Evaluate how well a CRT Monitor meets your needs and compares to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in a CRT monitor and you've learned about the different features of CRT monitors. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of CRT monitor - will best meet your needs. Now you are going to continue that process, but in greater detail.
In this step you will
evaluate the CRT monitors available on the market to determine how well they meet your personal needs and establish, by a process of elimination, an initial short-list of contenders. Then you will compare these short-listed CRT monitors to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well a CRT Monitor meets your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available CRT monitors in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any CRT monitors that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any CRT monitors that clearly exceed your price limit.
CRT monitors were the most common monitors used by computer owners until the LCD monitor was introduced. While many people still own CRT monitors, many are making the switch in order to save space, and to reduce eye strain. CRT monitors have become much more affordable, and with flat-screen versions, they look more modern.
When looking for a CRT monitor, you should at least consider the following: monitor size, screen resolution, color depth, screen type and ease of use. You should pay attention to these features because they will influence how you use your monitor and the space in which you work.
Tip: When organizing your office, you should take measurements of the area where your CRT monitor will be positioned.
The size of a CRT monitor is measured in two ways: the diagonal measurement and the viewable size. Both are important when choosing a monitor. The diagonal measurement will tell you how big the monitor is including the case, while the viewable size will tell you how much viewing space you have. For example, a monitor with a diagonal size of 17 inches will have a viewing area of about 15.98 inches.
Tip: Dual monitors can be used if you want to view large spreadsheets, documents, and other information. If you want to buy two CRT monitors for these purposes, it does not matter which size you purchase, but remember to purchase a video adapter with two connections so both monitors can be hooked up at the same time.
Screen resolution is an important factor when you are working on documents, editing photos, or watching a movie. The higher the screen resolution, the clearer the picture will be. This is because high resolution monitors have high pixel counts. When pixels are packed tightly together, they produce clearer images. Most 15 and 17 inch CRT monitors have 1024x768 pixels. Most 19 and 20 inch monitors have 1600x1200 pixels. If you plan on watching movies or playing video games, you should find a monitor with a high resolution.
In addition to screen resolution, you should also pay attention to dot pitch, which measures the amount of pixels grouped together to create a clear picture.
Tip: With a CRT monitor, you will have more control over adjusting the resolution in order to get a clearer image than if you purchase an LCD monitor. While the technology is improving, CRT monitors still out-perform LCD monitors in this area.
Color depth is also important when you want to play games, watch movies, edit photos, and other functions that require color and clarity. Most CRT monitors are equipped with 24-bit color. This means that you will get a clear, colorful picture. 32-bit color is optimum for gaming playing.
CRT monitors are available in curved screens and flat-screens. Flat-screens cut down on glare and are easier on your eyes. While both screens are available, if you want a monitor that is similar to an LCD flat panel monitor, but cannot afford it yet, a flat screen CRT monitor is close.
When considering ease of use, check how easy it is to change the setting via the onscreen menus and controls. Are they fairly straight forward or are they confusing multi-layered lists. Does the screen turn on and off easily. Some touch sensitive on/off switches can be difficult to use.
When you were considering your requirements in a CRT monitor it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as screen size, resolution, screen glare and cost as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various CRT monitors meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
CRT monitor size (general)
- 15 in. - (H) 15.6 in. x (W) 14.6 in. x (D) 16.3 in. weight 28 lb.
- 17 in. - (H) 17.6 in. x (W) 18.3 in. x (D) 16.7 in. weight: 39.7 lb.
- 19 in. - (H) 17.8 in. x (W) 17.6 in. x (D) 18.7 in. weight: 47.6 lb.
- 21 in. - (H) 20.3 in. x (W) 20.1 in. x (D) 19.6 in. weight: 58.0 lb.
CRT screen size (viewable)
- 15 in. - 13in.
- 17 in. - 16in.
- 19 in. - 18in.
- 21 in. - 20in.
Screen Resolution
- 15in. - 1024 x 768
- 17in. - 1024 x 768
- 19in. - 1600 x 1200
- 21in. - 2048 x 1536
Refresh rate
Connectivity
- VGA cable, 15-Pin Mini D-Sub, 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)
- Power cable
- Voltage required: AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
Controls/Adjustments
- Brightness
- Contrast
- H/V moire, H/V position, H/V size
- Tilt, trapezoid, degauss, color temperature, parallelogram, pincushion, pin balance, zoom
Display Screen Coating
- Anti-glare, Anti-static
- OptiClear, AGRAS screen treatment
- ClearFlat Screen, AccuColor Control System, On Screen Manager
Dot Pitch
- 0.20 to 0.51 mm
- 0.20 mm Horizontal / 0.13 mm Vertical / 0.25 mm Diagonal
Humidity Range (for most models, regardless of monitor size)
Max. Temperature (for most models, regardless of monitor size)
Warranty
- Limited warranties
- Internal parts warranty
- Cable replacement warranty
- Extended warranty available 1 to 3 years
Support
- User manual
- 24/7 customer service support
- Email support
- Detailed pictures and graphics
- Cable hook-up instructions
There are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your CRT monitor needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require in a CRT monitor.
Once you have finished evaluating the CRT monitors available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the CRT monitors one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well a CRT Monitor compares with competing CRT Monitors
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of CRT monitors that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of CRT monitors that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which CRT monitor on my short-list offers the best value for money?
Which of the short-listed CRT monitors has the best technical support?
Which CRT monitor has the best warranty?
Which of my short-listed CRT monitors is the easiest to adjust?
Which CRT monitor seems of the highest quality?
Which CRT monitor do I like most?
Which CRT monitor best meets my needs?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating CRT monitors that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing the CRT monitor, you need to find an opportunity to examine the product to evaluate how well it is made, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. This is the time to examine the quality of the materials, and how well the item is put together. Check the assembly - is the monitor held together snugly? It's also important to examine the item from the perspective of ease of use. How easily is it cleaned and maintained? Are the controls easy to use? Make sure the item physically fits into the space you have available for it and that it is manageable - some items look great on paper, but unexpected problems will show up when you finally get your hands on them.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Materials - quality, appearance
- Assembly - all parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Solidly constructed - stable, no loose components
- Controls - visible, easy to use, accessible, clearly labelled
- Size - appropriate for surroundings and purpose - fits correctly
- Appearance - well finished, appropriate color, neat fittings etc
- Easy and intuitive to use
Warranty Conditions
Similar products may be available with significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Parts and labor are often covered under separate warranties, for different time periods; sometimes there can be a significant difference in the warranty offered with one model compared to that offered with the next model up. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Parts, Labour, Mechanical, Electrical
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories, Extras and Consumables
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what accessories are necessary to run the product to its full capacity, and whether these are included with the purchase. What other facilities are required - do you need to buy cables, for instance?
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost
- Upgrades - will the product need upgrades, what are the costs?
- Compatibility issues - will it work with your existing products?
- Registration - what are the time frames and costs
- Contracts or Service Plans - conditions, penalties, costs
- What else will you need to enjoy this product?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of CRT monitors that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
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