"Real" Computer Screen Size

My main reason for this post is to pass on to readers potentially important consumer savvy that can minimize cost when shopping for monitors. For example a "real" 15" LCD flat screen is nearly equivalent in size to a 17" (actual 16") CRT screen. In fact, this realization made me splurge. :-) I went out and bought a 15" LCD flat screen for my backup computer, a purchase not originally planned - but the price was right - and I gained larger size and reading ease at minimum cost. OK, folks, I am also justifying an impulse purchase. ;-) But so far I have no "buyers remorse."

For background, I've spent the last couple of days working steadily with my newly upgraded main computer - reloading software, working out operating idiosyncrasies, and so on. I went through a tough period with this upgrade until finally figuring out, with help from the computer shop, that a new motherboard involved with the upgrade was defective. I got it replaced on warranty, and also went to a different brand motherboard. The defect was subtle so took about a month of headaches to uncover. The new motherboard is needed for compatibility with the AMD Athalon 1700 CPU that replaces an Intel Pentium II CPU. The Athalon CPU is much faster and proving enjoyable to use.

But the real pleasure of the upgrade is a new 19" flat screen LCD monitor. In my 10 years on the Internet, I find as time passes I do more on-screen reading. I wanted to pick a new screen that minimizes eye strain, and so far I believe I've made a good choice with the large flat screen.

As mentioned, I learned that the visible part of LCD flat screens is the same as the rated size (my new 19" screen is a "real" 19") while the visible part of CRT screens is a smaller size than the rated size.

Specifically, my CRT 15" rated size is actually about 13", and my CRT 17" rated size is actually about 16" - measurements I personally made on the two CRT monitors I own. Come to find out, by marketplace custom, the actual CRT tube size is listed without subtracting the 1"-2" of the CRT case border around the screen. I think this is important for consumers to know when shopping for computer monitors, and I think many salespeople fail to mention the difference for lack of knowledge or for just not considering the difference of much importance. Caveat Emptor is in full force!