21-22" CRT for gaming

[IndyJaws]

Reading all the past threads on this topic, it seems like everyone is in love with NEC/Mits or Viewsonic. I'm probably going to pick up a refurb (had good experience in past w/ them) and am leaning toward a Mits 2060 (can't find a 2070) for $335 from Azatek. Another one I'm considering is a Sony GDM-5411 for $245 from MerkurTech. Finally, a Viewsonic G220f for $428 from Newegg, but that's pushing my budget. Does anyone have any other suggestions in the $250-400 price range, new or refurbed?

Indy

 

[GratefullySaved]

I've got the NEC FE2111 and it's truly great. The Viewsonic's I looked at all were not a truly flat screen, and I just won't buy a monitor that doesn't have a truly flat screen...it helps so much to make things look better, reduce glare and is easier to look at for a long time.

I'd go NEC in a heartbeat, although I also have a Sony 21 that is beautiful too. I don't know about the one you're mentioning though.

Avoid the Viewsonic, and with either of the other two you mentioned I'm sure you'll be thrilled. Just be sure to examine your refurb very closely for uniformity and sharpness from corner to corner. I once went through five NEC's before I got a good one. The Sony I bought was perfect out of the box, but that one was bought new at COMP USA (they had a sale) a year and a half ago.

GS

 

[BFG10K]

Whichever you buy make sure it is AG and is capable of running at 2048x1536 at a decent refresh rate.

 

[yhelothar]

I'd get the IBM P275
You still get manufacturer's warranty with it, so if the refurb they send you sucks, you don't have to pay for shipping to get it replaced. They will 2nd day air a replacement to you along with a billable stamp for you to send it back.

 

[IndyJaws]

Originally posted by: virtualgames0
I'd get the IBM P275

I see that it has a DVI port - haven't seen too many CRT's w/ them. How do you have yours hooked up?

 

[Chudilo]

Find a refurb Sony from another seller and get that. the one that you posted is used. Sonys provide the best picture quality by a wide margin. You can never go wrong with a Sony tube. They've always been the best.. I still can't believe they stopped making them.

 

[Rhin0]

I will put in a good word for the IBM monitors. I have had an IBM P72 17" since 1997. The first one I had did get replaced when something happened to the on screen display (got messed up somehow). IBM got me a new one shipped ASAP and I just swapped them straight up. Never paid a dime for shipping.

I am still using my P72 and the picture is still outstanding. I feel bad for my friends when they buy a 19" KDS and think it is the hot thing. My picture is so much better.

 

[yhelothar]

Originally posted by: IndyJaws

Originally posted by: virtualgames0
I'd get the IBM P275

I see that it has a DVI port - haven't seen too many CRT's w/ them. How do you have yours hooked up?

It's a DVI-A port, which means it's analog. The cable that comes with the retail version of the P275 is a DVI-A to VGA cable. I've tried hooking it up DVI-I to DVI-I, no quality difference.

 

[murban135]

I bought a Mitsubishi 2060u from Azatek about 6 months ago and am very pleased with it. If you have the desk space you won't be disappointed.

 

[Goi]

If I'm not wrong, Azatek doesn't cover return shipping back to them should you be displeased with the monitor. You should definitely buy from a retailer that has that if you're buying a refurbished monitor because they're refurbished, and they're heavy(expensive shipping). I bought mine from AccurateIT and I had to return it because the monitor had cracks on the chassis and the power button wouldn't not stay on. I had to jump through a few hoops to get them to issue a UPS return label to me, but in the end I didn't have to pay for return shipping and they sent me another monitor.

Also, keep in mind that with refurbished monitors, you will not get the same level of QC, so consistency will be lacking. The first monitor that I got, though blemished and faulty, was clearer than the replacement that came.

 

[yhelothar]

Originally posted by: Goi
If I'm not wrong, Azatek doesn't cover return shipping back to them should you be displeased with the monitor. You should definitely buy from a retailer that has that if you're buying a refurbished monitor because they're refurbished, and they're heavy(expensive shipping). I bought mine from AccurateIT and I had to return it because the monitor had cracks on the chassis and the power button wouldn't not stay on. I had to jump through a few hoops to get them to issue a UPS return label to me, but in the end I didn't have to pay for return shipping and they sent me another monitor.

