buying a monitor - any reason not to go CRT?

[cthomer5000]

I'm looking to buy a nice big monitor, which at its most stressed will be used for playing 3-4 tables of online poker.

Being that space is not an issue for me, is there any real reason not to spend much less money and get a CRT monitor?

I'll admit a flat-screen LCD would be nice, but If I can save $400+ I'm all over a CRT.

Any feedback from those with expertise on this stuff would be greatly appreciated.

[cthomer5000]

dola.

And any specific model recommendations or "models to avoid" would be great as well.

[bigbadraidersfan]

The flat panel/LCDs are nice, if not a bit overpriced still. Wally World does have some cheap, but they appear to be just that.

I have a flat panel on my iMac and love it. I wish I had one on my PC.

But, I've decided if I buy a standard FP monitor, I'll splurge for a Sony.

Edit: Unless I suddenly come across plenty of cash, than I'll buy an Apple 30-incher. They work on PC and are beautiful.

[Buccaneer]

I've been meaning to ask this same question. About 2 years ago, I was looking to build a dream PC and really wanted a flat-screen LCD monitor. But there were those here and elsewhere saying that for games, particurlarly action games, LCD were inferior because of the refresh rate and crispness - you get ghosting (there's that word again) and something else I forget. I opted for a NEC .24 pitch 19" and have been extraordinarily happy with it. It is still sharper and clearer than any of the LCD displays I've seen in the store (except the high-end plasma kind). However, I don't know about the specs. Have LCD monitors reached the point, ala CRT monitors, where you don't get ghosting and have excellent refresh rates (assuming the same graphics card)?

[Draft Dodger]

the answer is...no. LCD is not going to give you anything that a good CRT is going to give you, besides style and space.

I have a Viewsonic (P95F I think) that is super. Sony and NEC are other good CRT vendors.

[bigbadraidersfan]

When I was looking at them one time, Best Buy rep recommended waiting. The higher end models at the time (namely those from Sony) were good for gaming, but too expensive for the mainstream consumer.

EDIT: In the end, I held out on my PC, buying a ViewSonic 17 in CRT. Rumor is, plasma will be a bargain in the next year or two.

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by Buccaneer

I've been meaning to ask this same question. About 2 years ago, I was looking to build a dream PC and really wanted a flat-screen LCD monitor. But there were those here and elsewhere saying that for games, particurlarly action games, LCD were inferior because of the refresh rate and crispness - you get ghosting (there's that word again) and something else I forget. I opted for a NEC .24 pitch 19" and have been extraordinarily happy with it. It is still sharper and clearer than any of the LCD displays I've seen in the store (except the high-end plasma kind). However, I don't know about the specs. Have LCD monitors reached the point, ala CRT monitors, where you don't get ghosting and have excellent refresh rates (assuming the same graphics card)?

I still use CRT, and don't have any reason to change. We got my wife a nice NEC LCD a while ago - it looks pretty good, but I haven't tried to run any games on it (she uses her computer for email, web browsing, and Quicken).

the biggest turnoff for me on LCDs is that they have a "optimal" resolution, where they will run the best at. with my wife's monitor, that is 1280x1024 (I think). it handles other resolutions, but that's the one you want to run in for best results. well, that and the price.

[cthomer5000]

The price is ridiculous really.

It's either LCD Monitor or whole system basically...

Looks like i'm correct in thinking the choice is that obvious.

[sabotai]

I have an LCD. It's SOOOOO much easier on my eyes. I used to have to take breaks from PC use because my eyes would basically start hurting from staring at the monitor for too long. Once I went to LCD, the problem went away. No glares is also a nice thing.

But, I also know people who have the opposite effect, in that LCDs hurt their eyes, so it's a matter of taste I suppose. But I for one will never go back to CRT (for the sake of my eyes and desk space which is an issue for me).

[Buccaneer]

I realize I was unclear in my post. I have a NEC CRT and would not switch away to a LCD. Sorry DD.

[cartman]

I prefer LCD myself. I have two of both types in my home office. The CRTs are Viewsonic 17 and 19 (also a P95f) inch, and the LCDs are Samsung 17 and 21.3 inch. The big Samsung LCD is simply stunning. The optimal resolution is 1600X1200, and it is very readable. I have had zero problems with ghosting, and I've been playing Doom3, Call of Duty, Operation Flashpoint, Battlefield 1942 and Battlefield Vietnam. Also, since the native res is 1600 by 1200, I can run things like Doom3 at 800X600 and have great performance, and not affect the picture quality.

If price is an issue, then you can't go wrong with a CRT. It would take several years of the cost of higher power consumption of CRTs to have the TCO be the same between the two types. If space is an issue, then LCD is the way to go.

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by Buccaneer

I realize I was unclear in my post. I have a NEC CRT and would not switch away to a LCD. Sorry DD.

actually, I got that. was just backing you up there (or, using your post as an excuse to ramble more...you decide).

[Daimyo]

I have a 19" NEC 97F CRT at home and a Del 17" flat panel at work and other then space there isn't really any difference at all. They're both flat and they both have great pictures. The CRT probably weighs 90 lbs, but if you've got the space no reason not to get a 19" CRT over a 17" LCD.

One of the benefits of a CRT is that while a LCD is locked into one optimal screen size (my 17" is 1280x1024) the CRT can be adjuted easily. If you want to play 4 hands of online poker comfortably you're best bet is probably running 1600x1200 (that's what I used to do and it worked great).

