The Field Emission Display (FED) is often portrayed as the emerging alternative to the Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Display (AMLCD). FED displays are based on cold cathodes that emit electrons which are accelerated across a potential in a vacuum to strike a phosphor and emit light. There are numerous material and technology choices at each point of the display system design. Each alternative is characterized by advantages and consequences that affect subsequent choices and system performance. This paper discusses the alternative approaches to cathode material and structure, electron beam focusing, support structure, phosphor and system integration. These choices are related to ultimate display performance and cost.