Differences between monitors

I just recently upgraded to a MacBook Pro from a desktop and CRT monitor. So I was comparing how my photos look on each and they seem much darker on the CRT. I have them both calibrated using Monaco Optix 2.0. In addition to being darker in appearance the color seems more saturated on the CRT and they look a little washed out on the LCD. Because I've never had an LCD before, I'm not sure if that's normal or not. I'm wondering if I should be editing my photos through the CRT or just move all my work to the Mac. Any advice?

Sounds like relatively normal differences. The only thing I can think of that may be causing a problem is with the colorimeter itself. I use the Spyder2 colorimater, which has baffles that should be used when calibrating an LCD monitor, and removed for CRT screens. Still, I'm not familiar with the Monaco Optix software or hardware, and couldn't say for sure if this is true for you. You may want to read your manual though.

I also have the Mac Powerbook, and use it for all my photography. Having been a devoted Mac fan for several years, the dual core capabilities of the Powerbook allow me to use Windows-specific software as well as all my OSX software. Having the best of both worlds has allowed to broaden my horizons a bit, which is really my only reason for choosing the Powerbook as my platform.

If you have calibrated monitors, I assume that you know a bit about color management and embedding icc printer profiles in images. My best advice is to process a half dozen or so images on both monitors, print them, and compare them to what you see on the screen(s). Then you'll know which monitor you personally prefer.

- Joe U.