CRT vs LCD..

[Vegito]

I'm currently using a viewsonic p815 dual and both monitor are slowing dying.. by that I mean you have to turn the brightness up a lot to see the dark images, etc.. the monitor are two years old...

I can get a pair of those Sony G520 or a pair of nec 18" lcd flat panels... for around 700-800/each

I just started playing CS, and use mostly surfing and excel work... Would you rather get a monitor or lcd panel ? Current video card is matrox G400

Does anyone know how to prevent the monitor from dying like that ? I only use it for about 2-3 hours a night and 5-6 hours on weekends...

 

[Apex]

<< I'm currently using a viewsonic p815 dual and both monitor are slowing dying.. by that I mean you have to turn the brightness up a lot to see the dark images, etc.. the monitor are two years old...

I can get a pair of those Sony G520 or a pair of nec 18" lcd flat panels... for around 700-800/each

I just started playing CS, and use mostly surfing and excel work... Would you rather get a monitor or lcd panel ? Current video card is matrox G400

Does anyone know how to prevent the monitor from dying like that ? I only use it for about 2-3 hours a night and 5-6 hours on weekends... >>



I'd personally have 3 choices for you:

1. Pair of Dell P1130's. They use the same FD trinitron .24mm AG tube as the Sony G520, yet cost $539.20 each including free shipping. You get Dell's better RMA policies too.

2. Pair of Viewsonic VG191's. They blow the NEC's away, and have perhaps the best specs of any 17-19" LCD on the market. They're just above your budget at $940 plus shipping each. If you're doing surfing and excel work mainly, I'd HIGHLY suggest LCD monitors.

3. Pair of Planar 17.4" LCD's. They also are much better than the NEC's, though are 0.7" smaller. They're $593.10 with free shipping each.

In terms of LCD's, pay close attention to the specs. You're going to want a low total response time (for CS and videos), at least a 220nits brightness, and at least 300:1 contrast (that viewsonic is 500:1). Other specs like viewing angle (170 degrees for viewsonic, 160 for planar) are also reasonably important. Also, look to see the LCD has both digital and analog inputs. This helps futureproof your monitor purchase.