I remember the computers I had about 8 years ago that had CRT monitors. I did not think much of them (being the standard of the time), however, I have taken an interest as to why nobody seems to view them as valid display options nowadays - especially where gaming is concerned.
The first point is that the refresh rates they could produce were incredible - 200hz+ in with a lower resolution.
Second is that running in lower resolutions than the monitors maximum does not impair the final image quality (unlike in modern panels where the image needs to be rounded)
Third is the brilliant viewing angles - any and all!
The only problems with them is the bulkiness and high power consumption.
So, going back to my original question: Why does nobody see them as a viable display option when they are clearly on-par with many modern display technologies?
when i get a new desk i'm gonna set my old crt as second screen.
its about 10y old with max resolution of 1280 x 1024, 22" and still works perfectly. the only reason i bought my lcd monitor is because some modern games made my monitor flip out sometimes. it was also easier for me to look at then my widescreen ( i'm almost blind at my left eye.)
Because the BenQ XL2420TE and Asus VG248QE and other monitors as well can use lightboost have 120hz refresh with zero motion blur and almost zero input lag @1080p if you want the CRT like display. Other wise most people dont want to use there computer at 4:3 and less then 1080p. I think they are really only good for competitive like counter strike or something but the new Asus and BenQ monitors have taken that from CRT displays too so I dont see any use for them now.
Size. That's it. Par for par, a good crt can AT LEAST match a good LCD, usually best them in most areas. But, they just take up way too much damned space. For instance, I have three 24" monitors sitting in front of me that weigh a combined 25 pounds or so. If I were to replace them all with comparable 24" CRT monitors (like say a Sony FW900), the weight would increase to somewhere in the neightborhood of 300 pounds. That's ridiculous. Not to mention the added desk space they would take up.
Bottom line, unless you have the space, CRT monitors comparable in screen realestate to todays average LCD are just incredibly inconvenient, especially in multiple monitor set ups. That said, there are times that I miss my old 19" Flat Trinitron. That thing was a beast, all 60 some odd pounds of it.