17" or 19" LCD

[tungtung]

I'm currently thinking of getting an LCD, however I'm still unsure which screen size to get.
I've been looking at several models, and most of them has native resolution of 1280x1024, though the 17" seems to have better response time in many cases.

So does the difference of that 2" between the 19" and 17" really make a lot of difference?
I'm mainly doing web design, watching DVDs and occassionally playing strategy games.

I'm currently using a Viewsonic 19" (PF 790) monitor, which has been acting strangely since yesterday (I have posted a thread at the technical support forum). So this monitor would most likely be a replacement for that Viewsonic, unless I can somehow resolve the problem with this Viewsonic unit (then it'll most likely be a dual monitor setup).

 

[ponyo]

No, IMO. I rather take the 17" since both are 1280x1024. Still the same amount of virtual desktop space. I would try to get 17" with 16.7 mil colors, DVI, and at least 25ms response time. I would probably take 16.7 mil colors with 25ms response time over 16.2 mil colors and 16ms response time.

 

[Alptraum]

For me it would make a pretty big difference. I have been using 21" CRTs for years and got spoiled by the large display. My first LCD is a 19" and since I like it so much I am now thinking about 21.3" LCD. The 19" isn't too much smaller then my 21" CRTs.

Personally I wouldn't even consider a 17" LCD. Just to small for me. Though depending on budget, personal tastes and the space you have they can be good for many people.

 

[agent2099]

If you didn't mention DVDs then I'd say no it doesn't make a difference. But with viewing video on your screen a bigger screen always helps, because then your LCD becomes a television. For the same reason you'd want a bigger TV for watching movies you'd also want a bigger LCD monitor for watching them.

 

[tungtung]

One quick question. How much different do fonts appear in 17" LCD compared to the 19" models?
I mean since the resolution I'm most probably be looking at is 1280x1024 on both models.

 

[big4x4]

I know on my nec 17" lcd 1280 x 1024 is too small for me (hard to read text!). I am forced to run at 1024 x 768 but it still looks great! Seing a 15" - 17" - 19" all side by side, the 19" seems a LOT bigger!

 

[Deskstar]

I run a pair of Dell 18" LCDs at 1280x1024, 32 bit color, DVI input and can easily read the font and the screen size is perfect for my work. A single 21" would not have the same ability to spread windows over a nice large desktop.

 

[zebra14]

I recently bought and tried a 17" & 19" LCD., both have native resolutions of 1280x1024. The fonts and icons were tiny on both at 1280x1024. I had to use large icons and increase the font size in all applications I could. Not all apps allow this. I had to use my strongest glasses to comfortably read the text - on the 19" LCD, as a test I ran it at 800x600 which was OK but not great. The 19" LCD was too slow with FPS games (First person Shooter) and ghosting was a real problem. In the end, I went back to CRT and returned both LCDs. (sigh) LCDs are not for everyone. Too bad, because they sure looked pretty!