LCD Buyer's Guide

[crydee]

Does anyone use one of the very fast 19" recommended for gaming and one for movies dual monitor set ups? Does having 2 diff size monitors distract you? Any input on that?

 

[Mustanggt]

I have a Samsung Syncmaster 191T and this LCD is the best monitor I have ever owned, I am getting alot of burn in my screen from Text and things so I am looking to get another Syncmaster but I want one that is better than what I have at least 20 inch??? Mostly photo shop and Reading not much of a Gamer?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Mustanggt
I have a Samsung Syncmaster 191T and this LCD is the best monitor I have ever owned, I am getting alot of burn in my screen from Text and things so I am looking to get another Syncmaster but I want one that is better than what I have at least 20 inch??? Mostly photo shop and Reading not much of a Gamer?

The Samsung SyncMaster 215TW sounds like it's for you.

 

[Mustanggt]

Thanks, I was looking at the Dell UltraSharp 2007WFP and the SyncMaster 215TW I read a few bad reviews on the egg with problems with the SyncMaster 215TW and the dell is so cheap, I paid $750 for my 191T 3 1/2 years ago.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Mustanggt
Thanks, I was looking at the Dell UltraSharp 2007WFP and the SyncMaster 215TW I read a few bad reviews on the egg with problems with the SyncMaster 215TW and the dell is so cheap, I paid $750 for my 191T 3 1/2 years ago.

True, the Dell 2007WFP is great too. Supposedly everybody in NA has an S-IPS. The 215TW is great if you prefer the Samsung brand.

 

[Jodiuh]

Ready for a stupid bargain? Costco.com has the Sceptre X20C-Gamer for $230. I've got it next to a Dell 2007WFP right now and all I can say is..."Long live Glossy!!"

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Jodiuh
Ready for a stupid bargain? Costco.com has the Sceptre X20C-Gamer for $230. I've got it next to a Dell 2007WFP right now and all I can say is..."Long live Glossy!!"

Would you mind doing a comparison of the Sceptre to the 2007WFP using gradients and such?

 

[SLM Crew Chief]

Originally posted by: Shifu
Oh. God only knows how it got set to "make all video look like ******," but it's a million times better now.
I need to sleep, but it's so tempting to watch a movie on this now... at any rate, I love you. I love you so hard.

I'm guessing you have nVidia vid cards. I have the same problem sometimes. It's a bug in the drivers. it should be fixed in the next release from what I've read. Until then, you can go back a couple releases on drivers and it should clear the problem up without having to constantly adjust them.

 

[SLM Crew Chief]

Originally posted by: Jodiuh
Ready for a stupid bargain? Costco.com has the Sceptre X20C-Gamer for $230. I've got it next to a Dell 2007WFP right now and all I can say is..."Long live Glossy!!"

Does that mean you like it? I'm this >< close to ordering a Dell 2007FPW or Samsung SyncMaster 215TW as my first LCD from the "GAMING (better color, decent speed)" recomendation. I can't swing over 600.00 for the NEC. Just got a smoking deal on a killer gaming system but it took my monitor money. I like to game (FPS and Oblivion mostly) web surf, IM, etc. Game performance and movies are my prime importance with good color for games like Oblivion.

Anybody scared about getting a Dell monitor if they are getting out of the biz? What happens if you have one go bad in a year, two, three, inside the warrenty period??

Also, what does the Dell come with? Do you get a DVI or VGA cable? Anything? Maybe I'm just missing it but I can't find out on Dell's site. I'd prefer VGA as my KVM switch is VGA.

Thanks for all the great infomation!

 

[a123456]

Originally posted by: SLM Crew Chief
Does that mean you like it? I'm this >< close to ordering a Dell 2007FPW or Samsung SyncMaster 215TW as my first LCD from the "GAMING (better color, decent speed)" recomendation. I can't swing over 600.00 for the NEC. Just got a smoking deal on a killer gaming system but it took my monitor money. I like to game (FPS and Oblivion mostly) web surf, IM, etc. Game performance and movies are my prime importance with good color for games like Oblivion.

Anybody scared about getting a Dell monitor if they are getting out of the biz? What happens if you have one go bad in a year, two, three, inside the warrenty period??

Also, what does the Dell come with? Do you get a DVI or VGA cable? Anything? Maybe I'm just missing it but I can't find out on Dell's site. I'd prefer VGA as my KVM switch is VGA.

Thanks for all the great infomation!

Any recommendations for a 20"? I have a Dell 2000FP from a long time ago, something like 2001, and it's starting to feel old and bulky, especially with all the new monitors that have come out since that are so much more sleek and have better specs.

