For one thing, an increase in manufacturing capacity has drastically reduced the cost of flat-panel monitors. Flat-panel prices are coming down to the point where they're just about twice the price of a standard CRT, Manitply added. The 20.8-inch T210, though, is in a price class all its own. Some analysts have opined that this is detailed enough for X-rays. In addition, energy costs have made flat panels more attractive.
Flat panels require far less electricity than CRTs.
A 15-inch flat panel can, on average, run on 30 watts, while an equivalent CRT monitor takes 70 watts of power. With a CRT monitor, you've got to run a cathode ray gun. It's about the look A growing, although by no means explosive, interest among customers for better-looking PCs also gives IBM hope. The new monitors and the upcoming version of the NetVista all share the black chassis and beveled edges found on the ThinkPad line. Richard Sapper, who created the ThinkPad look, is one of people who worked on the upcoming NetVista's industrial design.