by Leroy McLean, contributor

Vol. 12:11

A liquid crystal display (LCD) is a thin, flat display device made up of any number of colour pixels arrayed in front of a light source or reflector. It is prized by engineers because it uses very small amounts of electric power, and is therefore suitable for use in battery-powered electronic devices.

There is no question in my mind that LCD monitors will eventually replace the existing CRT monitors around the world. As a matter of fact, most systems which are sold today come by default with 15" LCD.

Today's buyers are asking their vendors for LCD monitors, better yet make that a very large screen 19" LCD monitor.

Over the past four years, there has been a rapid growth on the adoption of LCD over their regular counterpart CRT.

Benefits of LCD:

The biggest advantage to LCD monitors is their size and weight. The size and weight of an LCD monitor can be upwards of 80 per cent lighter than an equivalent dimension CRT screen. This makes it possible to users to have larger screens for their computers than was really possible before.

LCD screens also tend to produce less eye fatigue to the user. The constant light barrage and scan lines of a CRT tube tend to cause strain on heavy computer users. The lower intensity of the LCD monitors coupled with their constant screen display of pixels being on or off produces less fatigue for the user. If you are also concerned about your electricity bill, then getting the LCD monitor will help in this area.

The price for LCD is still higher than CRT monitors, you can pay around 20 per cent sometimes even 50 per cent more for a LCD monitor. Top computer manufacturer like Dell and HP basically will force the LCD monitor during your selection on their website.

It is also important to note that makers of CRT monitors, over the years have cut-back on production and started concentrating on developing better and cheaper LCDs.

Bottom line, I hope that your next monitor will indeed be the best choice, LCD.

Send your comments or suggestions to thestartech@yahoo.com. You can also write to StarTech c/o The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kingston.