Advice on Computer Hardware and "Computer Hardware"

 

Monitor your Situation-Three Reasons to Choose LCD over CRT

When choosing a new computer monitor, there are many choices and options available on the market. Consider whether or not you are looking for sharp graphics, bright colors and sleek designs. Perhaps you need a larger monitor for videos or games. Or, perhaps, you just need a basic monitor for basic computer functions. There are two types of monitors to choose from, LCD and CRT. Here are some reasons why LCD monitors are the top choice for computer buyers.

CRT (cathode-ray tubes) is a basic, inexpensive computer screen. While they are inexpensive, they are often bulky and take up a lot of room on a computer desk. Flat screen CRT monitors are also available, but they often create a glare, making sitting at the computer hard on the eyes.

LCD (liquid crystal display) is the newest trend in computer monitors. They are often more expensive but offer many advantages over traditional CRT screens. They also offer sleek, space saving designs and as an added benefit, are good for the user.
 

Space: LCD screens take up considerably less space than CRT monitors. This is a perfect option for those who are short on space. Most computer users do not have unlimited amounts of space to store their computer equipment. With the LCD screen, it can be moved closer to a wall to increase desk space. Some LCD screens can even be mounted on the wall. It is possible to get a larger screen, and still take up less space than a CRT.

The actual viewing size of an LCD is much bigger than that of a traditional CRT. A 12-inch LCD screen has only a slight smaller viewing area than a typical 14-inch CRT screen. When purchasing a new LCD screen, remember that the advertised size is the actual viewing area of the screen. This is not always so with a CRT monitor.

Better for health: LCD screens are healthier to use, too. CRT screens direct radiation equal to three electron beams constantly towards the user. Those beams are refreshed every 60-80 seconds. Many people even buy special radiation shields for their CRT screens. Also, the constant refreshing of the screen causes strain on the eyes. Not so with the LCD monitor. LCD monitors use pixels that alternate between on and off. This reduces the strain and fatigue on the eyes. Also, CRT screens are heavy and bulky. The LCD screen weighs about 20 pounds less than a CRT helping to save on muscle strain.
 

Quality: LCD screens have the best image quality of any computer monitor on the market. It has sharp, crisp pictures and has excellent contrast. While a CRT monitor works more like a television, the LCD screens has the technology found in digital watches with a fine mesh of tiny crystals displaying the colors. This makes a higher quality picture on the screen.

The color quality of the LCD far outperforms a CRT screen. Many of the newer LCD screens have unlimited color capabilities, while a CRT screen has limited colors. The resolution on the LCD is also better than a CRT. With an LCD monitor, the resolution is generally the highest resolution possible. With that, the display appears much more in focus and sharp. A CRT screen has a limited amount of video resolution.

LCD screens are way ahead of traditional CRT monitors when space and quality is an issue. The health benefits of the LCD make it an appealing choice as well. As far as price goes, the LCD usually does cost more than the traditional CRT screen. However, a CRT screen will use more energy in the long run. The LCD is more energy efficient making it a wise choice for those looking to save on energy costs. The prices of LCD screens have gone down in the last couple of years. The cost of energy could add up for businesses or people who have multiple computers.

In addition LCD monitors are now sold with a wide variety of extras such as built in speakers, or jack outlets for headphones or microphones. Others might have multiple input connections so more than one computer can be hooked together. Accessories such as anti-glare filters and stands can also be purchased with LCD screens