You want pros and cons of LCD monitors, here is a paper I wrote awile ago.
CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors have been the eyes to the computer for over thirty years. Now there are flat-panel LCDs (Liquid Crystal Display). This article explores the choices and trade-offs you should consider when choosing between a CRT and LCD monitor.
Size
There are two aspects to size. First the screen-size and second the depth of the monitor and available desktop space. Thanks to advances in LCD technology, today's models are considerably larger than the old notebook screens. Today's 15-inch and 18-inch models have a comparable viewable area and resolution to 17-inch and 19-inch CRT monitors. If you need 20-inches of viewable area, however, you are still limited to CRTs.
The biggest advantage of LCD is their lightweight and compact form factor. While the average short-depth CRT is just over 18-inches and weighs 60 pounds, a LCD is just a few inches in depth (9 inches including the stand) and weighs a very lean 9 pounds.
Display Characteristics
Four display characteristics distinguish LCD monitors from their CRT cousins.
· Resolution. LCDs are designed to work in one resolution, while CRT's are capable of displaying a wide range of resolutions.
· Viewing Angle. Unlike CRTs, LCDs are meant to be viewed "head on" and image quality can deteriorate if viewed from an angle. Check the viewing angle for color, clarity and brightness, to see if it meets your needs.
· Pixel Density. This measures how tightly the dots, or pixels, are packed together. LCDs aren't quite as good as CRTs but for most applications the density is acceptable.
· Brightness. CRTs illuminate by shooting electrons at points of phosphor, and LCDs use a florescent backlight. A CRT's contrast and color richness can be more stunning than a LCDs.
A new technology known as IPS (In-Plane Switching) is used on some of the newer LCD models. IPS improves both the viewing angle and the brightness of the monitor, but it greatly increases the price.
Power Consumption
Expect your LCD to consume approximately one third of the power of a typical CRT, and there are no risks of harmful radiation emissions.
Reliability
Here's where LCDs have some reliability advantages. The panel is essentially one giant integrated circuit chip and while it is possible for the panel to fail, it is unlikely. Although LCD technology is still relatively young, my best guess is that both technologies are equally reliable.
Dead Pixels
While a CRT can have an occasional dead phosphor dot, dead pixels are very common on LCD monitors. Check the manufacturers specification and understand the return policy before you make the purchase.
Price
LCD monitor prices run three to four times higher than a comparable CRT monitor.
Which One To Buy
Aesthetically speaking, flat-panel LCD monitors are extremely pleasing. They offer a clear way to reclaim valuable desktop space and they are still novel enough that to get you some extra attention around the office.
Jim Witkowski
Chief Hardware Engineer
Cornerstone / Monitorsdirect.com
