How is the Viewsonic VA2226W 22" LCD

[Therk]

Basically I'm wondering how good/bad the quality of this monitor (and the 20" version) is. I'm wondering how it compares to the Samsung 226BW, I'm sure the Samsung looks better but how big is the difference? Also, how do cheaper variations like AOC and Chimei compare to this LCD. Is the gap bigger between the samsung, or the cheaper monitors?

 

[Spry]

I bought the Viewsonic, but it had backlight bleed in the middle of the screen and a dead pixel so I returned it for the Samsung. My 226BW has minor bleed at the top and bottom edges of the screen but has no dead pixels and the color is outstanding.

I picked up a 22" Acer panel for my wife's PC and it's fine. I wouldn't game on it but it does home office stuff, nicely. Honestly, I'd rather game on my old 17" CRT but I needed a monitor with a higher resolution. The LCDs in the $300 price range can't beat my 6 year-old CRT when it comes to gaming.

 

[Therk]

Are LCDs still THAT bad? I've heard nothing but positive things about Samsung/Viewsonic LCDs lately..

 

[Spry]

Most if not all 22" LCDs are TN panels. These have great response times but the viewing angles are limited. I compared quite a few 22" LCDs and the Samsung & Viewsonic looked the best to me. The reason I like my CRT better is the black levels. I don't care want anyone says, the black levels on the 22" models can't hold a candle to a good old CRT.

I game on my Samsung and now I'm use to it. I'm happy that I bought it but you might be able to get better blacks and color on a more expensive panel.

 

[Therk]

I see, well, I'm not too fussed about blacks. Would you reccomend viewsonic or samsung considering their price difference? (in New Zealand I can get a Viewsonic VA2226W for $390 or a 226BW for $490)

 

[Spry]

I'd get the Viewsonic. At the time of purchase, the Viewsonic and Samsung were the same price here in Texas. I don't believe the $100 difference in price is worth it. All the 22" LCDs are TN panels. You just need to look for back light bleed and dead or stuck pixels. Buy from a place that will allow you to return monitors with no questions asked. Most online retailers have a dead/stuck pixel policy. I bought my monitor at a local retailer and was able to return the Viewsonic with the dead pixel.

 

[jonks]

Originally posted by: Spry
I'd get the Viewsonic. At the time of purchase, the Viewsonic and Samsung were the same price here in Texas. I don't believe the $100 difference in price is worth it. All the 22" LCDs are TN panels. You just need to look for back light bleed and dead or stuck pixels. Buy from a place that will allow you to return monitors with no questions asked. Most online retailers have a dead/stuck pixel policy. I bought my monitor at a local retailer and was able to return the Viewsonic with the dead pixel.

I think the new Lenovo or LG is not TN but it costs twice as much. There's a thread on here somewhere about it.

 

[Spry]

Originally posted by: sirjonk

I think the new Lenovo or LG is not TN but it costs twice as much. There's a thread on here somewhere about it.

That's good to know. When I bought the Samsung 6 months ago they were all TN. It all depends on how much you want to pay.