CRT Snobs: What LCD did you finally buy??

[Snooper]

Ok, I admit it. I AM a CRT snob. My A7217A 24" wide screen CRT has served me VERY well over the last several years. And I have never been all that happy with the LCD screens I have seen.

The problem is the focus on my CRT is starting to drift. I have to adjust it about every two months or so. It is just a matter of time before the part(s) that are dying finish the job and this huge hunk of monitor stops working.

So, for you other CRT snobs, what LCD monitors did you finally go with and why? Where you happy with your purchase? Any regrets? I am looking for something in the 24" to 26" range (based on cost and size constraints, but I could go larger if the price was right). I would prefer something in the 1920x1200 aspect ratio (aka: 1.6Hx1.0V ratio) as this is my computer monitor and NOT my movie watching rig (that's what the 61" 1080p DLP TV down stairs is for) and I like having more vertical room than the 1920x1080 aspect ratio (1.78Hx1.0V ratio). The resolution can be higher (not lower though), but I want to keep the 1.6:1 ratio.

The uses vary. Gaming (of course), programming (hobby), internet usage (of course), 3D cad (Pro Engineer), photo viewing and editing (so yes, I do want good color rendition, at least as good as my current monitor), office apps, etc. I would be willing to spend in the $600 range IF that made that much of a difference over the $300 monitors.

Currently, I am "looking" (no places local carry these monitors) at the NEC MultiSync EA261WM and the Dell U2410. The Dell U2711 has me lusting, but not at $1100! Are there any monitors of this size that has as good or better performance for the same or less money? Any suggestions and feedback on your experiences would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Phil1977]

You just need to make the switch and not have the CRT around for a few days. Then you won't ever look back.

ow heavy is your monitor? 40 Kg? That's just nuts

 

[MarcVenice]

For $600, the Dell U2410 comes to mind. 1920x1200, IPS-panel, heard nothing but good things about it. Had it at work for a couple of weeks and I liked it. I must say though, I don't like it that much, that I will pay $600 for it, compared to $280 for a decent TN-panel with the same specs.

But you're a CRT-snob, so go for it

 

[ViRGE]

I'd second Marc's advice. It was a good NEC IPS monitor that finally got me to give up a CRT. It's a panel type capable of great color accuracy (you'll want to calibrate it, obviously) and is still fast for gaming. You pay for it, but you get true 8bit color and a display that doesn't shift colors at the slightest angle.

 

[severus]

I had a 20" NEC Syncmaster, flatscreen and really high refresh rate. Dropped the ball on a 19" LG Flattron with 2ms. Even with 2ms I still notice trails behind characters in games, specifically CS 1.6. There is no replacement for a really good CRT with a high res and high refresh rate.

 

[Viper GTS]

I was a holdout for a long time, the first LCD I got was the (in)famous Soyo 24". Great display for $200. That lasted about a year before I got the upgrade itch & went to a 3007WFP-HC refurb ($640 shipped, full 3 year warranty, and same return policy as a new one). Then I added two 2007FP's on each side & a parabolic stand.

If I were still on a CRT today I'd be looking at either the U2410 or the 3007WFP-HC. The new 27" 2560x1440 might tempt me but in the end the stupid resolution would turn me off & I'd end up in a 3007.

If you watch for refurbs & stackable coupons you can get a great deal.

Viper GTS

 

[Avalon]

Had an IBM C220P 22" CRT for the longest time. That thing had a great picture. Finally went LCD about 6-9 months ago (I think?) and picked up a Dell 2209WA 22" E-IPS monitor. I've been happy enough that I haven't wanted to switch back that often

 

[sandorski]

Over the XMas holiday, I got a chance to use an LG 24" LCD. I don't recall the Model#, just a few numbers(2ms and 50000:1, kinda useless I know ). After the Setup I was very impressed. Though I didn't get to use it side-by-side with my Mitsubishi Diamond PLus 91, the colours and Blacks looked very comparable.

Only played a few games on it(FO3, Civ 4, GTA:SA), but it was enough for me to now feel comfortable with making the transition sometime soon.

 

[citan x]

I don't get the balking at the price. Those 24" CRTs used to cost $1000 as well. The only reason one could find them cheap was because nobody besides a few snobs wanted them.

I would get the new 27" Dell. The resolution is not stupid. It has the second largest resolution. The reason I prefer it is because the pitch size is smaller than the 30" monitors and would look sharper.

 

[cbn]

Currently, I am "looking" (no places local carry these monitors) at the NEC MultiSync EA261WM and the Dell U2410. The Dell U2711 has me lusting, but not at $1100! Are there any monitors of this size that has as good or better performance for the same or less money? Any suggestions and feedback on your experiences would be greatly appreciated.

What is your opinion of the 120 Hz LCD monitors? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...=AFC-C8Junction&AID=10446076&PID=3332167&SID=

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001311&Tpk=samsung%20120 hz

These use a TN panel to the best of my knowledge.

 

[Snooper]

What is your opinion of the 120 Hz LCD monitors? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...D=3332167&SID=

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ung%20120%20hz

These use a TN panel to the best of my knowledge.

I have never seen one in person. It seems a bit expensive for a TN panel, but if it looks good enough, it might be worth it.

 

[Maleficus]

I was a die hard CRT snob, when it finally broke and I couldn't find another at a decent price i 'settled' for the BenQ G2400WD and I love it

 

[Snooper]

I don't get the balking at the price. Those 24" CRTs used to cost $1000 as well. The only reason one could find them cheap was because nobody besides a few snobs wanted them.

The problem is not so much "balking" at the price as it is "affording" the price. Generally, I spend a lot more on monitors than I am willing to spend on other components as they just last a WHOLE lot longer than other components.

