Assistance with a 19"?

[Smaulz]

I'm going to be purchasing a new 19" monitor within the next week or so, but I've been out of the loop for awhile, so I don't really know alot about all the new stuff out. I've got it narrowed down to a few choices, all of them KDS, all of them around the same price point. (<$300)

I run my own graphic design business, so I need a large monitor with great color control, sharpness, and contrast. It also needs to be as close to crystal clear (sharp) as possible. I'd definitely prefer a flat screen CRT if I can find one inexpensive enough that's still high quality.

The three I've narrowed it down to are:
(And please, don't let these choices limit your advice. If you have
a favorite brand or anything, feel free to let me know as long as they meet the above criteria.)

KDS VS-19sn
19" (18.0" vis) Short-Neck Color Monitor

The VS-19sn represents a revolutionary breakthrough in balancing the need for larger display size with decreasing desk space. Incorporating a new 19-inch short-neck CRT, it occupies roughly the same footprint as a conventional 17-inch monitor. Its super-fine 0.25 mm dot pitch and advanced on-screen controls make the VS-19sn a good match for todays graphics professional. The VS-19sn is fully protected under KDS' exclusive KARES program, insuring peace of mind in addition to excellent performance.

Link

KDS XF-9P
19.0" Xtreme Flat Display

The 19" XF-9p with Trio Dot Pitch Technology allows the screen to be extremely flat when compared to other standard CRT monitors. The extreme flat screen virtually eliminates all glares making it easier on the eyes. The XF-9p features a maximum resolution of 1600 x 1200 @ 75Hz and a .25 Trio Dot Pitch perfect for high graphic files or advanced excel sheets.

Link

KDS AV-195TF
19" (18.0" vis) Color Monitor

The AV-195TF employs FD Trinitron® technology for high- end graphics use. Representing the latest in monitor technology, the new AV-195TF offers 18.0 viewable inches of flat screen viewing space. A .24 mm aperture grille pitch along with a maximum resolution of 1600x1200 compliments the display. The flat screen coupled with the use of FD Trinitron® tube technology means the user gets a crisp picture without the curvature of a standard CRT monitor. The AV-195TF is fully protected under KDS' exclusive KARES program, insuring peace of mind in addition to excellent performance.

Link

This model has been discontinued but is still available at a great price - $199. Plus, I'm quite fond of Trinitrons

Any assistance anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated, seeing as how I've been staring at the specs for so long, i'm starting to go crosseyed.


Thanks in advance.

 

[Bovinicus]

I have a VS-195SE. I have been extremely pleased with it. There are a pretty good number of options that you can fiddle with to get the display to your liking. The quality is pretty darned good. KDS also comes with an excellent warranty program. I highly recommend this monitor. I have not had any problems with it in the past year or so (Since I bought it).

 

[Smaulz]

Thanks for the quick response... (hadn't even finished editing it yet... now THAT'S service... lol)
ANyways...

VS-195SE?
Can't find that model on the webpage... are you sure that's the right number? There's a VS-195XP, is that it? (Oh, and a VS-195E)

 

[Bovinicus]

Oops, my mistake. I meant the VS-195E. By the way, a friend of mine has the exact same monitor. He is also very happy with it. He even had a problem with it. He put their warranty program to use. He had a new monitor in less than a week. I was amazed.

 

[Smaulz]

Sweet.
Do either of you use it for graphics work? The reason I ask is I was just wondering how it handled color management profiles (screen to print matching) since that's kind of a major issue for me. (My current monitor is pretty much hopeless. It can't hold color levels for longer than a minute or so... POS) How was the clarity and sharpness? Contrast?

 

[Smaulz]

*bump*

 

[nicowju]

KDS is in Chapter 11 or bankrupt or something... but before then their service was pretty good ( or so I heard from a friend). The KDS AV7TF I have at home has been reliable for over 1.5 years, so I'm pretty happy with it (well, my mom is )

 

[Beau]

Never been a fan of KDS. When I was an OEM, they kinda were marketed as the cheap-o garbage brand. I've always had lots'o'luck with Viewsonic's though. Personally, I use a Viewsonic PS790 19" monitor (.22mm short-depth with a max res/ref of 1600x1200@77hz) and love it. Too bad they don't make 'em anymore. The do make the PF790 which now features a flat screen. Too bad it isn't a short depth, or I'd buy it.

 

[hagbard]

I hear a lot of good things about the Samsung 950P, though there getting hard to find (stopped making them). And they're very cheap. I'll likely be picking one up tomorrow ;-)

 

[LiekOMG]

I had a Samsung 900p for about 2 years before it started to act strange. A quick call to samsung and i had a 950p (newer model!) in 3 days!
Unfortunatly, after 2 weeks of using this one i'm having strange blurring problems with it. So i called them up and are sending me another.
I guess i'm not too thrilled to lug a 19" monitor around, but hey, its awesome service!

 

[Paladin]

I would highly recommend a Viewsonic. The G90f (Graphics series, 19", flat screen) would be a great choice.
look here

Do a search on Pricewatch for it, many vendors carry it.

 

[Compuguru]

Unless you want to pay the big bucks for a Sony, the Samsung 900NF wins hands down.

Edit: Oh, and it does 1600x1200@85hz.

 

[Thor86]

For graphics the KDS Avitron with trinitron tubes are great for doing screen to print colours. Our graphic designers do all web/screen, and print/materials using KDS flatscreen, trinitron-tubed monitors. Can't beat their prices. I hope they are not going out of business as I would buy another monitor from them if I had to. Use a 19" myself at home, and it's been nothing but great, easy on the eyes goodness.

 

[DcHoliday9]

Dell P991

Best bang for your buck. Just wait untill Dell gives you 20% off Dell branded upgrades. Also you can find a $50 off coupon on the web sometimes. I got mine for $333 shipped with tax.

Here it is cheaper.