LCD Computer Monitor Hunt

[Miggy]

I'm going to be getting a yearly bonus next month, and I'm going to use it to replace my 7-year old CRT with an LCD panel. I've been doing research trying to pick out a monitor, but it's been harder than I thought. Probably the most difficulty I've encountered picking out a piece of computer hardware.

I immeidately liked the Samsung 226BW, based on the specs and the way the monitor looked. But then I found out about the different panels and how it's near impossible to pre-determine if you'll get a genuine Samsung-produced panel, even at a B&M store. I went back and forth between caring or not caring about which panel I got. Then I found out my backup choice (Viewsonic VX2235WM) was no good because it's only 6-bit and they are all produced with the Chei-mi panels. So that really will be no better.

I started looking up 24" models yesterday and liked the Samsung 244t. I like the extra inputs I'll get over the 22" models, the more advanced panel type, and the extra resolution. But then I learn through the reviews about some weird mouse lag problem. This is getting ridiculous. How can what monitor you use cause your mouse repsonse to lag? Supposedly, it's so bad that it's unusable for FSP games, and people are returning them for other 24" models that exhibit no problems. Other people say it's "barely" noticeable.

It's getting to be much harder than I'd ever imagined trying to find a decent LCD monitor, and my head's ready to explode. Anyone here have any comments about any of these issues that I've mentioned?

At this point, I'm ready to say screw it, and get the 244t and hope that this mouse issue was caused by something else in their system and not the monitor.

Miggy, the Thief

[Taxi]

I got this 24" Dell widescreen a month or two ago, and I love it. It's great for gaming, if your video card can pump out the pixels. (1920x1200)

I'd keep an eye out at gotapex.com, because they often have deals on these Dell monitors.

[Miggy]

Hey, thanks for the recommendation. I don't know why, but I've always overlooked Dell stuff. But, this unit does look good. All the same inputs as the Samsung, plus USB that's on the bottom and not the side (what was Samsung thinking?).

I'm going to be getting an 8800 GTS 640 meg, so I'll assume it'll be okay for that resolution.

Did you buy yours through gotapex? If so, then they're reliable? It seems that newegg doesn't sell any of the Dell monitors.

Miggy, the Thief

[Taxi]

gotapex isn't a seller, they just have links to deals on Dell's site. You buy it from Dell.

[Wirehed]

All 22" panels are "funky." So generally it's best to stay away from them.


The Dell Taxi pointed to is a good all around monitor, especially for the price.


If color quality is a concern then you are stuck with either the Apple or the NEC 20WMGX2. These are actually the same panel, but the NEC is a better deal, has more features and great color, for the money you can't do better.

I bought the NEC about two months ago and also purchased a Greyteg Macbeth Eye-One Display 2 calibration package and am quite pleased with the results.


If I wasn't doing color critical work I would have bought the Dell. But my hobby is photography, so I need as much as I can get, without going to $3000+ solutions.

I'm also a gamer, so it's all important.


Samsung makes great monitors, but they tend to be a bit overly bright, which might effect your gaming, if that's important to you.

[Miggy]

Taxi,

I was about to say that I couldn't figure out how to "buy" anything off that site. I'll probably just buy it directly from Dell. It seems simpler.

Seamonkey,

I'd come to that conclusion myself. The 20" monitors I looked at seemed fine, but I wanted something bigger. I hadn't considered anything bigger than 22" because I assumed it would be way out of my budget. But that Dell seems like a good deal.

I'm not overly picky about the color being exactly correct as I'm not into photo editing. I just want a good all-around monitor that has the features and will work well for normal computer use and gaming.

Miggy, the Thief

[Wirehed]

Originally Posted by Miggy

I'm not overly picky about the color being exactly correct as I'm not into photo editing. I just want a good all-around monitor that has the features and will work well for normal computer use and gaming.

Miggy, the Thief

The previously mentioned Dell is probably your best bet then.


You might want to check out the NEC 2490WUXI, it's a great gaming monitor, but more expensive than the Dell.

[Ruined]

I would get one of the Dell Widescreens that features DVI-HDCP.

