Thinkpads Forum

i'm trying to find the best CRT,

CRT and not LCD flatpanel because i'm doing color critical photo work.

i say long hours because, i want to have a high refresh rate, at least 70hz

i have a 17" Sony Trinitron CRT now, and, when i push it to 1400 x 1050 resolution, i can only get a refresh rate of 60Hz. however, on a much older desktop computer, i could achieve a refresh rate of about 75Hz at 1152 x 864, which was a great resolution for me.

please see my T60p's specs and which video driver i have. somehow now on this machine, 1152 x 864 isn't an option. 1280 x 1024 is, but that's not the even same aspect ration, i really don't know why it's offered.

i've tried everything i could, the only solution i thought would work was getting a newer CRT, since this one is 5 or so years old.
but the specs for CRTs i see on B&H and Compusa's websites... either don't seem to specify what it can do, or specify that they can't do a similar resolution with high refresh rate.

my eyes are in pain from working at this resolution.

any ideas?

and, if you're going to recommend an LCD flat panel, it better have an extermely wide viewing angle, very accurate colors, and a similar price to a CRT.

a 17" external monitor is big enough for me and my small NYC desk.

thaaaanks!
allen

I use a 20" Dell LCD at 1600x1200 resolution. I can't comment on color accuracy, but the viewing angle seems close to 180 degrees. That is, if I look at it almost edgeways, I can still see colors & shapes even though the angle makes them unreadable.

Don't know what the current price is, but I paid about $500 a couple of years ago. The increased viewing comfort, extra desk space, ease of moving, and lower power consumption make it MORE than worth the price differential, IMHO.

Current LCD's have even better color gamut than CRT monitors. Good CRT monitors, like Sony FD Trinitron are no longer available anyway. For photo work look for IPS based panels. NEC 2090UXi (20" 1600x1200, A-TW-IPS panel by LG.Philips) might be good start. There is also Photo Edition of this model with bundled calibration tool and software.

I wouldn't recommend Dell because they don't have stable specs for their models. They even exchange lcd panel technology in one model without notice. LCD panel technology is the most important parameter when choosing LCD monitor.

Since you are in NY, have a look at this:
http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/sys/411660785.html

Sony Trinitron Multiscan W900 24" Widescreen monitor...
Still works like new..
retailed for $3300, asking only $250

Now that CRTs have essentially disappeared from the marketplace, there's a technology gap for people who want an inexpensive monitor with a wide color gamut and wide contrast range.

The least expensive solution would be to buy a used CRT, or somehow locate a new CRT. With its combination of price, color gamut, contrast range, and response time, a CRT monitor may still be the best solution for color-critical photography, video editing, and computer-based games.

If you decide to go with an LCD, the widest color gamut LCD monitors have an LED backlight. Right now, they're very expensive, but they should come down in price fairly quickly over the next few years. For the next best LCD color gamut, look for an LCD monitor with a wide color gamut CCFL (WCG-CCFL) backlight. They've become fairly common, though you still have to pay a price premium for them.

Here's a link for more information on the subject: http://www.studiodaily.com/studiomonthl ... /8158.html .

DavidE
www.davidenglish.com
www.beepzoid.com

Viewsonic still makes CRT monitors.

http://www.viewsonic.com/products/crtmonitors/

yeah, LCD's seem too expensive, the 24 inch on craigslist is way too big for my desk,

about those viewsonic's, i take it i should go for the Graphic Series?
which the smallest is 19", which i guess i'd hav to get used to taking up space on my desk...

They don't make them like they used to. I bought this 17" aperture grill (Trinitron technology) Viewsonic monitor 4-years ago. ViewSonic G 71F+SB

The offerings today seem somewhat limited.
CNET.com: CRT Technology type: Aperture grille

Reviews of CRT monitors on CNET.com by Editor's rating

I had a 19" Mitsubishi Diamond Pro 930 SB that I got from craigslist from a pro photograher (who upgraded to an LCD) ... It was a professional CRT with great colors, but it was too huge for my desk - so I sold it locally.

Craigslist is a great place to look for CRT monitors if you don't mind buying used. Good monitors can be bought for as little as $40.