The dominance of LCD monitors as the display screen and system of choice for most personal computers and Macs became complete around 2006. Prior to that, LCDs had been gradually and steadily supplanting old-style cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors for a number of years. Once the industry standard for PCs and Macs, the CRT monitor has now become almost a relic when it comes to computer packages these days.
CRT technology is nothing more than a computer monitor that uses the same tubes commonly seen in almost any television set prior to high-definition and flat-panel TVs, including those of the liquid crystal display (LCD) variety. In fact, prior to 2006, when LCDs came into common usage, many desktop computers featured a big, heavy CRT monitor as standard equipment.
No longer, it seems, as LCDs have come to almost completely dominate the computer display market, at least as it pertains to home computers and the like. Liquid crystal displays trump old-style CRT in almost every way that counts, including weight, durability, energy savings and bulk. They’re slimmer, lighter and far more able to take a licking than common cathode ray tube monitors.
These days, the LCD monitor is so ubiquitous when it comes to the standard display provided with any PC or Mac that there’s no such computer being offered anymore with a CRT monitor. And this has been so since at least 2006. Consequently, as liquid crystal displays have become more common, their prices have dropped appreciably (they used to be quite expensive just several short years back).
As was said, a liquid crystal display monitor is much lighter than the classic CRT unit. Try to imagine having to pick up and move a 22-inch CRT monitor and then compare that to the ease with which a similarly-sized LDC model can be disconnected from the CPU (via a USB 2. 0 port, usually) and then picked up in one hand and taken elsewhere. There’s really no comparison, to be truthful about things.
Another benefit is liquid crystal monitors consumer much less power, which makes them very energy efficient and superior to CRTs in this regard. Plus, their durability is well-known, and there are plenty of stories around about the LCD unit that’s been accidentally dropped and has been able to keep working. Most CRTs couldn’t come close to that sort of performance standard.
When one looks at LCD monitors and their current dominance, then, especially when they’re compared to their legacy brethren CRT monitors, it’s easy to see how they came to be the desktop and other computer industry standard for display monitors. They consume relatively little power, can come in lightweight (and large) sizes and they don’t cost an arm and a leg. There almost seems to be no downside, in fact.
Matthew Kerridge is an expert in computer products. If you would like further information about types of LCD monitors or are looking for a reputable computer retailer please visit http://www.ebuyer.com
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This post was written by Matthew Kerridge on November 27, 2009