[jeff061]

Unless you are willing to pay $850+ for an LCD, CRT is still the way to go in my opinion. Then again i need at least 19" with 1600x1200 res. Currently have a NEC 2141(22"), I love it.

[cthomer5000]

ok, so CRT it is. Any specific recommendations?

[Dutch]

One benefit of LCD is space. I love working on the systems at work with dual LCD Monitors side by side...

But as it were, I can't convince my wife to let me spend a grand on dual LCD monitors for the house. She thinks it's pretty pathetic really.

[jeff061]

If you want the best its the NEC MultisyncFP2141(or its Mitsubishi diamondtron counterpart, same thing, forget the model). Roughly $600. I don't think there's much arguing that one unless you want to spend $1200 plus for a Sony that is only arguably better.

[cthomer5000]

again, I don't need the best CRT monitor possible just something that will suit my needs.

I obviously won't be putting maximum strain on it's graphic capabilites.

So I'm looking more for suggestions for something that will best fit my needs (affordable and functional).

[Alf]

In France on a popular product comparative web site , Mitsubishi 19" - Diamond Plus 93SB goes for €250 (roughly $250).

You also have the Iiyama way (I really appreciate the confort for the eyese they offer) : iiyama 19" - LS902UT going for €185 . I nearly purchased this one but had to go LCD for "space" reasons. Iiyama "always" offers a 3 years on site warranty.

The iiyama one is still one of the most popular and relatively cheap.

[cthomer5000]

any guidance on what I should be looking for in regards to dot pitch or refresh rates?

I just want to make sure I've done my homework before buying one of these things.

For exampls, how's this look:

Samsung SyncMaster 950B

CRT Type	19" CRT
Size	19" 18" Viewable Screen Size
Resolution	Max: 1600 x 1200 @ 68 Hz Recommended: 1280 x 1024 @ 75 Hz
Dot Pitch	0.22 MM Horizontal Dot Pitch
Misc. Features	~ Horizontal Scan Range 30 - 85 kHz Vertical Scan Range 50 - 160 Hz ~ Surface Treatment: Non-Glare, Ultra ClearTM High Contrast ARAS Coating ~ Max Pixel Frequency: 185 Mhz
Connectivity	15 PIN Mini D SUB
Dimensions	Unit: 17.3" x 17.8" x 18.1" As Shipped: Unknown
Weight	Unit: 41.8 Lbs As Shipped: 54 Lbs
Warranty	3 Year Parts and Labor

$178+shipping

[Bee]

I have a 950B and am happy with it. When I bought it, I did a lot of reading and it was pretty highly recommended (I'm guessing you've done the same). I give it a thumbs up.

[Samdari]

My CRT was kaput a few months ago, and I bought a LCD as a treat for myself. I took it back after four hours - it was nowhere near as sharp as a good CRT.

Cthomer - that is a good price for a monitor with good specs, but shipping on these things is expensive, you are probably better off buying local. If you can afford a 19" LCD (~$700), I recommend buying a similarly priced 21" CRT.

[cthomer5000]

Originally Posted by Samdari

Cthomer - that is a good price for a monitor with good specs, but shipping on these things is expensive, you are probably better off buying local. If you can afford a 19" LCD (~$700), I recommend buying a similarly priced 21" CRT.

Well, I don't want to spend the 700, I'm thinking 300 tops. Looking around it looks like picking one up at a Best Buy or something is my best option.

I'll let you guys know what I settle on. Thanks for all the input!

[cthomer5000]

This looks to be the winner. I'll go pick one of these up Wednesday or Thursday unless I hear some serious horror stories.

SAMSUNG SyncMaster 997DF-Ivory 19" DynaFlat CRT Monitor -RETAIL

Model# 997DF-Ivory

Item # N82E16824001169

Specifications: CRT Type: DynaFlat CRT Dot Pitch: 0.20mm (H) Max / Optimal resolution: 1920x1440 @ 65 Hz / 1600x1200 @ 76 Hz Frequency / Bandwidth: fh: 30~96kHz; fv: 50~160Hz / 250MHz Features: DynaFlat, MagicTune, Natural Color Pro Dimensions & Weight: 17.5" x 18.0" x 16.4" (WxHxD), 40.0 lbs Manufacturer's Warranty / Phone No.: 3 year CRT, parts and labor / 800-726-7864

[Daimyo]

If you want to order a monitor delivered you should look at Staples, OfficeMax, etc. I haven't looked in a while, but they used to give free shipping on all orders over $50 and you could easily find good coupons. When I bought my 19" about two years ago I got it under $200 shipped with a $50 off $200 coupon and free shipping from staples. Also picked up a 17" for my wife (although no flat screen) for like $70 with similar coupons/deals from one of them.

[Draft Dodger]

from the specs, that looks like a nice choice.

[cthomer5000]

Bought it online this afternoon, picked it up after work, and have been using it for about 1/2 hour.

Seems like a solid purchase.

[Buccaneer]

Good choice. Congrats.

[cthomer5000]

oh, and it was 199.99 plus tax.

[lighthousekeeper]

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

This looks to be the winner. I'll go pick one of these up Wednesday or Thursday unless I hear some serious horror stories.

just bought one today too. thanks for the head's up. I chose to have Best Buy deliver it (free shipping).