Computer monitor question... on it's last legs?

[manofthefield]

I don't know what my monitor is other than a Dell branded 17" crt monitor, about 6 years old.

In the past week or so, every so often i've been noticing horizontal static/stripes maybe and inch and a half or two tall flash on the screen.  Is this monitor crapping out, or is there something I should check?  Or does this mean it's time for the lcd monitor I've always wanted?  (when funds allow )

[Destro]

Sounds like it is crapping out, DO NOT mess with it, unless you need you some electroshock treatment.  The transformers within the CRT can mess you up.

[werase643]

little voice in left ear......Do it, you know you want to!

[Jughead]

Sounds like it is crapping out, DO NOT mess with it, unless you need you some electroshock treatment.  The transformers within the CRT can mess you up.

Yeap if it has Capacitors in it they'll mess you up too.

Yeah I'd say it's Taking a Crap.Look thru I got my LCD Flat panel from them for around $50 after the Factory Rebate.They had a Sale on Optical/Cordless Keyboard/Mouse/Speakerphone a Couple of weeks Ago for $49.99 and Logitec had a $50 Factory Rebate. So I only Have Like $12.00 Shipping in the Whole Setup.

[yamahonkawazuki]

look through red x jughead?

[spc]

I get this cute little blue box with '?' in it instead of the red x

[ohgood]

Have you done the wiggle test on the connection between the computer and the monitor ?

Have you thought about the possibility of fire ?

A decent lcd is available for around $200.

LCD's don't bath you in x-rays like crt's

[Mayoke]

What you are experiencing is electrolytic dry out.
The electrolytic capacitors are drying out and losing their ability.
The fix is to replace the electrolytics in the deflection circuit.
Usually when you do them, you should do them all such as the B+ line and Vertical section too.

Due to the fact that monitors are DIRT CHEAP now, I tell people to junk em.

[manofthefield]

Well I guess I'll keep on using this one til it craps out, then there's an old monitor that my landlords left behind in the basement, I assume it still works, that I can use for a while.  This helps put an LCD monitor higher on the list of things to buy though and I can start keeping my eye out for screaming deals

[darb85]

if that doesnt work, let me know ive got an old 17 inch Compaq CRT that is perfect ill give ya cheap!(like 25 bucks cheap)

[Jughead]

look through red x jughead?

Huh???

[Gisser]

Or does this mean it's time for the lcd monitor I've always wanted?  (when funds allow )

Doesn't your Westinghouse LCD have a VGA port?  These 32" HDTV's are enjoyable desktop monitors particularly if you have PIP and/or Split-Screen so you can watch TV and surf at the same time.  My ~$600 Walmart special came with these features and it's all good.       

[manofthefield]

Are you stalking me?   I could hook it up to my Westinghouse, but I prefer to work on the computer in my office and don't really want to have the PC in the living room.  I have a laptop to work with too, so I've got options when this monitor takes a dump.

I did consider getting a 20 or 26 inch tv to use as a monitor, but I don't really need that and it would cost twice as much as just an LCD monitor

[manofthefield]

look through red x jughead?

Huh???

You put tigerdirect as an img instead of a url

[Jughead]

Ooooops. I couldn't figure it out.

OK www.tigerdirect.com

[yamahonkawazuki]

lol ive got a 21" trinitron im using, its goin on 7 yrs old now , am upgrading to a 20" lcd here in about a week. a $400 monitor my friend is letting go for a ben ( 100) hes got a severe want to upgrade im like mmmkay ill do it ( warranty and all too  ) and the 21" still works great. heavy as a damned tank tho

[natedawg120]

I am still using an ancient AOC 17" CRT that I got from a pawn shop when my NEC died.  I wish it would die so i can convince my wife i need an upgrade

[yamahonkawazuki]

this 21 ( the trinitron) badged as a dell makes the solid wood surface of my desk bow a bit    weighs at or around 78 pounds

[manofthefield]

THose are nice, I had a 19" Trinitron the last place I worked, it was a monster though.  Definately wouldn't work on my current home desk, it's built into the wall, but probably not deep enough and made of cheapo pressboard that would snap under that kind of weight

[manofthefield]

On a related note... what's the deal with all the new computers coming with widescreen monitors?  I prefer a normal "square" shaped monitor, but will I be sorry in a few years?  I probably won't be using for TV or DVDs, or giant spreadsheets, so what's the big deal about a widescreen? Other than it's what all the cool kids are doing...