[Miggy]

Would I need to worry about HDCP if I"m not going to be using Blu-Ray or HD-DVD?

Miggy, the Thief

[Wirehed]

Actually I think right now I would buy the Dell 2407WFP-HC. In fact I'm seriously considering it myself.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by Miggy

Would I need to worry about HDCP if I"m not going to be using Blu-Ray or HD-DVD?

Blu-Ray and HD DVD are not the only formats that can use it. Now even WMVs can use it, any sort of downloaded video or PPV can use it.

Why not go for it when Dell has several top end monitors that support it?

[Miggy]

Oh and Taxi, I just thought of something.

Does this monitor come with a DVI cable? I can't find where it says one way or another.

Miggy, the Thief

[Miggy]

Wow, we're just posting over each other

Okay, I'll look at it. I assume it's the model that Seamonkey mentioned?

It all depends on how much more it is and if I have to lose any other features to get it.

Miggy, the Thief

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by Miggy

Wow, we're just posting over each other

Okay, I'll look at it. I assume it's the model that Seamonkey mentioned?

It all depends on how much more it is and if I have to lose any other features to get it.

Miggy, the Thief

I was thinking of the Dell 22" E228WFP - the one Taxi/Seamonkey mentioned does not have it.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...9&sku=320-5205

[sub780lime]

I have that 24" Dell and I love mine. Its a great all around monitor for the money.

[Taxi]

Originally Posted by Miggy

Oh and Taxi, I just thought of something.

Does this monitor come with a DVI cable?

Yep.

DVI, VGA, USB and Power cables are all included.

HDCP wasn't a concern for me, so I didn't even bother looking for that. (Personally I'd rather have a 24" monitor and no HDCP, than a 22" one with.)

[Wirehed]

Originally Posted by Ruined

I was thinking of the Dell 22" E228WFP - the one Taxi/Seamonkey mentioned does not have it.

Incorrect. The Dell 2407WFP-HC I listed DOES have HDCP.
The "HC" model is new

[Miggy]

Taxi,

That's great to hear that it would have everything I needed. And, coincidentally, the price just lowered to $600. Hopefully, I'll still be that this time next month.

Ruined,

I appreciate the suggestion, but I just don't think it would be enough of an issue to give up the extra resolution and lack of all the extra inputs. I have several projects that will be able to use the component input on the monitor.

I'll give an update if anything changes, but for now I'm planning on the 2407.

Miggy, the Thief

[Taxi]

I paid $609 (via a gotapex deal) for mine and I feel it's worth every penny, so far.

Seriously, keep an eye on gotapex, check it every day. They have deals on these monitors all the time, sometimes for days in a row.

[Miggy]

I was in Best Buy today to see if they had any 24" monitors that I could see in person and I found this:

Gateway FPD2485W

I haven't had a chance to do any research yet, but from the specs it appeares to be the same, plus HDCP capable. And it's a little lower on the price.

Maybe a new contender has entered the ring?

UPDATE: I just looked at the Gateway site a little more and that price doesn't stay lower after taxes and shipping. They kill you on shipping. It would cheaper (if I did go with this monitor instead) to get it at Best Buy.

Did I understand correct that Dell has free shipping, or did I imagine that?

Miggy, the Thief

[Damian]

I'm not normally a fan of ACER products, but I came across this
monitor on Friday. It's got decent reviews and an incredible price for a 22" monitor with its specs.

[Miggy]

I surprisingly noticed that Acer seemed to have great reviews and was always at the near or at the top of the Editor's Picks in monitor reviews. But when I think of getting an Acer, I just get... well, this queazie feeling. I just can't bring myself to do it.

So no one has any thoughts on the Gateway? I got to see one in action at CompUSA yesterday, and it sure looked good. And the reviews I've found have mostly been good. CompUSA has it listed at $630. For some reason, Best Buy is selling it for $680 now (it was $630 last week).

Miggy, the Thief

[sub780lime]

Theres coupons out there for this http://www.buy.com/retail/product.as...945&adid=17662 that will make it $400.