This is a copy I posted on another tread yesterday, it applies here as well, my apologies to those who have read it a second time.
There is a reason that the original televisions had almost round picture tubes and that today the IMAX theaters use a domed screen. In general it is easier keep focus consistent if you project a beam onto the inside of a curved surface. Almost every monitor has better focus in the center of the screen than at the edges. This is because the beam is at right angles to the screen. The trick is to keep focus uniformly good over the entire screen.
Manufacturers have developed technologies (dynamic focus circuits, etc.) that do a good job at improving beam shape and size in the corners of the screen. However no circuit or technique can make the beam 100% accurate. On average and because of these facts, I believe that monitors with slightly curved screens will produce better text. This is why many people believe that shadow mask monitors provide better text images that aperture grill technology. Shadow mask monitors are curved in two directions like a ball and aperture grill is curved in one direction like a cylinder.
Try this experiment. Take a flashlight and aim it straight at a wall you will see the spot the beam creates is sharp and round. Now aim the flashlight up into the corner of the wall. You will see the beam shape change to a more oval shape and spread out. In general terms this is what's happening in your CRT monitor. The flatter the surface the more the beam spreads out or defocuses. Now imagine that you are in an IMAX domed theater. If you shine the flashlight at any portion of the inside of the dome, the beam shape and size stays much more consistently focused.
In my opinion the only real benefit of flat CRT technology is slightly better glare reduction. There are many ways to reduce glare and reflection and save $$ at the same time. For example: Remove some light bulbs, change the position on the monitor or glare source, use reflective lights instead of direct lighting, use after market anti glare panels and shades, close a window shade, etc.
I'm not saying that all flat screen monitors will look bad. On the contrary, My point is that monitors, like all electronic equipment will vary in quality and performance, even when comparing two of the same model. This is why I have such a hard time with the posts I see on this board saying "my brand X is better than brand Y". A single unit from a statistical point of view means very little. Remember human beings are doing the alignment on the assembly line. These technicians have various degrees of training and experience and because of this, monitors will vary in quality to some degree.
When you purchase an electronic device what you are really purchasing in my opinion is the company that sold you the product. What I mean by that is, will the company stand by its products should you have a problem. How easy will it be to get in touch with their tech support should you need them. Do they offer special services like enhanced warranties that you may require etc. Do your homework before you make a purchase.
