Monitors: Flat Screen vs Standard CRT?

[rawhyde]

Given the choice between a 19" standard CRT and a 17" flat screen model, which makes most sense for general internet, gaming, etc.?

How about if you could get a decent 19" standard CRT for $160 vs. a decent 17" FS @ $180? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[rawhyde]

One more question...

Is it "really" worth an extra $180 for a flat screen 19"? I guess I should preface that with the following comparison:

19" KDS 190i $160 w/ rebates, coupons, etc. VS 19" Viewsonic PF790 $340 w/ rebates, coupons, and pricematch

Quien es mas macho?

 

[Passions]

Is it worth $180 for a flat screen?

Yes. Its your eyes man, comon. Not just the flat screen but the resolution and refresh rates will help your eyes. Once you play on a flat screen long enuf, you will never go back. If its too expensive, use credit card.

 

[Mule]

My first 19" monitor 2 years ago was some generic CRT tube, I thought it was great, the big screen was awesome and I could care less about others talking about their trinitron flat screens or whatever, I thought they were all the same.

But my new monitor is a 19" flat screen and it is so easy on the eyes when you're on your comp. for 3+ hours a day. Now I can't even think about going back to a regular CRT, it looks like a fish bowl now.

I would say that whatever you do, get a Flat Screen monitor. Even if you have to get only a 17", but a 19" Flat Screen is certainly worth the money.

The Samsung 955DF is a *cheap Flat Screen monitor, I remember when I was looking for one, I found a deal that was around ~250. Not too bad. But I ended up getting a NEC AccuSync 95F because it's dimensions were smaller and more convinient for my smaller desk. Ended up spending ~315 including shipping.

 

[JohnnyTT]

Go with the flat screen.

You'll be all-around happier, and every time you use it, you'll get a warm fuzzy feeling inside.



I've got a Sony 19" Trinitron (vertically flat) and a Mitsubishi 22" Flat.

I've used round crt's but for the extra few bucks it's worth it.

 

[Sir Fredrick]

I've used both and I must say that the flat screen doesn't really do much for me. Why not go to a local computer store and take a look at the flat screens and the normal CRTs and see what you like best? I wouldn't spend the extra money for flat screen...

 

[Zenmervolt]

A flat CRT is definitely better than a normal CRT. Once you get used to flat screens you will wonder how you were able to cope before. Of course if you really want a nice screen, an LCD is hard to beat, the 15 inch 1600x1200 LCD on my ThinkPad has spoiled me for all CRT monitors. That would be too much money though, and I still heavily favor a flat CRT over a normal CRT.

Zenmervolt

 

[esung]

for me, the flat display (especially FD Trinitron) is a must. It's much better then other tube. But you'll want to compare them with your own eyes, since everyone will have a different perception/preference. and the flat display is costing a lot more money.

 

[dcdomain]

In your case, I think you should go for the standard 19" monitor. Not much difference in gaming. For CAD, Photoshop and 3d stuff, you want to minimize the distortion at the corners.

However, once you go flat you don't go back. TRUST ME. I could never bring myself to getting another fishbowl again!

 

[Adrian Tung]

At home I use a 17" flatscreen (a Likom model) and at work a 19" CRT (Philips LightFrame 109S), and I prefer the 19" due to better refresh rates and more desktop space (i.e. higher resolution).

I don't really notice the "fish bowl" effect much, but then perhaps it's because the Philips isn't as curved as some other models.


atwl

 

[LXi]

Why not the best of both worlds? Get the Samsung 955DF, cheap, and flatscreen.

 

[mindiris]

I frequently use both types of screens (A mix at work, and one at home). I can say that, all things being equal, if you aren't doing any type of intensive image work, it doesn't really matter too greatly as long as the curvature of the normal CRT isn't too great.

It also depends on the quality of the flat screen, expecially in the corners. I've used some 17" ViewSonic stuff (a75f or something), and the corners have fairly poor color covergence, and the optical trick to get a flat image was quite noticable as it was a bit uneven, eliminating any practical reason for a flat screen. Of course, my current new Mitsubishi 22" 2060u is an aboslute joy for my eyes since I have to stare at these things for hours

So, for generic stuff, including moderate gaming, I'd go with the more immersive 19", rather than a flat 17". If you need a high quality image more than size, smaller monitors at higher prices tend to do better. But do look at them both first, or failing that, at least get opinions on the specific models you are looking at. The final judge will have to by your own eyes.

 

[hans007]

i guess if you are gonna be anal about geometric distortion in the corners on a non curved screen then the non flat is better. i just got a flat one, and well its not really much easier on the eyes, but its better still. the tubes are much higher quality in general, since most flat screens are pretty expensive. Its worth it to your eyes to be able to run 1600x1200x85hz though. get a good video card while you are at it.

 

[peemo]

Samsung 900 NF

 

[MGMorden]

I think the 900NF is out of the price range that he's been talking about. I'd say go for the 19" over a 17" FS, but if you could squeeze in the 955DF that LXi mentioned it's fairly cheap (has resolution\bandwidth capabilities similiar to a 17", but a 19" screen) and won't dissapoint you.

 

[azazyel]

Samsung SyncMaster 955DF 19" .20mm 1600x1200 Color Monitor $299.95 after rebate. Just ordered it and should get it tommorrow.

 

[randomlinh]

The problem w/ the DF, it won't hit 16x12@85 But that again, hits the personal preference deal.

Me, if i could afford it, i'd replace my CTX w/ a flat screen (no, not LCD, too exensive).

But then we get into the whole FD trinny vs Shadow debate we have here every other week And the color from trinitrons is simply stunning IMO (tho, i'd be getting an NF or similar.. sony just wants too much of my non-existant moola).

Best bet, go look for yourself. Is it worth it to YOU. You will be MUCH happier in the long run picking something fitting to what you want.

 

[Howard]

Get off your butt and go to your nearest computer store. Why depend on subjective opinions?

 

[rawhyde]

Thanks for all of your input. BTW I did "get off my butt" and look at both models, before I cam to this board in fact. I wanted opinions of people who have looked at these things for more than 5 minutes in a store, thank you.

I decided to give the KDS 19" a whirl. I can always return it next week, but for $163, it was just too good to pass up. And if it works out, hey... there's an extra $150+ for a new mobo and cpu!

Thanks again.