Its a matter of preference. Some people, like me, forget the lines very quickly. Others still see them after a long use. I dont blame you for that, I know everyone's got a different pair of eyes and a different brain. I always take consideration about the lines when I make a monitor recommendation. I know there are people here that just flat out hates AG tubes, and I also know that some people here tend to fall in love with them and will never go back to Shadow Mask.
troubleshooter:
If the process of buying monitors are this easy, then we will never need to ask questions about them.
<<1. You read the reviews>>
To lead it off, the web lacks monitor reviews. Plus the fact that reviews usually reflects little about this monitor other than pure specs because you still dont get to see it and all you read is the reviewer's opinion. Again, you may not like what he likes.
<<2. You narrow down your price-range/features expected>>
Ok that is pretty easy. But its one of things people cant seem to do it themselves, they ask questions about whether its worth it to pay more for a better model, whether they should get this because of a certain features blah blah... its sounds easy but its actually not.
<<3. You wander down to a local computer store that sells tons of monitors and peep around>>
Local computer stores usually dont carry all the models you want to see, sometimes it can be mighty hard to locate a store that has that monitor you have in mind. And that is trouble.
<<4. Decide what you like best. (I absolutely cannot stand the lines. So sue me. As said further up the screen SM tubes keep getting better so I keep buying them--my case exactly--that and the fact that short depth doesnt come in flat screen anyhow.)>>
Im not gonna bother sueing you for such frivolous matter, you like what you like, I like what I like, and we can stick to that. Again, if you cant see the monitors in real life, it can be hard to decide what looks good and what looks bad.
<<5. Go home with your new-found preferences, and check REAL prices from online retailers like Onvia and Oupost that wont charge you shipping on that monster you are dying to order.>>
That is if you can get through all the obstacles I described above.
<<6. Decide on the best price-performance solution for your PERSONAL needs.>>
Isnt that the same as #2?
<<7. Order>>
Thats easy.
<<8. Enjoy>>
That'll depend on if you got a good monitor or not. Sometimes you get a lemon, sometimes you're unlucky and it gets damaged during shipment, most of the time you'll get a good one though.