Also, keep in mind that with refurbished monitors, you will not get the same level of QC, so consistency will be lacking. The first monitor that I got, though blemished and faulty, was clearer than the replacement that came.

Actually they do within a week if you buy the Grade-A.
But this is why I recommend buying the IBM monitors if you get refurb, because you don't need to pay for any shipping costs to get a replacement. And you don't need to "jump through a few hoops" to get a Fedex label, they get you one no questions asked.

 

[MrPabulum]

NEC FE2111 is arguably the best of the remaining AG CRTs. Unless you can find a Sony F520.

 

[yhelothar]

Originally posted by: MrPabulum
NEC FE2111 is arguably the best of the remaining AG CRTs. Unless you can find a Sony F520.

So is the IBM P275, which received perfect 5s across the chart, beating the Mitsubishi 2070

 

[BenSkywalker]

NEC FE2111 is arguably the best of the remaining AG CRTs.

No, the 2141/2070SB is easily its superior.

So is the IBM P275, which received perfect 5s across the chart, beating the Mitsubishi 2070

The P275 had the lowest overall score of every monitor in the review(4 stars). Look at which settings they use to compare IQ also- very low end settings for anything resembling a decent display.

 

[Zebo]

I take that back Compaq seems best deal.

 

[IndyJaws]

Originally posted by: BenSkywalker

NEC FE2111 is arguably the best of the remaining AG CRTs.

No, the 2141/2070SB is easily its superior.

So is the IBM P275, which received perfect 5s across the chart, beating the Mitsubishi 2070

The P275 had the lowest overall score of every monitor in the review(4 stars). Look at which settings they use to compare IQ also- very low end settings for anything resembling a decent display.

I'm somewhat confused...the IBM was the only monitor to get 5's across the board for picture quality, yet received the lowest rating. Why is this?

 

[JonnyBlaze]

Originally posted by: IndyJaws

I'm somewhat confused...the IBM was the only monitor to get 5's across the board for picture quality, yet received the lowest rating. Why is this?

could be the price and low refresh rates.

JB

 

[IndyJaws]

Originally posted by: JonnyBlaze

Originally posted by: IndyJaws

I'm somewhat confused...the IBM was the only monitor to get 5's across the board for picture quality, yet received the lowest rating. Why is this?

could be the price and low refresh rates.

JB

But from what I've read, using extra-high refresh rates (over 85) can result in text being blurry...is this a real advantage? I can understand the price issue, however.

 

[JonnyBlaze]

iv seen a situtation before where running over 85hz caused weird patterns on the screen, but i think it depends on whats around your monitor. i can run up to 160hz and dont get any problems.

JB

 

[Old School]

I've got a brand spankin' new FB2141SB sitting in the box at home that I just got from Dell. Going to light that puppy up this weekend along with a whole bunch of other goodies. Can't wait...

 

[QSnexus]

You mean FP2141SB right?

 

[djm68]

I have a 22" Mitsu Diamondtron Pro -- it is sold under the Compaq label, but it is simply a rebadged 2070. I was lucky as I found it on ebay for $150 (with shipping!) and it it still under warrany.

As to the quality -- it is phenomenal and I prefer this monitor to the nice LCDs I have at my office. Sony makes nice monitors as well -- I would stick to someting with a Diamondtron or Trinitron tube...

Good luck,
DJM

 

[MrPabulum]

Originally posted by: BenSkywalker

NEC FE2111 is arguably the best of the remaining AG CRTs.

No, the 2141/2070SB is easily its superior.

So is the IBM P275, which received perfect 5s across the chart, beating the Mitsubishi 2070

The P275 had the lowest overall score of every monitor in the review(4 stars). Look at which settings they use to compare IQ also- very low end settings for anything resembling a decent display.

Technically, BenSkywalker is right, the 2141B is the better monitor. The 2111B is practically the same, just not capable of higher resolutions (2048x1536) at 85hz. Good call Ben. :beer:

 

[Old School]

Originally posted by: QSnexus
You mean FP2141SB right?

That is correct. My mistake.

 

[deadseasquirrel]

Originally posted by: djm68
I have a 22" Mitsu Diamondtron Pro -- it is sold under the Compaq label, but it is simply a rebadged 2070. I was lucky as I found it on ebay for $150 (with shipping!) and it it still under warrany.

Do you mean this one? Is yours the same model?