Bringing The Benefits Of LCD Monitors Home (NAPSA)—Just as consumersget used to the latest technology, something better seemsto comealong. Liquid crystal displays, or LCDs, are the most recent example, quickly replacing standard cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitors in the office and at home. According to Stanford Resources, an industry research firm, shipments of LCDswill expand by 40 percent each year until 2007. While savvy consumers are attracted to LCDs’ affordable price tag and sleek design—with many monitors now in the $300-$500 range—it’s really the space, energy and health advantages that make LCDthepreferred choice. Like their counterparts, LCDs come in many sizes; however, their flat panel designs are not only lighter, they also take up to 75 percent less space on a desktop. These features, combined with options such as removable bases, wall mounting or screen pivoting for landscape or portrait viewing, yield additional space savings. LCDs require less voltage and consume up to 70 percent less power than CRTs, too, resulting in less heat andcloseto zero levels of potentially harmful electromagnetic radiation. If you’re one of the 70 percent who suffer from headaches or blurred vision when working at your computer, LCDs may solve this problem aswell. Because they display sharper images andare typically “flicker free,” LCDs are easier on the eyes—a definite plus for anyone concerned with eye strain. In fact, some studies show that users become even more productive after switchingto flat panels. Which LCD is right for you? Because technology differs, a lead- LCD monitors consume up to 70 percent less power than Cathode Ray Tube monitors. ing display manufacturer called ViewSonic recommends consumers consider more than just screen size. “Consider the applications that you will be viewing, whether you require digital and/or analog inputs and if you want the monitor to also act as a television or video player when equipped with tuners,” says Herb Berkwits, senior LCD project manager, ViewSonic. “When you find a monitor that satisfies these requirements, then look at warranty, service and other factors such as recycling,” adds Berkwits. Only a handful of companies today help consumersrecycle old monitors, an issue that’s receiving growing attention with the National Safety Council estimating that the U.S. will have 500 million defunct computers and monitors by 2007. ViewSonic’s “Trade-In, TradeUp” program is setting a precedent in helping consumers switch from CRTs to LCDs by diverting old monitors from winding up in attics, garage sales andlandfills.
