Good deal on KDS RAD-5 15" LCD again at OD $257.99 UPDATE: Now even sweeter, get it for $237.99 w/New $50 Rebate

[Slugbait]

OK, I found an OD that had the RAD-5, a couple of Microteks, the Viewsonic VG150, and a Viewsonic 17"...and did a few minor comparison tests.

The black on the RAD-5 was superior to both of the Microteks and the VG150, even with brightness turned all the way up on the RAD-5 and turned way down on the other three 15-inchers. For example, load WMP7 and bring up a list of media files: the background of the filenames are black for the RAD-5 (almost as black as the rest of the screen at 100% brightness), but are a very-light black or almost-gray on the other monitors regardless of brightness setting. Adjusting contrast didn't make much of a difference. Blackness capability has always been a bell-weather indicator for TV tube quality (I know I'm using the wrong terminology...someone please correct me, thx)

The RAD-5 at it's lowest brightness setting was almost as bright as the other three at their highest brightness settings. This could be good or bad depending on what you want to do. Colors on the RAD-5 seemed a bit more brilliant, regardless of brightness setting.

The VG150 seemed to be the least crisp/brilliant as far as displays go. It's showing its age, I suppose.

The RAD-5 had the smallest frame size / form factor, which helps in tight areas over the other 15-inchers. However, as a result it sits a bit lower, too...I'll need to set the base on top of something to bring it up to "eye level".

I dunno what reviewers are complaining about when it comes to the controls on the RAD-5...for me, they were easily accessible and easy to use. Plus, the button location reduces the size of the frame, and gives it a cleaner look as well.

The Viewsonic 17" LCD was considerably better overall than its smaller VG150 cousin. However, it's brightness was just slightly less than the RAD-5, and it's blackness capability (tho' better) couldn't quite match the RAD-5 imho. Otherwise, it was quite stunning.

I was thinking about waiting for Sony prices to come down, but the KDS might just be a perfect solution until that time. I came away quite impressed.

 

[Wurlybird9]

I liked the Rad-5 so much, i've decided to get a second and run dual monitors.
However--the Office Depot I went to was very hostile when I came with an online printout for the first. (this was before rebate)
I came in again to have them reroll the first, and asked for the second.
This time I had actually placed the order online and selected "cash,"
to make sure the merchandise was held.

However, I go into the store, and they don't seem to understand this. They said they didn't receive any order request. They did have the monitor but said they couldn't do the 20% again, that it has to be done online, so it doesnt directly affect their store budget. after arguing a while i said ok, fine, i'll just go home and order it again, for in-store pickup. apparently using "cash" won't work? because i tried it and it didnt. so maybe i'll try credit.

I'm not sure if ordering online qualifies for the rebate though. the form says at participating "locations." does that mean you need a B&M receipt?

unless im certain that's going to work, i may just bring the 20% printout to another OD B&M location.

 

[Siamskunk]

<< I'm not sure if ordering online qualifies for the rebate though. the form says at participating "locations." does that mean you need a B&M receipt? >>



I believe the rebate should work with online order. Otherwise, they wouldn't have listed the rebate on their site.

 

[vinnyracer]

So, do you think the $50 rebate will go through?

 

[Wurlybird9]

Office Depot rebate center

.kds rad-5 rebate form

My main concern is the wording on the rebate center and the rebate itself. and it's direct from office depot, not thru KDS. i just wanna make sure its kosher. most people seem to be going directly thru the b&m.

 

[TBC]

Wurlybird9, did you wait at least 4 hours before going in? You need to do that otherwise it most likely won't show up in the store when you get there(they won't know about it). I went in a little early the first time I placed at order at OD and they had no record of it, then while I was standing there they said it just came in (the order, which probably prints out or something). I didn't use cash, I just used my American Express Blue card.

The rebate is listed on their own web page for you to print out, so there should be no problems with that part (buying it online vs buying it instore). Although from reading it sounds as if the KDS rebate takes forever to get.

As for the reviews here posted between the Microtek and the KDS Rad-5, I have tried both also, and they each are very similar in quality. The Microtek has contrast listed at 400, where the KDS is 300, but the Microtek has a lower brightness rating of 230 compared to the KDS at 250. Maybe all the ratings are highly flexible, I don't know. The Microtek to me seems a little brighter than the KDS, as I can washout the colors if I turn the brightness all the way up on the Microtek (the Microtek monitor stats are actually better than what their own web page lists).

The Microtek also has its power built into the monitor, and the KDS has its block outside and seperate. The monitor cable on the KDS is permanently fixed inside, and the monitor cable on the Microtek is plugged in and removable. The warranty on the KDS is well explained on their website, however the warranty for the Microtek can't even be found on the Microtek website.

Both are very nice monitors in my opinion. But I am no LCD expert.

 

[Wurlybird9]

I waited an entire day for processing, actually. Maybe it doesnt work on Sunday. But it was placed before 5pm on sat. so i dunno. Maybe they aren't too bright. They certainly can't do math. When I returned the Microtek I got a lil' bonus. If you see what I'm saying. <grin> and when they rerolled the kds they were also very nice to me. hehe. this was the manager. she even had a calculator in hand.

She was kinda cute, though. but i prefer women with some shred of intelligence.

btw if you were to use amex blue, would you save even more? the lowest price out there right now is like 300 i think, but after 20% OD is lower....i know amex doesnt consider rebates, but what about the discount? do they look at the price before or after?

 

[TBC]

I just used the American Express Blue for the added warranty it supposedly gives and price protection.

 

[braves716]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could send me the screen capture of your shopping cart for the $287 KDS-5 monitor. I seemed to have missed out on the 20% off deal so I need a pritout to pricematch it. Thanks alot. Please send to gm63@cornell.edu.

