If you compare most of 17" LCD and CRT monitors, you will notice that both look good at 1024x768 or higher, but LCD still cost WAY more. Back then, it was even worse...
As for flicker and radiation (er, Ergonomics...), I chose F700P exactly because it is able to give me 1280x1024 at 85Hz in its RECOMMENDED MODE, which is quite impressive for any 17" CRT. Only high-end ($$$$$$$) 21" Samsungs and Sonys can achieve such a feat in their "fate-default" settings.
Given "flicker-nagging" is out of the way, all you have to do is to tune down the brightness a bit, in order to extend the monitor's life span, (along with your eye's). On really dark conditions (as for Doom 3, I might add...) you should tweak it a little bit.
When I bought this one, some LCD models were made famous for burnt images, even with aggressive screensaver settings. No names, because newer versions of these LCD have been corrected, but even today you must be aware of burn-in times for LCD monitors. CRTs are not plagued by that, only special, dedicated, 24/7 business applications might burn your CRT.
The USB HUB on its back proved essential (I thought it was not necessary back then), since I got today a PDA, some pendrives, printer, scanner, flash card reader, all on USB. Even when I upgraded my PC, those extra ports still remained down there, and at least I don?t have to cut through that wire jungle just to plug my daily backup pendrive; the permanent USB stuff is now plugged directly on the PC ports, but mobile items still some acessible port up on the desk.
As a matter of fact, I?m glad I got this bulky monitor, since its inertia helps stabilize my desk when this age-old printer of mine starts shaking around. A LCD monitor would probably stay put on the desk, but the desk itself wouldn?t.
Forget any speakers on LCD as decision maker. You are better off with any multimedia speaker out there.
As prices drop, and quality remains the same or improves, I might upgrade to 21", but it won?t be a chunky CRT.
Less watts are stolen from the wall to keep any LCD lit too, no matter the size.
Er, I ended up comparing LCD to CRT, but I believe this will help in size decision. As monitors get larger, they don?t need to be heavier, given you got deep pockets.