For example, I bought my first PC in 1996. At the time, I bought a very expensive Sony 17" monitor for it. That monitor stayed with me for about 4 years before I bought a Sony 19" monitor. That monitor stayed with more for almost 6 years before I picked up the 24" CRT I am using now.

Three monitors over 14 years. Not bad. I can't even GUESS how many video cards I have went through in that time period. I don't want to either... Same for mother boards, cases, memory, hard drives, etc.

So yes, if my pocket book could afford $1100 for a monitor, I wouldn't have any issues buying it. That assumes it is actually WORTH $1100 of course.

 

[bigboxes]

I loved my 20" aperature grill Mitsubishi until it started fading after a long eight years. I replaced it two years ago with a 20" widescreen NEC IPS recommended by xtknight in his stickied LCD Thread over in the video fourm. I put off moving to an LCD for years due to the motion ghosting and the horrible color accuracy. I know that cheap & crappy TN panels are all the rage these days, but I love my IPS panel. The only thing I'd upgrade to would be to a bigger IPS panel. One day the wife will get a nice hand-me-down upgrade!

 

[WhoBeDaPlaya]

I dumped my very nice dual 19" Sony Trinitrons for dual 19" BenQ FP91G+s and just recent switched to dual ASUS VH242Hs.

 

[RockinZ28]

Went from my 22" Mitsubishi diamondtron to a cheap 28" I-Inc tn. It's decent for the price, of course it has the fundamental flaws of lcds, asstastic blacks, backlight bleeding and a stuck pixel. I'm not quite ready to gamble $600-$1200 on such an imperfect technology. You'd think they'd be almost flawless these days, but reading forums about having to swap the 30" screens multiple times to get one perfect is bs on such an expensive panel.
Need a freakin 24-30" plasma. That would rock, even my plasma tv blows my LCD tv out of the water for movie viewing and cost a few hundred less. Lcd's are just not anything special, be glad when the market finally moves on.

 

[COPOHawk]

I have a questions. I have had a Hannspree 28" LCD HG281D ($300 model) now for about 6 months. I love it as an upgrade over the 22" Viewsonic VG2230wm that I still have and use for a 2nd monitor. I use it primarily for gaming, internet and remote access (work). I wouldn't go back to anything smaller...plus it seems like a great buy for the money.

My question is: Why is this monitor not a good option?

Thanks.

 

[nenforcer]

I didn't. Still running my first Trinitron! We'll see how long it lasts before I switch.

 

[konakona]

You just need to make the switch and not have the CRT around for a few days. Then you won't ever look back.

ow heavy is your monitor? 40 Kg? That's just nuts

dunno, maybe you just had a crappy CRT that was on its way out?

I have a Panasonic TC-L32S1 (IPS-Alpha, 1080p) TV as the monitor on my primary rig, Mitsu FP2141SB. The thing is colors are still nicer on the diamondtron even with a good amount of tweaking on the Panasonic; the only thing I am missing on it is the size and aspect ratio.

I knew exactly what to expect to from this monitor, and that's precisely what I received - a nearly input-lag free screen with reasonably good colors and excellent viewing angles. Size does matter for videos, and sitting upclose on top of a computer desk 32'' seems plenty. Not sure how this would fare in 3d modeling, but for video/games this is just superb. While text is a tad worse than on comparable monitors, I am typing this on the said TV with no problems whatsoever. Looks good enough (very decent) to me. The best part was the price - paid about $365 shipped after CB.

 

[Phil1977]

I had a compaq 21" which was a flat CRT. Was 35 Kg or something crazy. The screen was so deep there was hardly any space to put the keyboard...

CRTs where analogue, so you had to wait 30m before the settings where right. The screens warm up a little bit.

My first LCD was a 19" 5:4 proview with 8ms. Cost me 400 bucks over here in australia. I never looked back.

 

[konakona]

First off, my diamondtron is 38kg, so I win

Yeah, but do you actually turn anything off these days?
I don't understand how weight matters unless you constantly have to move it between places. It's not like you are holding it with your arms while using either

As for size, I just don't see the point; what do you need to put on a computer desk other than computer IO stuff anyway? I would rather not clutter up my desktop with bunch of useless stuff...

You weren't very clear with your "won't look back" remark. I am fully aware that CRT does have issues with geometry, which some people find more annoying than input lag / worse black on LCDs. For entertainment use though, CRTs are superior IMO barring the size and the aspect ratio (that is, if you don't have a FW900 or equivalent).

 

[Phil1977]

Well it mattered to me...

Not everyone is the same you know.

As I said the screen was so big, I could barely fit the keyboard and so I was sitting really up close.

With not looking back I meant I never missed my CRT...

 

[exdeath]

Still have my Sony F500R 21" CRT, moved to a Westinghouse 37" for a few years. 37" recently died and I don't game as much as I used to so getting a 3008WFP now that it has a scaler and aux inputs.

The F500R does not have the typical geometry or distortion problems associated with CRTs. I was enjoying a flat sharp square pixel perfect crisp and stable LCD-like image long before LCDs ever came out for desktops.

 

[CP5670]

I'm still on my Mitsubishi 2070SB CRT. It works very well and has no focus or geometry problems, but the screen size is only 20" (marketed as 22"). I would like to get something larger and am ready to shell out some money for it, but I have not seen any LCD I would be satisfied with. If there is any 120hz glossy IPS at a 26" or higher size out there, that would be worth a look, but otherwise I might consider one of the 120hz DLP projection TVs at some point. A few of them seem to be genuine 120hz.

 

[SonicIce]

my awesome Mitsubishi 2070SB went black one day maybe a psu issue imma get it fixed hopefully tho soon