17" CRT is at most 16" viewable, while 17" LCD is a true 17" screen.
my 19" CRT is 18" viewable, so the difference is only 1" in diagonal compared to 17" LCD.
i have been looking at these too, so the answer: i haven't decided yet, maybe 17" LCD if i can find one ~$250. on the other hand, if i can find a good flat 19" CRT for $150, i might take that.