Back in the “old” days, personal computers (and most every kind of computer for the desktop, research lab etc. ) had to make do with cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors that looked like television sets. They were big and cumbersome. Not anymore, because the computer monitor as been slimmed down greatly. Therefore, what to know about an LCD monitor (LCD stands for “liquid crystal display”) can be important. That’s because these newer monitors, most of which came into common and widespread usage in 2006 (though very expensive models were in use over a decade ago), have made computer ownership much easier. At least, they’ve made owning and MOVING a computer and its peripherals around much easier, at the least. Plus, they’re now capable of high-definition display and a whole host of other features. This is a qualitative step up by a full order of magnitude over older (and much heavier) CRT monitors, most of whom were — quite frankly — relics of the dinosaur age of television. Add in the fact that most needed to be connected to a computer through use of a serial port (do computers even have those in any large number anymore?) and you had a recipe for inconvenience. Nowadays, the sky’s the limit when it comes to size in a computer monitor, thanks to liquid crystal display technology. It’s almost expected that a PC come with AT LEAST 19 inches of monitor and many computers are being offered with very a nice 22 inches of lightweight, high-quality LCD monitor. More properly known as TFT-LCD (thin film transistor, LCD), these monitors have a lot going for them. For one, as was discussed, the typical LCD model is very light in weight and can be extremely compact. Imagine trying to move a 22-inch CRT monitor around (it’ll be really heavy) and then imagine how easy it is to disconnect a 22-inch liquid crystal display monitor from the PC with just a pull of the USB 2. 0 connection. The whole process takes seconds and the monitor only weighs a few pounds. LCD models of most any brand or type are also fairly energy efficient and they consume much less power than a CRT or almost any other kind of monitor (plasma, etc. ). In today’s “green” world, that can count for a lot. Plus, a liquid crystal display — protected as it is by a very durable screen — is extremely tough. It can take a lot of punishment, in other words. Today, the LCD monitor is the recognized standard-setter for personal computers of all classes and size. Prices have fallen dramatically since they came into widespread use several years ago and they can be had in relatively large sizes, such as 19 and 22-inch models. They’re durable, don’t waste a lot of energy and their displays are more than acceptable. It’s hard to see a real downside to them, as a matter of fact.

All of the pro’s for LCD’s including less power consumption, no burn-in (even though this is virtually eliminated now in plasmas), less glare… are all superficial. The bottom line is that the best LCD’s have reviews that all say “look like plasma” because an average plasma has an equal if not better picture than top of the line LCD (like the A950 samsung) Most LCD’s have motion blur that plasma’s don’t or have much less of. I also understand that LCD’s are made in the 19-40 inch sizes but why are even the 52 inch LCD’s selling more than the 50 and 58 inch plasmas when they look worse and cost more?

All of the pro’s for LCD’s including less power consumption, no burn-in (even though this is virtually eliminated now in plasmas), less glare… are all superficial. The bottom line is that the best LCD’s have reviews that all say “look like plasma” because an average plasma has an equal if not better picture than top of the line LCD (like the A950 samsung) Most LCD’s have motion blur that plasma’s don’t or have much less of. I also understand that LCD’s are made in the 19-40 inch sizes but why are even the 52 inch LCD’s selling more than the 50 and 58 inch plasmas when they look worse and cost more?

All of the pro’s for LCD’s including less power consumption, no burn-in (even though this is virtually eliminated now in plasmas), less glare… are all superficial. The bottom line is that the best LCD’s have reviews that all say “look like plasma” because an average plasma has an equal if not better picture than top of the line LCD (like the A950 samsung) Most LCD’s have motion blur that plasma’s don’t or have much less of. I also understand that LCD’s are made in the 19-40 inch sizes but why are even the 52 inch LCD’s selling more than the 50 and 58 inch plasmas when they look worse and cost more?