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Comment by old-gregg | Hacker News Reader

If you've been paying attention you would have noticed that the tech goes backwards in the world of LCDs: as time goes on, high-quality LCDs are being displaced by 6-bit junk-panels not only in laptops (there isn't a single one 8-bit LCD laptop available in US right now) but even in desktops as well: 20" iMacs are 6-bit too.

Viewing angles and contrast ratios are shrinking as well, hence the disgusting proliferation of contrast-enhancing glass/film panel covers: it's like forcing every customer to wear permanent sunglasses: just because your panel is junk.

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Right on the money. Most people have no idea how difficult (and expensive) it is to acquire a decent non-TN LCD. And even when you find one, nobody ever gives the bit depth.

The reason the quality has been (and is) receding is because manufacturers have noticed that most people can't tell the difference between e.g. TN and IPS displays, so they produce the former, which are much cheaper. And better options are being phased out all the time; the two LCDs I have were phased out within a couple years. An S-IPS panel now costs at least $100 more than a same-size TN panel, and usually at much lower advertised contrast ratios, which further puts off consumers. Pretty much the only people who buy the good stuff now know their stuff, and we pay a premium because of it.

"...there isn't a single one 8-bit LCD laptop available in US right now..."

Yes, there is. The HP Elitebook 8730W can be ordered with the a DreamColor 8-bit IPS (or PVA not sure...) LCD panel. And Lenovo used to ship the T-series line with IPS panels. I think the W700 can also be ordered with a IPS WUXGA panel.

Looks like the Sony TT line has an 8bit display:

http://www.sony.com.sg/microsite/vaio/products/vaio_tt/8bit....

I miss a good CRT screen.

In any more or less civilized, urban environment you should be able to choose from a selection of used CRT screens. Of course, you should be knowing what you are buying and check them rigorously, as not all of them will be in good condition and CRTs develop various defects when they age. But generally, you can get yourself a decent CRT (or other piece of old equipment, for that matter) if you really want to.

I bought 2 CRTs half a year ago, for me and my brother. They were 21" Sony E530, mnf. 2001-2002 Not the top models (F520/G520 are better, and there is also 24" widescreen Sony FW900) but I was not willing to hunt for the better ones, those were quite fine for us. I think of buying 2 more 21" CRTs for the country house.

Probably the recession has something to do with it. Right now the smart thing to do is compete on price rather than features. 2-3 years from now, the pendulum may swing back the other way.

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