INTRODUCTION
Flat Panel is a relatively new technology now available for desktop computers when compared to the CRT or standard monitor technology. With new technology comes new important considerations to look at when purchasing a flat panel solution.

TECHNOLOGY
Before looking at what type of configurations you need to look for when purchasing a computer Flat Panel it is important to know if you want a CRT or a Flat Panel / LCD monitor.

CRT- Today one of the most commonly used technologies for computer monitors. CRT or Cathode Ray Tube is a technology much like what you will find on most TV’s. CRT monitors are an affordable solution however is bulky and very heavy.

LCD - LCD or Liquid Crystal Display monitors are similar to what is found on portable computers. LCD monitors overall generally display much sharper of an image, are lighter and more space efficient however are much more of an expensive solution for desktop displays.

SIZE
Dimensional Size - When looking at LCD / Flat Panel displays one of the most noticeable and considerable reasons for purchasing a Flat Panel is its size. As you will see a Flat Panel display is generally about 1-2 foot deep.

Screen Size - When looking at an Flat Panel displays the screen size is measured differently from a standard monitor. Standard monitors are measured from the bottom left of the screen to the top right of the screen, plastics and all. However when measuring a LCD the actual viewable area is measured.

RESOLUTION
Resolution The maximum resolution is the amount of pixels that can be displayed horizontally x vertically. Be cautious when purchasing a monitor at any size that advertises a large resolution size such as 1,600 x 1,200 for a 15" monitor.

Some monitor manufactures may allow for such high resolutions at a high cost but the user will never utilize such a resolution. As the monitor increases in size the image display will decrease, the following is a listing of a usable resolution limit by the size of the monitor.

15" - 800 x 600 / 1,024 x 768

17" - 1,280 x 1,024

19" - 1,280 x 1024

21" - 1,600 x 1,200

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Refresh Rate -When purchasing a Flat Panel / LCD the refresh rate is not important.

Display Angle - With an LCD display you will find that it is very difficult and sometimes impossible to see from any other angle besides straight on. If you plan on using the display for DVD movies where other people may be watching the same screen you may want to consider a CRT instead of a Flat Panel display.

Backlight - Unlike a good CRT a Flat Panel LCD is backlit and the light must past though polarization filters and other layers before emerging from the display. This is why most LCD displays are not as bright as a CRT.

Flat Display - A flat panel unlike any CRT is truly flat. Some manufactures may advertise a CRT, as being a flat display, however will always have some curvature.

Controls - When purchasing a Flat Panel / LCD you may find that there are not many controls to adjust the display. This is normal to expect very few and sometimes one or two buttons used to adjust the display.

PRICE RANGE
When purchasing a Flat Panel / LCD you should expect to pay more then a Monitor / CRT as this is a new and improved technology. The following is what you should expect to pay by size of display.

READY TO BUY
Once you have reviewed the appropriate information and believe that you are ready to make a purchase of a flat panel ensure that the source which you plan on purchasing the flat panel from is a reputable source and you have reviewed our section on what to look out for when purchasing over the Internet.