Monitor-Guy:
"I service, calibrate and adjust all Sony GDM, CPD and SDM line of monitors, and I can tell you with certainty that the Sony CRT GDM line of monitors produced after 2000, such as the GDM-C520, GDM-F520 and GDM-FW900, and the Sony CPD-G520P are the very best monitors Sony ever made.

The CRT can last for a very long time if you do the following:

A) Power down the monitor when is not in use! That means turn the power botton OFF...
B) Do not abuse the degauss feature.
C) Do not place any magnetic devices or electromagnetic devices around the CRT tube.
D) Perform a hardware calibration on the monitor at least once a year. Hardware calibration is the Sony factorycalibration which involved factory adjustments such as white point balance, G2, convergence/geometry, brigness/contrast, and others.
E) Last but not least: use a high grade cleaning system to clean the screen, and avoid any abrasives or solvents, as they may damage the anti-glare film. Use a cleaning chamois-cloth instead of wipes.

Do this, and the monitor will last you for a very long time. I have some units that were manufactured in 2000, which still look as bright and clear as the day I purchase them."