If you want to replace your old monitor with a new one, there are innumerable options to choose from. Decide what features you want to spend on and which ones don’t matter much to you. You may need a larger monitor to watch videos or play games. Or, perhaps, you need only a basic monitor for the basic computer functions. There are two types of monitors that you can choose from, LCD and CRT. Here are some of the reasons why LCD monitors are the top choice for computer buyers.

CRT (cathode-ray tube) is an extremely basic, cheap computer screen. Though they are inexpensive, they are usually bulky and occupy a lot of room on the computer desk. CRT monitors with flat screens are also available in the market, but they often create a glare, and hence make sitting at the computer tough on the eyes.

LCD (liquid crystal display) is the latest trend in computer monitors. They are rather expensive but have many advantages over the traditional CRT screens. They also offer sleek designs which occupy very little space and as an added benefit, are good for the users eyes.

Space: LCD monitors take up very less space as compared to CRT monitors. This is a perfect option for those users who are short of space. Most computer users have only a limited amount of space to store their computer equipment. The LCD screen can be pushed closer to a wall to increase desk space. Some LCD monitors can even be mounted on the wall. With this option it is also possible to get a larger screen, and still take up less space than a CRT.

The viewing size actually offered by an LCD is much more than that of a traditional CRT. A 12-inch LCD monitor has only a slightly smaller viewing area than a typical 14-inch CRT screen. When purchasing a brand new LCD screen, you should know that the advertised size is the actual viewing area of the screen. This is not necessarily so with a CRT monitor.

Better for health: LCD screens are healthier to use as well. CRT screens have radiation equal to three electron beams directed constantly at the user. These beams are constantly refreshed every 60-80 seconds. Many people have to buy special radiation shields for their CRT screens. Also, the continuous refreshing of the screen strains the eyes. This does not happen with the LCD monitor. LCD monitors use pixels that only alternate between on and off. This reduces the strain and tiredness of the eyes. CRT screens are heavy and bulky whereas the LCD screen weighs about 20 pounds less than a CRT thus helping to save on muscle strain.

Quality: LCD screens have far better image quality than any computer monitor on the market. It produces sharp, crisp pictures and has excellent contrast. While a CRT monitor works almost like a television, the LCD screen has the technology used in digital watches where a fine mesh of tiny crystals display the colors. This gives a higher quality picture on the screen.

The color quality of the LCD outperforms a CRT screen easily. Many of the latest LCD screens have unlimited color capabilities, while a CRT screen has only limited colors. The resolution offered by the LCD is also much better than a CRT. With an LCD monitor, the resolution is usually the highest resolution possible. Because of that, the display appears much more in focus and is very sharp. The video resolution of a CRT screen is limited.

LCD screens are far ahead of traditional CRT monitors regarding space and quality. The health benefits of the LCD add to its appeal as well. As far as price goes however, the LCD does cost more than the traditional CRT screen. But a CRT screen uses more energy in the long run. The LCD is much more energy efficient hence making it a wise choice for those looking to save on energy costs. And the prices of LCD screens have gone down in the last couple of years. The cost of energy can add up for businesses or people who have multiple computers.

In addition to all these factors, LCD monitors are now sold with a variety of extras like built in speakers, or jack outlets for headphones or microphones. Others may have multiple input connections so that more than one computer can be connected. Accessories like anti-glare filters and stands can also be purchased with LCD screens