Flat Panel Monitor Advantages

There are two main types of computer monitors, the old, but extremely reliable CRT monitor and the newer flat panel monitors. If you have been computer shopping, you will immediately notice that the older monitors have all, but disappeared. You might be saying what gives? Well, for most computer users the flat panel monitor has definite advantages over the older CRT monitors.

The Two Common Monitor Technologies

Before stating the advantages and disadvantages of each type of monitor, let me first explain how both types of monitors work and their basic features.

The CRT Monitor

The cathode ray tube monitor is the type of monitor that has been around sine the beginning of personal computers. These monitors use the same technology as normal TV sets.

The Flat Panel Monitor

There are two types of flat panel monitors: LCD (liquid crystal display) and plasma. However, it should be noted that he vast majority of flat panel monitors are LCD and these are the type that we will discuss today. LCD monitors use small crystal that can receive electric charges. When they receive an electric charge, they turn different colors producing an image.

Advantages of Flat Panel Monitors

There are several advantages of a flat panel monitor including desk space savings, display size and power consumption. Besides these advantages, flat panel monitors are also usually relatively equal with CRT monitors on features such as amount of colors, quality of image and price (depending on size).

Desk Space Savings

Perhaps the flat monitor’s biggest advantage over a CRT monitor is the amount of space you save on your desktop. All CRT monitors are extremely bulky and heavy. Even the smallest 15 inch CRT monitors usually require more than half of a desktop to fit. For those that like an open work space and plenty of room on their desktop to complete other tasks besides working on their computer, a flat panel monitor is a must have technology. Flat panel monitors have extremely small foot prints (amount of space required on a desktop). They are super thin and very light weight. Trying lugging your small CRT monitor from one desk to another, many of these monitors weigh in excess of 40 pounds. A flat panel monitor can be only several inches thick and weigh less than 5 pounds.

Display Size

All CRT monitors are extremely bulky. While the screen may be 15 inches diagonal, the casing may be several inches thicker, and that is not even considering the depth in the rear part of the monitor that holds the cathode ray tube. This is why CRT monitors require a deep desk to just to fit on. On the other hand, a flat panel monitor uses its display size very efficiently. A 15 inch monitor might be encased in a 15 ½ inch casing and the total depth in the rear may be less than 5 inches thick.

Besides a small case, the size of monitors can vary with flat panel monitors. Many flat panel monitors are available in widescreen and extra large screen sizes. You wouldn’t be able to fit a 32 inch CRT monitor on your desk, but with a flat panel monitor, a 32 inch monitor not only fits on your desk, but with plenty of room to boot.

Power Consumption

LCD flat panel monitors use much less power than a CRT monitor. This is great news for those that use their computers quite frequently. You can save plenty of money over the lifetime of your purchase. In addition, LCD flat monitors give off much less radiation than a CRT monitor making it a much safer product.

Flat Panel Monitors VS. CRT Monitors on Price, Color Quality & Viewing Angle

It should be noted that although flat panel monitors do not usually exceed CRT monitors in price, color quality or viewing angle, flat panels are either relatively equal or competitive with their CRT counterparts.

Price: Obviously flat panel monitors cost more than CRT monitors, but for those looking for value, you will definitely get more bang for your buck with a flat panel monitor. For instance, a 15 inch CRT monitor will cost around $75 to $125, where as a flat panel monitor will start from prices at around $125. It should be noted that energy savings, especially for corporate environments will easily pay for this price premium over the life of the monitor.

Color Quality: CRT monitors are extremely effective at producing high quality, sharp images. And yes, CRT monitors for the most part produce a better overall image. However, today’s flat panel monitors might lack color quality when it comes to specifications, but to the average viewer, flat panel monitors will be just as crisp, clear and vivid as a CRT monitor.

Viewing Angle: Liquid crystal display monitors are made from tiny crystals that receive an electric charge and thus produce color. When LCD monitors first came out, their viewing angle was inferior to CRT monitors. For instance, a CRT monitor can be viewed from a wide viewing angle, flat panel monitors when they first were introduced could not be viewed from a far angle and must be viewed as close to the center as possible. While flat panel monitor technology has improved and with it wider viewing angles, CRT monitors continue to have better viewing angles. But for those that sit in front of their computer monitor to do tasks, this should not be an issue.