But those will only do 1024X768 at a decent refresh rate.. Think about power consumption too. I really really like the samsung flat panels.
You asked about refurbs... I have a 19in CTX monitor that I bought from a refurb place on Ebay. It has been great. I got it almost 2 years ago for $150 in one of those dutch auctions. Considering the price of those monitors back then, it was a great deal. When I got it I couldn't tell that it wasn't new. I'm a little more cautious about buying lcd's that way since the screen can be damaged so much easier.
CRT's are still much cheaper than LCD etc. We use them for trading stations and they seem to be easier on the eyes but we view them as nonessential. Not everyone gets them unless they are making money to offset the investment. Those without them do just fine ....
I've had my Samsung 191T for about 2 months. It's awesome. Best Buy has $100 rebates through the end of the month!! PC Mag rates Samsung LCDs tops too.....
Samsung -LCD http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.html?i=1663 "... the 191T is the best 19" LCD on the market."
Envision 17" LCD is pretty nice too, if you don't mind a smaller screen. It has the same native resolution of 1280 x 1024 as the Samsung, at more than $300 savings. Samsung would be worth it of it supported higher native resolution, otherwise I don't see the advantage. Mikey
$529 - 250 rebate = $279. Available online, too. LCD with speakers. Bought one Sunday. Have run it only 2 days, of course, but the display is excellent. 3 yr warranty.