In the past CRT monitors were the only choice for desktop systems, while LCDs were built into laptops. Now that people can choose between the two many are asking, which type of monitor is better, LCD or CRT?

Everyone is familiar with the traditional CRT monitor that resembles a television set and uses the same technology. CRTs have many pros: they are inexpensive, dependable, have good clear pictures and can be viewed from any angle. As for cons they are heavy weighing between 30—50 pounds (13-23 kilograms), they take up a lot of desktop space being very deep, they're environmentally unfriendly, and they emit a fair amount of low-frequency radiation thought to be unhealthy.

LCDs or flat panel displays weigh under 10 pounds (<4.5 kilograms), are only a few inches thick (<7.5 cm), consume only one-third to one-half the power of CRTs, emit very little radiation and provide a crisp bright display that's easier on the eyes. The main drawback of early LCDs was that the display would "wash out" when viewed off center. Also, fast-moving images would "ghost" or create distracting trailing artifacts due to the lower refresh rates of LCD technology.

Although modern LCDs are much improved in both areas, CRTs are still better suited to graphics professionals or those that require exacting color consistency that does not change hue with viewing angle. Video editors, game developers or anyone that works with fast moving images in a professional capacity might also prefer CRTs. The other main draw for the CRT is cost, appealing to those on a budget or those that use their computers very little.

LCD monitors have extraordinary color and graphics but text is also crisper; the screen is much easier on the eyes reducing strain and headaches that sometimes accompany long hours on a CRT. This improvement is due to the "flicker free" technology of a LCD. For this reason LCD monitors are highly recommended to anyone who works long hours in text-based applications like word processors or spreadsheets.

As for the home, choosing a model with a wide viewing angle effectively eliminates "wash out" while a fast response rate eliminates ghosting. With reduced eyestrain, great color, and virtually no fading or ghosting, a good LCD is a great choice for the whole family. Whether gaming, putting together a family photo album, surfing, doing homework or writing out proposals for work, the LCD will take up less space while using less electricity and emitting less radiation — and will deliver a dazzling picture.

As LCD technology improves and demand rises, prices drop making LCD more affordable. Because of the many advantages of LCD monitors they are expected to replace CRTs as the display of choice, except among professionals that require CRTs for specific purposes.

If interested in purchasing a LCD monitor, note that specifications listed can vary widely from what independent studies have shown. Sometimes a viewing angle is actually greater than advertised, while other times it is narrower. Response rates can also vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so that a direct comparison between different models may be misleading if going by specs alone. Standardization in specification is apparently lacking. Therefore it is best to research the model of interest, then read reviews from people that already own the monitor. Most people comment on overall quality, any discernable ghosting, and viewing angle. Such reviews accompany many online listings and are also available at many tech sites.