I remember the last time my husband and I bought a television set. About seven years ago we had some money left over from a tax refund, and we both agreed upgrading our television was one luxury we had denied ourselves for sometime. Now that we had satellite access, we wanted to be able to enjoy the options through a quality screen and sound system.

For weeks we bounced back and forth between electronics stores, and my husband would just stare at televisions. It got to the point where I had memorized every video loop playing in the stores, and it nearly drove me insane. Finally he chose a bulky console, which took three grown men to lift into our truck. We got it home, and my husband decided he absolutely hated it. We have lived with this albatross ever since.

Now that we are in the same situation, we have decided to make the leap to a flat screen, plasma television. The advantages, of course, are many for a young family prone to moving often as we are. Yet, is such a purchase right for everyone? There are factors to consider before putting down the money.

For the frequent viewer, a plasma screen offers quality reception. If you are the type of person who is almost always in front of a set, the flat screen plasma monitor may provide you with endless entertainment. For movie lovers who don't like to leave home, especially, you may enjoy wide screen format DVDs with near theater quality.

Portability and flexibility. Depending on the model you buy, you can hang a flatscreen plasma TV on your wall and broaden the viewing angles in a room, or set it on a pedestal in your entertainment center. Such models are also less bulkier than standard consoles and won't provide headaches when it's time to move.

Financing is available. Even if you can't afford the price at once, you may be able to easily finance a plasma TV if your credit is good. It is also recommend to shop seriously for models within your price and determine if payments are doable.

For our viewing pleasure, a flatscreen plasma set will be our next option. If you enjoy bold color and clarity as you watch your favorite shows and movies, it ought to be yours as well.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer who has contributed articles to The Computer Connection, offering affordable military loans for computers and electronics.