A computer monitor is the device that is used to display images generated by the computer. There's only two main types of computer monitors, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) computer monitors, and CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors. CRT monitors have been around for a very long, long time. The first CRT monitors have were created around the early 80s. They've been in main stream use for at least 35 years, and have definitely seen better days, with LCD TVs taking over 50% of the market share for 2008. LCD computer monitors have only really been popular for the last 5-6 years as they've become more affordable for the average user. Now it's not uncommon to find a good 22" LCD monitor for around 0, and that's starting to get up into the premium models.
The monitor's screen size is measured diagonally, CRT monitor's screen size is usually smaller than the labeled size by 1.5-2 inches, so a 19 inch CRT monitor has the same screen size as a 17 inch LCD computer monitor. In the older days computer monitors aspect ratio were always 4:3, but now that we've discovered wide screen technology the aspect ratio has changed to 16:9 or 16:10, because it allows for more screen space sideways to get an improved picture. CRT monitors typically don't come in wide screen sizes. That is something you need to be careful of when buying a CRT monitor, because it may seem like it's bigger, but that's mostly because of the cathode ray tube, circuitry and the enclosure.
Computer
CRT Monitors
CRT monitors contain the display device (which is the cathode ray tube), the circuitry to generate the pictures from the computer's electronic signals, and the enclosure, this may not seem like much, but the bulk of it is the cathode ray tube. And that's why CRT monitors are becoming so uncommon due to their heavy weight, and bulky size.
CRT monitors generate their screen images by using a cathode (heated filament) inside a vacuum sealed glass tube. The electron gun fires off electrons at the cathode and they come into contact with the phosphor coated screen that glows when it is struck by the electron beam.
LCD Computer Monitors
The LCD computer monitor, when compared to a CRT display is a major improvement in appearance and size. LCD computer monitors screen size is a much more accurate representation of the screen size. LCD computer monitors are only as thick as the circuitry and the LCD screen inside the case. This means the average thickness varies from 1-2 inches, if that, though the bigger you go the thicker the size gets. I have a 32 inch LCD TV whose thickness is about 3 inches. I know, but that extra inch makes a huge difference.
LCD computer monitors are made up of two pieces of polarized glass that hold a liquid crystal material between them. The backlight creates light that passes through the first piece of glass, while this is happening electrical currents force liquid crystal molecules to align; that allows varying levels of light to pass through to the second piece of glass to create the colors and images on the screen.
CRT Monitors vs. LCD Computer Monitors
CRT Monitors
Pros:
- High contrast ratio
- High response speed
- Full range light output level
- Displays natively at almost any resolution
- Cheap cost due to the rise in popularity of LCD computer monitors
Cons:
- Heavy weight
- Bulky and Large size
- High power consumption
LCD Computer Monitors
Pros:
- Decent contrast ratio
- Response rates vary, but are very fast on higher end LCDs
- Small size
- Small weight
- Low power consumption
Cons:
- Only one native resolution
- More expensive than CRT
So Which Should You Buy?
Go with the LCD computer monitor, you will not regret it. CRT monitors are only cheaper than LCD monitors, because LCD computer monitors haven't been around for 30 years. It's year 2008, reward yourself by a getting a nice new LCD flat panel monitor. You won't notice anything missing, and if you already have a CRT monitor, it's probably old, and it's probably going to die, the quality probably isn't all that good, you'll notice a huge improvement over your old CRT monitor.
What Is A Computer Monitor?
Steve's Tech Guide - A blog that helps you scratch your tech itch with computer guides, informative how-tos, and important news events [http://stevestechguide.com]