CNET monitor buying guide

1. Introduction
2. Which LCD is right for me?
3. LCD Basics
4. Judging Image Quality
5. Features and Connectivity Options
6. Warranties
7. Glossary

When buying a monitor, you have two technology choices: CRTs and LCDs. But not for long. CRTs, the large bulky units that have graced desktops since the advent of the computer age, are slowly but surely being replaced by slim and bright LCDs.

Even though some gamers and graphics pros are clinging to CRTs, the majority of mainstream PC users find LCDs more appealing -- a trend that monitor manufacturers have noticed. Mainstream CRTs have become more and more difficult to find on store shelves and online, and most major manufacturers have discontinued their CRT lines altogether. A few companies still offer bargain-priced CRTs, usually bundled together with a desktop PC.

Despite their dwindling market share, CRT monitors still beat out LCDs in a few performance categories: Colour fidelity, viewing angles, and contrast. Where LCDs are often able to produce a limited number of colours (usually 16.7 million), CRTs are capable of displaying an infinite range, an advantage for exacting graphic artists. CRTs also offer unlimited viewing angles, while the brightness and contrast on most LCDs will drop off when viewed at large angles.

Other than the obvious benefit of size, LCDs offer significant advantages over CRTs. They provide a brighter screen, which really helps in brightly lit office environments; offer clearer, crisper text; and have no geometric distortion or flicker -- problems often found on CRTs that cause eye fatigue. And LCDs have even caught up to CRTs in the area of displaying moving images; CRTs were once far superior, but the playing field is now nearly level, with many manufacturers offering faster response times, meaning that on most LCDs, moving images will be free of ghosting and distortion.

LCDs are very affordable -- a decent 19-inch LCD will cost approximately AU$300. New technologies, such as LED-backlit LCD panels, are slowly emerging on the market, but the only ones we've seen thus far are too expensive for the average consumer. We'll be watching to see if this technology becomes more affordable.

Due to the changing market and LCDs growing closer to matching the performance of CRTs, we've focused this buying guide on purchasing the LCD to fit your needs. In today's market, LCDs are the most relevant and widely available technology, though if you insist on buying a CRT, technology has advanced to the point where there is very little difference in performance among brands. In other words, unless you buy the absolute cheapest CRT, you should be happy with whatever you choose.