James McIninch wrote:

I wouldn't purchase an LCD monitor based on the availability of a CCFL for
it anymore than I would a CRT based on the availability of logic boards for
it.

I understand where you are coming from, however, I have bought CRT
monitors and they have lasted five to ten years. According to some
manufacturers, these LCD have 25,000 hours of life span, I am assuming
25,000 is not an exaggeration. A typical year has 8760 hours, multiply
that with 3 and you get 26,280. That's less then three years! This is
why I'm looking at LCD like a desk lamp. I would want to know if I can
get a replacement CCFL before I invest any money in LCD.

The fact is that monitor parts are not typically or widely available
through retail channels and display devices are typically designed
exclusively to be repaired by trained technicians. A skilled person can, of
course, do their own maintenance, in which case the situation is not much
different.

According this site Sharp will sell replacement lamp.

http://www.lcdtvbuyingguide.com/lcdt...lifetime.shtml

"Note: Sharp is currently the only manufacturer that makes LCD displays
whose lamps can be changed out. This is definitely something to
consider, given that LCD monitors dim as their lightsources do, so
being able to replace its lamp will restore your picture to "like new"
levels."

However, you are right, but I would remind you that same problem exist
with scanners. I hope you will understand my point of view, these are
not like conventional monitors, and their backlight die very quickly.
As I have stated before my CRT monitor is five years old, and it works
great. If I buy a LCD monitor, I would want it to last longer then my
CRT. Think about it, shouldn't new technology be more reliable and last
longer?

PVP-OPM doesn't apply. It specifically is a DRM scheme implemented between
the OS, video card, and display device. It applies only to vendors
colluding with content providers and is limited by the fact that the scheme
itself violates the laws of various jurisdictions around the world (so, it
will not be possible to enable everywhere). Microsoft promises that their
new Vista operating system, for example, will be user-hostile and introduce
anti-high-definition features to limit access to content. Regardless, it
does not apply in the context of Linux.

The thing is that I am going to be taking a computer course in a
college, and I will need to duel boot my computer with Windows Vista.
This is why I want to make sure If I buy something today it will work
with future operating system. I normally use Linux, but now as you can
see I will need a system that will work with more then one operating
system.

Your input is greatly appreciated.

Ps: Even though I use Linux, I have decided to wait until Windows Vista
is in the market.