 

[xcheckers]

<< Hi, I was wondering if anyone could send me the screen capture of your shopping cart for the $287 KDS-5 monitor. I seemed to have missed out on the 20% off deal so I need a pritout to pricematch it. Thanks alot. Please send to gm63@cornell.edu. >>



search around, there are still valid 20% off coups out there...

 

[Slugbait]

Braves, it may not work for you due to little things like software firewalls or broken links at deal sites. I just tried the OD link at valueconsumer.com and it seems to be working fine. The 20% off deal should continue until Dec 31st.

 

[glee]

Regarding rebates and Bankruptcy-- the only obligations affected by a bankruptcy filing are the ones entered into BEFORE the filing of the bankruptcy. If the company has already filed for bankruptcy, it is required to live up to the rebates for purchases after the filing.

 

[Mysterie]

I have a question (kinda silly but can't find any resources for this). How do you get rid of the sticky residue left when you remove the film? Also how do you best clean the LCD and safely?

 

[Wurlybird9]

umm...hehe....
your best resource is the kds rad-5 manual itself. it tells all about what to do and what not to do.

btw there was a guy who had mentioned using googone....that is a no-no! falls into all the scary chemical names they say not to use...

water and rubbing alcohol will work just fine. and scrape a lil with your fingernail. a pain, but worked for me.

Jon

 

[Mysterie]

Tried my nail (scared me silly) and tried water and it didn't go away, I'll try the alcohol. Looked in all the wrong places in the manual for cleaning info. Yep hope this helps, I have been using my PDA screen wipes to clean things to no avail (thought it would work fine as some of the PDAs look like they have a similar screen) Thanks!

update, d***** the rubbing alcohol doesn't work, any other suggestions?

 

[iwearnosox]

Windex, patience and a good cotton towel just worked for me moments ago. The windex did no damage and it's now sticker free. =)

 

[Monochrome]

This deal worked great. I used the pick up in store option. Placed the order at 6am this morn, and picked it up at 3pm. Not much problem. The manager had never done a web order picked up in the store, so it took a few moments to find my order and get the monitor. They didn't even ask for my id or credit card.

There are no dead pixels that I can see, and the viewable area is the same as my old 17'.

I am happy, but now my cat has nowhere to sleep.

monochrome

 

[noxxic]

Try WD40... Worked for me.

 

[TurboQ]

I just tried it... but it didn't work. I dug up my 20% off from the deleted folder. ... activated it, added the (back order) monitor to cart.. and it shows a $144.00 credit. (??) hmm.. that's 40% off.
Anyway... I tried to check out, but it wouldn't let me do it, saying the coupon is invalid. I assume the reason is because the item is on back order and I couldn't really "buy" it and apply the rebate.

Maybe it's an omen in telling me to stop spending. :Q Well, it certainly worked.

Cris

 

[Mysterie]

<< I just tried it... but it didn't work. I dug up my 20% off from the deleted folder. ... activated it, added the (back order) monitor to cart.. and it shows a $144.00 credit. (??) hmm.. that's 40% off.
Anyway... I tried to check out, but it wouldn't let me do it, saying the coupon is invalid. I assume the reason is because the item is on back order and I couldn't really "buy" it and apply the rebate. >>



No the coupon won't work I removed one and saw the 40% off, try removing all items and try it again. If the item is backordered it wouldn't say the coupon is invalid but it will show you something to put into cart or not put it in. BTW the ordering system for OD.com is horrible.

 

[Slugbait]

True, OD was my worst online experience to date...three times I had to check out, it just kept going in circles. But I got the monitor ordered, picking up later today.

 

[TBC]

<< True, OD was my worst online experience to date...three times I had to check out, it just kept going in circles. But I got the monitor ordered, picking up later today. >>


I didn't have any problem with my checkout, but have discovered I really hate OfficeDepots return setup. I ordered a monitor online, picked it up at the store, but wanted to return/exchange it. I called the local store and they told me I have to contact the online store, so I did, and they will send someone out to pick it up which I thought was nice until they told me they will be here any time from 8am to 5pm.... what a joke! (I'd rather drive to the store that is only a mile away and drop it off, but I guess I can't do that).

8am to 5pm is worse than the cable company setting appointments, at least they give you half a day timeframe.

 

[thewink]

I just got my new monitor home (is was in my trunk all day in the cold) - I peeled off the protective sheet from the screen and it left some marks on there (dried glue i am assuming) - did anyone else get this or have any suggestions for a fix?

 

[TBC]

Thewink, yes it appears all their monitors come this way. Some idiot working for the company decided it would be nice to glue the plastic on apparently. I did get it off with the alcohol mentioned in the manual, then wiped it with a soft wet cloth, then a dry cloth.


Others here may not care, but wanted to let you know that I waited all day for the stupid guy to come exhange my monitor (like the lady said on the phone)... he never did show up. So I took it into the store myself and told them about it, they didn't even apologize... I wasted 9 hours sitting and waiting for them. That really ticked me off.

Then I get my monitor exchanged for another one, get it home and its FAR worse than the one I took in that had 3 dead pixels. It had one large super bright blue pixel that stuck out like a sore thumb, and the screen was all washed out white. I assumed it was a used one because the screen had already been cleaned. They probably figured I got such a good deal with the 20% off that they would give me a used one or the store display model. (the manager did comment about my 20% when I first got it before).

I called them up to get my old one back, and they gave me a hard time about it. But I did get it back.

I know for a fact I'm never buying from Office Depot again. The only reason I did this time was because of their 20% off... as apparently thats the only way they can get customers.

 

[Mysterie]

I called KDS and they told me to use rubbing alcohol (isoprophyl) to loosing the ahesive and use Windex ammonium-free (pardon my spelling) to rub it away. They said they tested it and that's the best way to remove the glue.