Flat Panel Monitors

[tkcomer]

The gang must think I’m crazy, going cheap on a computer and wanting to hook a flat panel to it but here goes. They have been replacing the CRTs up at work with the flat panel monitors. They look superb and take up very little space. But they are being used to monitor equipment. I know they are pricy, but it is the wife’s 40th birthday, so I’ll splurge. I think. So does anybody on the board use them in the real world? Pros and cons? Other than the price? She has a 19” CRT right now, so I’ll probably be looking at a 19” flat panel. I think the ones up at work are Dell monitors. I’m just looking for some real world advice.

[Chuck]

Daphne has one and I personally hate it. She ion the other hand loves it. I like the graphics off the CRT type monitors. Little more crisp.

Now if I had a laptop and was accustom to the display I would probably have a different opinion on flat panels.

[kcredden]

Hi TK:

Well I don't have much experience with them myself. My mother has a 17" lower-cost brand, and she loves it. I've used it a bit, and find it to be fine. I like the weight difference, and size. She uses it in Linux, command line (like DOS, or a DOS window.) So it's rock solid, and bright. I've tried it a bit with GNOME (a GUI like Windows but for linux) and it's just fine with it too.

Oh! I do remember hearing that Samsung is having a 0 dead pixel policy. Meaning any monitor you get, with any dead pixel, they'll replace the monitor. I haven't tested that yet, or heard anything con about it. Just something to consider.

The only cons other than dead pixels, I've heard of, is that with fast motion, you may have some 'ghosting' where the pixels don't turn off, and on fast enough so leaves a bit of an after image. That means basically for games, or movies, you may be getting annoyed.

Another is in bright sunlight, you may have contrast problems too. My only long-term use of an LCD was an old (10 year) laptop, monochrome. It was exceptionally hard to see in the sun. Her monitor can be hard to see at times in her room, which has large windows.

The way she chose her monitor, was to go to a Sams Club and looked at the ones that was on display. I'd do the same; and I've seen them at Staples, Sams Club, Office Depot, and CompUSA.

ONe last thing I know. There isn't any danger of burn-in on an LCD, but Plasma will. Odd! Coming in a few years or so, is organic LCD, and nanotube monitors which should be a lot cheaper, and brighter. I hear the organic ones you can accually *fold* like paper. Now it sounds like Harry Potter will be coming to the muggles home :)

And BTW I don't think your crazying going cheap, to get a flat panel. I'd do the same :). It's your eyes, take care of them.

The gang must think I’m crazy, going cheap on a computer and wanting to hook a flat panel to it but here goes. They have been replacing the CRTs up at work with the flat panel monitors. They look superb and take up very little space. But they are being used to monitor equipment. I know they are pricy, but it is the wife’s 40th birthday, so I’ll splurge. I think. So does anybody on the board use them in the real world? Pros and cons? Other than the price? She has a 19” CRT right now, so I’ll probably be looking at a 19” flat panel. I think the ones up at work are Dell monitors. I’m just looking for some real world advice.

[D8TA]

Just Google CRT vs Flat Panel and you'll find all sorts of opinions. I use one and will never go back to a CRT during normal use. However, For photo work, I believe that CRT is much, MUCH better. The clarity and crispness isn't matched with the LCDs yet (but I'm sure it won't be long).
The main reason I enjoy the LCD monitors is less radiation being forced on my face. :cool: :cool: Check out this article: http://www.touchscreens.com/intro-displaytech.html
Power Consumption and Radiation Emission
Besides being compact and space saving, LCD displays offer several other benefits. For one, LCD monitors consume much less energy than CRT monitors. This makes the LCD great for laptop and portable computers. Secondly, CRT monitors are known to emit harmful radiation, whereas LCD monitors do not.

[tkcomer]

I was looking for reduced footprint and weight. I use a 21” monitor and it is heavy. My ‘puter will do all the photo work for now. I’m just looking for a nice setup for my wife. Maybe that way she will stay off of mine. Plus she pleasures me intensely. It’s the least I can do.

[D8TA]

I was looking for reduced footprint and weight. I use a 21” monitor and it is heavy.
Well, that question should've been obvious. A LCD display will satisfy both those requirements. :D
I’m just looking for a nice setup for my wife. Maybe that way she will stay off of mine. Plus she pleasures me intensely. It’s the least I can do. TOO much information there.....didn't need to know all that! :(

[tkcomer]

Well, I had to go to Lexington so I swung by Best Buy to let Kim look at some monitors. She loves them. She likes the small footprint. Now she can pile more junk onto the desk. Now I just have to figure out which one to get.