Flat-panel versus CRT Monitors: adv and disadv-feature for feature

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Whenever you are shopping to buy a computer, you have quite a few monitor options to choose from. Basically, you can pick from two catagories of desktop monitors: CRs and flat-panel displays. Of course,you will get an LCD monitors if you buy a laptop system, but do not forget that most laptops have a port for connecting a desktop monitor. Both types of desktop monitor offer advantages and disadvantages.
In some ways, they are all the same:
Flat-panel technology has madesome big leaps in the last few years. Whereas flat-panel monitors used to be small, low-resolution devices found mostly on portable systems, they now rival CRT monitors feature for feature. When it comes to resolution, clours, refresh rate, and viewable area, flat-panel and CRT monitors compete head to head. Whatever monitor you buy, make sure it meets your requirements in each of these areas.
But in other ways, they are not same:
While all monitors may be created equal in terms of the resolutions and colors they can display, there are significant differences you need to consider.
Desktop space requirements:
Obviously, this is the criterion where CRT monitors cannot match flat-panels. A typical CRT monitor with 15.8-inch viewable area stands about 19 inches high and is about 16 inches wide and about 19 inches deep. A typical flat-panel monitor with a 15-inch viewable area stands about 18 inches high(including the base) and is about 16 inches wide, but it is only about 10 inches deep-4 inches without the base. Many flat-panel monitors can be hung on a wall or mounted on a swing-arm stand, further reducing their desktop space requirements.
Viewable area:
CRT monitors offer viewable areas ranging from just over13 inches to more than 22 inches. Flat-panel for the desktop range from about 14 inches to more than 18 inches, but larger viewing areas are being developed all the time.
Viewing angle:
CRT monitors are usually hands down winners in this category, but flat-panel systems are catching up. If you do not usually need to look at the monitor from an angel and if you do not typically have several people looking at the monitor at one time, the flat-panel’s restricted viewing angle should not be a problem.
Screen curvature:
CRT screens are flatter than they once were, and some higher-end models are almost completely flat. With some moderately priced CRTs, however, some curvature of the screen is normal and can easily be seen. If you use a computer for long periods, this curvature can cause minor distortion in the picture that lead to eyestrain. Because LCD monitors are flat, they do not pose this problem.
Power consumption:
Flat-panel systems win in this category. CRT monitors consume a great deal of electricity to keep the screen refreshed. Conversely, LCD systems are energy efficient because of their tiny transistors. As an added benefit, flat-panel displays run cooler than CRTs.
Radiation emissions:
CRT monitors emit low level radiation. This radiation is not thought to be harmful, but it is there just the same. LCD monitors do not emit the radiation.
Cost:
Despite their many advantages, flat-panel displays are much more expensive than CRT monitors. In fact, if you compare a flat-panel and CRT monitor with similar viewing areas, resolutions, and other features, the flat-panel system can cost three or four times as much as the CRT display.