Dell E773c

While it takes up a lot of real estate on a desktop, the 17-inch Dell E773c CRT monitor is a good choice for budget-minded businesses, especially those that own Dell systems. The maximum rated resolution isn't the highest available, but is adequate for business applications and browsing the web. The three-year warranty includes a provision to ship owners a replacement monitor on the next business day. One negative is that technical support is only provided for monitors when used with a Dell computer system. The AOC CT700G (*est. $155) is slightly more expensive but is also well received. There's no monitor-exchange program, but the CT700G includes a base with integrated speakers and a higher maximum resolution (albeit at a less flicker-free refresh rate). Note that thinner LCD monitors as large as 19 inches can also be purchased in the same price range, and experts say that for most people, LCD is a better choice.

While professionals no longer report on CRT monitors, user reviews can be helpful. Dell, the manufacturer of the E773c, allows owners to write reviews of the products they have purchased on the company website, and a couple have taken advantage of the opportunity. We also saw a longer -- though less helpful -- thread of user reviews at eBay.com.