Many people are turned off by the prospect of acquiring a flat panel monitor to replace their cathode ray tube pretty much based on the price factor. Of course this is certainly a valid reason as not everyone will have the budget at any given moment in time to purchase this item, which in many respects is not considered a "must-have" but a luxury instead.

This article hopefully will address the value of flat panel monitors beyond simply looking at the price. Even though flat panel monitors are becoming cheaper every few months, they are still on average more expensive than cathode ray tubes. But the question is, is it worth it for the price?

Well consider these factors and incorporate them (or not) into your own decision making process. LCD flat panel monitors generally will not flicker as much as cathode ray tube monitors. The dimensions of the flat panel also tend to be more consistent. As far as the physical value of flat panel monitors, they are clearly much more compact while provide a greater viewing area than their CRT brethren.

And beyond the desktop, flat panels save you on power and electricity as they are less likely to hog up as much resources. One other thing is that you are far less likely to experience screen burn where an image is seared into the screen after being left on for a long time.

Flat panel LCD monitors do not experience distortions around magnetic forces. They also tend to better output colors and other renderings. Most people get hooked on LCD flat panel monitors the moment they start using it.

Though this is far from comprehensive in terms of assessing the value of flat panel monitors, it should offer fodder for you in terms of deciding what the value of these features are TO YOU. Good luck and have fun!