divide up the space, but it takes a really colossal screen to approach the usefulness of dual. But I can't think of anything that would make me drop that much money for the same amount of space. Now if you're getting bigger screens, that's different.

LCDs are very, very clear. When you are reading type on an LCD, it's like you are looking at a nice, laser printed, piece of paper. Then you try and read something on a CRT, and it looks blurry and ugly.

Just make sure you get a good contrast ratio, color gamut, and response time.

It may not be an issue for you but if you choose to go with the LCD, you do not have to worry about monitor distortion due to strong electrostatic pulses from other devices.

Quote: Original post by Promit
* Substantially lower power consumption.

And to give you some perspective, OP, I've personally realized a reduction of 39%. I would also imagine that they help with the efficiency of central cooling since they give off noticeably less heat.

Quote: Original post by Promit
Now if you're getting bigger screens, that's different.

I was looking around some stores here (like Fry's and Microcenter) and they were selling HUGE screens for around $800-1000. They came with AV input so I'd be upgrading my screens as well as my TV. BAM. BAM. Two things upgraded.

I'm setting my price limit to $1000 $500 on the screens. I'm sure I can get something quite decent.

EDIT: $1000 for screens seems like a tad much.

Quote: Original post by Daaark
LCDs are very, very clear. When you are reading type on an LCD, it's like you are looking at a nice, laser printed, piece of paper. Then you try and read something on a CRT, and it looks blurry and ugly.

Wrong. A good CRT won't be blurry or ugly picture-quality wise. I really don't like LCDs much, I can always see the individual pixels so clearly, it's really bothersome. And I also don't like it if it has a bad viewing angle and half the screen is distorted no matter where you put your head.. that is just annoying.

Quote: Original post by GMuser

Quote: Original post by Daaark
LCDs are very, very clear. When you are reading type on an LCD, it's like you are looking at a nice, laser printed, piece of paper. Then you try and read something on a CRT, and it looks blurry and ugly.

Wrong. A good CRT won't be blurry or ugly picture-quality wise. I really don't like LCDs much, I can always see the individual pixels so clearly, it's really bothersome. And I also don't like it if it has a bad viewing angle and half the screen is distorted no matter where you put your head.. that is just annoying.

I agree. My CRTs are crystal clear. But, the issue with being able to see individual pixels...isn't that just because you're using a lower-end LCD? I've seen some screen on displays and they looks so clear and so sharp that they put my CRT to shame (they also had a hefty price tag).

It seems the biggest problems with LCDs include:

• Dead Pixels.


• Refresh Rate (although newer screens seem better about this)


• Color Quality

I personally didn't see a problem with viewing angle on the display models.

I have never seen an LCD screen that didn't have the visible pixel issue. Even on my 15.4" 1920x1080 laptop screen. And they said that 1920x1080 would make everything too small to read, hmpf.