The Dell 2007FP looks nice and it's only at $350 right now, which seems relatively low. I'm not sure how low it goes on Dell's specials. Is it worth it to switch to widescreen? I'm a bit mixed, having used a 4:3 for so many years. I think games would have to run at 1600x900, right? It feels like losing a few bits of information on the edges compared to the standard 1600x1200, but I'm not sure if that matters at all. I may hook it up to a console at some future date, but this is very vague. I did take a look at WSGaming and it looks like most games support WS now.

My general use is normal things. Nothing fancy with graphics professionals. I do game a bit but I survived the 2000FP so I'm not sure if I would notice any ghosting if it does happen. I noticed the ghosting when I first switched from a CRT but I think I might have gotten used to it since I don't really detect it much anymore. In general, I'm not that picky unless it's something really obvious. My eyesight isn't the best from staring at monitors for too many hours.

I read that they had some S-IPS v. PVA switching. Is that a factor that I might actually notice and care about?

Any other insights on the Dell warranty business?

As for the package, they generally ship manual, and one of each cable that goes with the monitor along with the USB cable for the newer ones. Basically everything you might need to use the monitor.

Thanks.

 

[Jodiuh]

xtnight:
There is slight banding on the Sceptre. Dell in desktop mode looks great in F.E.A.R.

SLM Crew Chief:
I didn't wanna throw $600 for the NEC either, so I opted for this cheap Sceptre. Here's some pics:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v212/jodiuh/Monitors/IMG_1352.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v212/jodiuh/Monitors/IMG_1340.jpg

The only thing you can really get from the pic's the awesome backlight bleed from the Sceptre.

...repost from Hardforum...


Alas, all is not perfect with the glossy Sceptre. Just as soon as my eyeballs wander over lusting after that perfect white background, they are greeted to a jarring sensation of "sparkly text." Yes, it's the new evil and causes me to look upon the Dell, continue reading my article and relax the eyezballz.
Summary after spending 24 hours with both...

The AG screen may have drawbacks, but in the end I find text to be read easier on the Dell. I guess it's a good thing, cause it means I get to keep this glorious S-IPS panel with it's killer color rendition, perfect consistency with regard to blacks, and all the ergo features.

For gaming, I find the glossy screen slightly clearer. Response time doesn't matter across the panels. The biggest winner here's the Dell's colors. They come across more natural than the glossy's "cartoonish" appearances.

For movies, they both suck. But hey, that's why there's XBR2/3's and Aquos', right?

So basically I'm sending the Sceptre back and keeping the Dell. It's got SDE/AG coating, but it excels in everything else.

Bottomline ~ Dell's easier on the eyes.

EDIT: Sorry I never browse this forum cause the software behind it blows. I never get replies and it's god awful slow...why not use what's on H, OCF, and XS?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: SLM Crew Chief
Does that mean you like it? I'm this >< close to ordering a Dell 2007FPW or Samsung SyncMaster 215TW as my first LCD from the "GAMING (better color, decent speed)" recomendation. I can't swing over 600.00 for the NEC. Just got a smoking deal on a killer gaming system but it took my monitor money. I like to game (FPS and Oblivion mostly) web surf, IM, etc. Game performance and movies are my prime importance with good color for games like Oblivion.

I suggest you go with the Dell as it'd likely be faster than the Samsung. If you end up with an S-PVA in your Dell you may have wished you had gone with the Samsung though. They use the same panel so I doubt speed would vary by much. http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/other/display/20-21inch-3_10.html If you're lucky and get an S-IPS, the Dell would be faster. The Dell just sounds better overall for you: same/faster response, still good color, and it's cheaper.

Anybody scared about getting a Dell monitor if they are getting out of the biz? What happens if you have one go bad in a year, two, three, inside the warrenty period??

They will probably delegate/outsource the responsibility of fulfilling warranties, but I'm not sure about that. The same goes for Sony...what's going to happen with their LCDs?

Also, what does the Dell come with? Do you get a DVI or VGA cable? Anything? Maybe I'm just missing it but I can't find out on Dell's site. I'd prefer VGA as my KVM switch is VGA. Thanks for all the great infomation!

I have no idea, but you could ask one of the million 2007WFP owners. I suggest you just make a quick thread in Video about it, unless of course somebody already has.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: a123456
Any recommendations for a 20"? I have a Dell 2000FP from a long time ago, something like 2001, and it's starting to feel old and bulky, especially with all the new monitors that have come out since that are so much more sleek and have better specs.

The Dell 2007FP looks nice and it's only at $350 right now, which seems relatively low. I'm not sure how low it goes on Dell's specials. Is it worth it to switch to widescreen? I'm a bit mixed, having used a 4:3 for so many years. I think games would have to run at 1600x900, right?

