Let's clear one thing up: Good CRTs have a better looking picture than LCDs.
I have heard too many people bashing CRTs on this forum board and I need to set the record straight. People seem to think CRTs are somehow inferior technology because they are old, becoming less common, and are now generally cheaper. Well, if you have a decent Sony Trinitron or similar monitor (aperture grill, not shadow mask), then you have a SUPERIOR picture to almost any LCD, period. As a matter of fact, my TEN year old Apple Multiple Scan 17" CRT has a better picture than the 23" Apple Cinema Display to my eyes (I've thoroughly checked the 23" out several times at CompUSA and MacAuthority where I live--my CRT is flat out better--clearer, brighter, and sharper). I can't even keep my monitor anywhere near the top brightness or contrast--it is way too bright! My monitor's specs are here: http://www.everymac.com/monitors/apple/multiple_scan/specs/multiple_scan_17.html.
The advantages of a good CRT are vast. Let's go over some:
An LCD is only great at one resolution, it's native resolution, while a CRT is good over a number of different resolutions (real world example: your LCD is 1280 x 1024, you keep it there all the time and all seems okay. Then you run a game which forces a resolution change and suddenly the picture is crap.)
CRTs are MUCH better at blacks and greys, which makes for a much more eye-pleasing experience, not to mention a more accurate monitor for photo, video, publishing, or gaming. The LCDs have a "soft" black, while CRTs have a dark, rich black.
CRTs are much brighter IF they are aperture grill models. I prefer the look of a brighter monitor. I don't have eye issues which makes me keep my monitor very dim. My mother however has the same model of monitor as me and she keeps it very dim by my standards.
The text on a good, properly adjusted CRT is crisper, more in focus, and "tighter." It's just easier to read. Even small text is easy to read.
CRTs cost significantly less to purchase. There is a reason all the companies are jumping on the LCD wagon, and it has alot to do with profit. And alot to do with ease of manufacturing. CRTs are admittedly bulky, heavy, not easy to dispose of, etc. If a new GOOD CRT is too expensive, consider older used ones (if you shop locally that is--shipping can be a monster!). My monitor I use can be had on ebay for $10 (or less) easy, plus shipping.
CRTs are much faster in response and redrawing, which is especially important in gaming.
CRTs have much better contrast levels available.
CRTs have a better viewing angle.
CRTs have much better control of white saturation.
Now, the big negative: size. They are huge and bulky and heavy. They take up lots of room on your desk. You don't want to travel with one.
Another negative is that CRTs will fade over time, and the colors will eventually go wrong. On old CRTs, you will usually notice dimming and a yellow or gray haze or tint. One or more of the three colors will break in some way. But as cheap as they are, who cares! Get another one!
I have heard too many people bashing CRTs on this forum board and I need to set the record straight. People seem to think CRTs are somehow inferior technology because they are old, becoming less common, and are now generally cheaper. Well, if you have a decent Sony Trinitron or similar monitor (aperture grill, not shadow mask), then you have a SUPERIOR picture to almost any LCD, period. As a matter of fact, my TEN year old Apple Multiple Scan 17" CRT has a better picture than the 23" Apple Cinema Display to my eyes (I've thoroughly checked the 23" out several times at CompUSA and MacAuthority where I live--my CRT is flat out better--clearer, brighter, and sharper). I can't even keep my monitor anywhere near the top brightness or contrast--it is way too bright! My monitor's specs are here: http://www.everymac.com/monitors/apple/multiple_scan/specs/multiple_scan_17.html.
The advantages of a good CRT are vast. Let's go over some:
An LCD is only great at one resolution, it's native resolution, while a CRT is good over a number of different resolutions (real world example: your LCD is 1280 x 1024, you keep it there all the time and all seems okay. Then you run a game which forces a resolution change and suddenly the picture is crap.)
CRTs are MUCH better at blacks and greys, which makes for a much more eye-pleasing experience, not to mention a more accurate monitor for photo, video, publishing, or gaming. The LCDs have a "soft" black, while CRTs have a dark, rich black.
CRTs are much brighter IF they are aperture grill models. I prefer the look of a brighter monitor. I don't have eye issues which makes me keep my monitor very dim. My mother however has the same model of monitor as me and she keeps it very dim by my standards.
The text on a good, properly adjusted CRT is crisper, more in focus, and "tighter." It's just easier to read. Even small text is easy to read.
CRTs cost significantly less to purchase. There is a reason all the companies are jumping on the LCD wagon, and it has alot to do with profit. And alot to do with ease of manufacturing. CRTs are admittedly bulky, heavy, not easy to dispose of, etc. If a new GOOD CRT is too expensive, consider older used ones (if you shop locally that is--shipping can be a monster!). My monitor I use can be had on ebay for $10 (or less) easy, plus shipping.
CRTs are much faster in response and redrawing, which is especially important in gaming.
CRTs have much better contrast levels available.
CRTs have a better viewing angle.
CRTs have much better control of white saturation.
Now, the big negative: size. They are huge and bulky and heavy. They take up lots of room on your desk. You don't want to travel with one.
Another negative is that CRTs will fade over time, and the colors will eventually go wrong. On old CRTs, you will usually notice dimming and a yellow or gray haze or tint. One or more of the three colors will break in some way. But as cheap as they are, who cares! Get another one!
