[janicegalloway@mac.com]

Hi. I currently run an iMAc which I am very happy with, but since increasing my workload (I am a writer working up to eight hours a day in front of that tiny little screen) I have been having tension headaches and facial numbness that suggest I need to do something about my monitor. I am planning to buy either a second-hand Cube or a new G4Tower if I can find the money. Things being tight as they are, I am not sure whether I REALLY need a TFT monitor to make the difference for my health's sake. I have been told that their freedom from flicker is in my favour, but their price definintely isn't! Also, does text look as well on a TFT screen? What about dead pixels? And sincemy hobby is digital photography (I hash my photos about a lot, so even there I am screen-staring)and I like the polished the CRT look of things, will I be gratified by how these look on a TFT?Are there CRT monitors that have high refresh rates enough to do for my needs (mostly word-processing) or I am just being too tight with my money here? Any help is VERY welcome. I'm off to get some headache pills before I do some more...

THANKS

[Timo]

If the search function is working again, try it. There are a lot of opinions about LCD versus CRT.

I switched to an LCD display back in April and I definitely don't have the eye-rubbing and headaches that I used to. But then again, I also take more breaks.

Refresh rates for LCDs are good — you won't have any problems with ghosting or artifacts if you stick to the newer models. I don't really think dead pixels are a problem, but again it's personal preference.

One thing I really like about my LCD panel is it's small form-factor...it takes much less space and power than a CRT, and doesn't weigh 70 pounds. An advantage in a cramped working environment.

You should spend some time in front of two different displays at a store and see if something clicks.

Good luck.
T

[janicegalloway@mac.com]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I still feel very undecided, since I ike the LOOK of the CRT much more - familiarity, perhaps - but have been told so often that the LDC is better health-wise. there is so much nonsense on buying sites about itheir looking "cool" that I can't find my way through it at the moment. I guess I have used up my smartsfor today and will need to take a break.

Thanks again for your thoughts and where they're coming from. Do let me know if nything else occurs...

J

[Timo]

Get a CRT and be sure to take breaks. Get one that has a flat screen: I know for drawing this can really make a difference, and I suspect for text too (your brain gets tired seeing things that are ever-so-slightly curved as straight).

Later on if you've made an error you can sell the monitor for a new LCD one; and hopefully at such a future date they will be cheaper than they are now. But if you still want to think about an LCD panel, perhaps try reading this article.

Good luck.

Timo

[ 07-24-2001: Message edited by: Timo ]

[janicegalloway@mac.com]

Sounds so straughtforward when you put it like that. Am taking your excellent advice and ordering an LG Flatron monitor and a secondhand G4 tower. I read the article too - "the skinny" is new on me - I am just catching up with "low-down". Learning every day.

Janice

[PeteWK]

I've got both around the house. And I just hate it when I have to use the CRT. LCD is the way to go. My eyes thank me every day.

PeteWK