20.1" widescreen LCDs run at 1680x1050 (16:10) native. I suggest you do go with widescreen; you get higher quality screens in that aspect ratio because of higher demand. Go with the 2007WFP.

It feels like losing a few bits of information on the edges compared to the standard 1600x1200, but I'm not sure if that matters at all. I may hook it up to a console at some future date, but this is very vague. I did take a look at WSGaming and it looks like most games support WS now.

You also gain 80 pixels widthwise.

My general use is normal things. Nothing fancy with graphics professionals. I do game a bit but I survived the 2000FP so I'm not sure if I would notice any ghosting if it does happen. I noticed the ghosting when I first switched from a CRT but I think I might have gotten used to it since I don't really detect it much anymore. In general, I'm not that picky unless it's something really obvious. My eyesight isn't the best from staring at monitors for too many hours.

I read that they had some S-IPS v. PVA switching. Is that a factor that I might actually notice and care about?

If you're talking about the 2007FP, yeah they have been switching between S-IPS/PVA. Regarding the 2007WFP (widescreen version which I suggest you get): supposedly everybody in NA has gotten an S-IPS. Both are quite decent panels though. The S-IPS may be a bit faster but if you owned a 2000FP I doubt it's anything to worry about. I believe they use an S-PVA in the WFP, not a generic PVA like in the FP. The WFP is miles better than the 2007FP in basically everything except sheer screen area.

Edit: the 2007FP also uses an S-PVA, not a generic PVA if you get a Samsung panel.

 

[xtknight]

Jodiuh: thanks. Ouch, that is a lot of backlight bleeding. Gotta love that 'X' pattern on the AUO panels (ViewSonic, Sceptre).

The only AUO flat panel monitor I recommend is the BenQ FP93GX (for gaming), because it's the fastest desktop LCD in the world. I generally try to shy away from them because of their X bleeding and poor gamma settings. Now I know to blame AUO, not just ViewSonic (although they have plenty of problems themselves, like bothering to include the AUO panels riddled with leaky backlights and poor gamma settings ). Not all of the AUOs have the problem; the BenQ FP241W performs admirably. I don't think the AUO HTPC LCD I recommend has the problem either.

 

[a123456]

Originally posted by: xtknight
Go with the 2007WFP.
The WFP is miles better than the 2007FP in basically everything except sheer screen area.

Thanks for the advice. I'll go with it. I probably won't understand the specifics of it that well, but what makes the wide better in this case. You referenced higher demand and higher quality but nothing specific. I'm just curious.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: a123456

Originally posted by: xtknight
Go with the 2007WFP.
The WFP is miles better than the 2007FP in basically everything except sheer screen area.

Thanks for the advice. I'll go with it. I probably won't understand the specifics of it that well, but what makes the wide better in this case. You referenced higher demand and higher quality but nothing specific. I'm just curious.

The higher image quality doesn't have to do with the aspect ratio being 16:10. It just happens that the 16:10 monitors have better image quality and are cheaper, that's all.

When I say image quality I mean quantifiable things like brightness, contrast, color accuracy, and response time. It's a fact, not opinion, that the S-IPS widescreen panel is superior. I guess you can say a wider field of vision qualifies for higher image quality too.

 

[Jodiuh]

Ouch, the Sceptre's "over-sharpening" of letters make this forum impossible to read comfortably. Looking on the Dell, I see that familar AG screen...and somehow my eyes thank me for it. It relaxes the picture enough to be less stressful for my eyes.

Another few things about the Sceptre:

1. Gamma's a bit wonky and even after adjusting seems to skew colors a bit too much. Using that blacktest in xt's sig and moving your head even an inch changes the color dramatically. Even the slightest angle on this panel will show color wash.
2. As I type this it dances...the stand sucks...oh how it sucks.
3. The blue SCEPTRE is finally starting to get on my nerves. And even when covered by black tape, leaks out onto the buttons.
4. The lack of height adjustment puts it up too high for my eyes. From the table to the top edge of panel (not including upper bezel): 15 1/2 inches

Oh yeah, the Dell 2007WFP comes with the VGA cable attached and the DVI cable in a baggie. The mount for the stand will turn you on too.

EDIT: The Sceptre's going in the box due to this post! Impressive, eh? I'm actually "yuugghhh" ing at it right now. It's almost as if I'm looking at a CRT and being bombarded with rays of cancer again!

EDIT2: Watch a movie?!

 

[oseven]

Hey guys, I found some more info on the Mirai DML-522W100:

http://tweakers.net/productsurvey/143256

It's got a relatively easily understandable scoring system, but the text is in dutch (I think) so can anyone help with a little translation (and generally more info on this monitor)?

