21" refurb vs 19" new

[DJFuji]

Ok i'm looking to upgrade the old 17" i've had for god knows how long. Question: Do i get a good quality refurbed 21" or a brand new 19"? The extra screen real estate of the 21" is VERY VERY tempting, but i'm a bit worried about the refurbished part. I've never bought anything refurbished because it just seemed like i was getting second hand, already-broken-once, JUNK. Anyone have any experience with this? Are monitors good or bad to buy refurbed? I can score a 21" CRT with trinitron/flat tube for $350 and under. Worth it?

 

[Anubis]

The 8-Ball says YES

 

[alkemyst]

www.merkortech.com has some good deals.

 

[sechs]

I've never bought a new monitor and never had a problem with a refurbished one. Just make sure to read through the site carefully, noting what imperfections a particular company may allow through, and use a credit card.

Generally speaking, you may get some blemishes and scratches on the bezel and elsewhere, but the screen should be in a factory-shipable condition.

 

[ZakPC]

I agree.
Go refurb, but I haven't bought a used monitor from anywhere but the Hitachi store and they semm to be disco'ing the non LCD displays
I've been quite happy w/ the refurbed 19" and 21" monitors I got from them and literally saved myself $100's

https://www.histore.com/

 

[Mockmaw]

If you're at Camp Pendleton, like San Diego County Camp Pendleton, I recommend finding a local refurbished dealer. I know there are several in the Kearny Mesa area. That way you can actually see the monitor you're about to buy.

I've purchased more than half a dozen refurbished monitors in the last couple years and I've been happy with all of them.

 

[DJFuji]

yeah i'm at Camp Pendleton in san diego. I've seen various refurbs in this area as well as my hometown in the orange county area. Just not sure if they were going to go bad on me later. I'm looking at trinitrons or maybe the mitsu diamondtron. Anyone know if there's a difference between refurbed AG screens or invar shadow masks? I mean, of COURSE there's a difference, but is one type of refurb more likely to go bad because of the technology? Also-- anyone have any premature pixel deterioration from a refurbed? Most of the ones i've looked at just had minor defects to the casing and such.

 

[ScrewFace]

Yeah, definately get a refurbished 21" especially if you're a gamer. Those 2"'s make a difference. Trust me. I bought a 21" ViewSonic P810 (.25mm) and my gaming experience is so much more fun than on my old 19" monitor. I paid $400 Canadian ($256 U.S.) and have had it for 18 months and the monitor is absolutely stunning!