 

[SLM Crew Chief]

Thanks for the help and information xtknight, a123456, Jodiuh and everyone else that's replied to this thread. I "bit the bullet" and ordered the Dell 2007WFP last night. A little more than I wanted to spend after tax and all but if it's as good/nice as several people say it is, I don't think I'll be disappointed. Now the waiting starts. Dell.com says usually ships within 24 hours, e-mail says mine won't ship until next Wednesday.

 

[XNice]

Dell has 1907FP's for about $247 + tax. Anyone know how well this model scales with the rest?

 

[xtknight]

Jodiuh: I'm glad you spent the time and actually analyzed the two LCDs because jumping to any conclusions ("OMG glossy screen *smooch* I love this LCD 10/10 pmg!1"). A cheap TN+glossy coating doesn't beat a good quality S-IPS screen.

Originally posted by: XNice
Dell has 1907FP's for about $247 + tax. Anyone know how well this model scales with the rest?

The UltraSharp 1907FP uses a TN panel. 19" TNs perform great at games but colors will of course leave something to be desired. How it compares to the rest of the TN panels? I'm not sure about that as nobody professional (Tom's/X-Bit/hardware.fr) has reviewed it yet. You should go with a tried-and-true LCD like the Samsung 940BF for gaming. If you must have the absolute fastest, get the FP93GX, but expect some color deficiencies (in comparison to the 940BF).

 

[Aharami]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: Jodiuh
Ready for a stupid bargain? Costco.com has the Sceptre X20C-Gamer for $230. I've got it next to a Dell 2007WFP right now and all I can say is..."Long live Glossy!!"

Would you mind doing a comparison of the Sceptre to the 2007WFP using gradients and such?

do gradients generally look worse on LCDs than CRTs? and would a TN panel give the worst reproduction of gradients?

I bought the 204B from BB just to test it out...they have a 15 day return policy. Sorry xt, I know you advised me against this monitor, but the price was so good, I just had to see it for myself. So far im very happy with it - viewing angle isnt that bad. Vertical is, but horizontal is ok. Sitting about 2 feet away, i can move my head a foot or so from right and left edge of monitor w/o noticing any difference. Its a LOT sharper than my CRT and the colors are a lot more vibrant also. For the price, I think this is a great monitor.

The only thing Im not happy about is gradients - I'm not getting smooth gradients. I see steps. First saw this problem when developing my website. Im using a black to blue gradient as the background and on my CRT, it looks smooth, but LCD, it doesnt. Can people here with LCDs please go to www.raktim.com and tell me if the gradient in the background looks smooth or not? I know, site sucks for now...but its still under construction.

I also created a gradient using PS and saved them as max quality jpegs - 3200x1600 came out to 450Kb. I took a pic with my A85 since linking the gradient is basically useless. So here is the pic - warning: large picture
and here is what the gradient on my website look like - website gradient - large pic again

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Aharami
do gradients generally look worse on LCDs than CRTs? and would a TN panel give the worst reproduction of gradients?

Yup, TNs are the worst at gradients. It's easiest to notice on grayscales; it shouldn't be too bad on red/green/blue gradients.

I bought the 204B from BB just to test it out...they have a 15 day return policy. Sorry xt, I know you advised me against this monitor, but the price was so good, I just had to see it for myself. So far im very happy with it - viewing angle isnt that bad.

As long as you're happy with it, that's good. Maybe it wasn't worth the extra $1xx to get another LCD.

Vertical is, but horizontal is ok. Sitting about 2 feet away, i can move my head a foot or so from right and left edge of monitor w/o noticing any difference. Its a LOT sharper than my CRT and the colors are a lot more vibrant also. For the price, I think this is a great monitor.

The only thing Im not happy about is gradients - I'm not getting smooth gradients. I see steps. First saw this problem when developing my website. Im using a black to blue gradient as the background and on my CRT, it looks smooth, but LCD, it doesnt. Can people here with LCDs please go to www.raktim.com and tell me if the gradient in the background looks smooth or not? I know, site sucks for now...but its still under construction.

There appears to be something wrong with the picture itself. It is a lossy GIF so an LCD is just making the flaws more apparent. I don't see consistent steps, instead weird dotty/dithery patterns and I know my LCD doesn't dither.

I also created a gradient using PS and saved them as max quality jpegs - 3200x1600 came out to 450Kb. I took a pic with my A85 since linking the gradient is basically useless. So here is the pic - warning: large picture
and here is what the gradient on my website look like - website gradient - large pic again

 

[schali007]

What you think about HP LP2465 ? is it good monitor for games and DVD movies?

 

[Mustanggt]

I need an opinion I have the Samsung 191 T now if i upgrade to the Dell UltraSharp 2007WFP Or the Samsung SyncMaster 215TW will i see a big difference from what i am using now???