LCD Buyer's Guide

[virtualrain]

Hi, everyone, what's the best 1600x1200 LCD for gaming and everyday use?

LG, NEC, and Samsung all make one that is reasonably priced.

I'm replacing my NEC 1770GX 17" screens with have the glossy finish... I really like that since I have full control over my lighting, but it doesn't seem like any 1600x1200 monitors come with that glossy finish on the screen.

Thanks for your recommendations.

 

[rxblitzrx]

Price Update: HP LP2065 [20.1" 1600x1200 8-bit S-IPS]

Newegg
$389.99 - LCD
$019.14 - Shipping
___________
$409.13 - Total
$040.00 - Rebate
_____________
$369.13 - GRAND TOTAL

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: virtualrain
Hi, everyone, what's the best 1600x1200 LCD for gaming and everyday use?

LG, NEC, and Samsung all make one that is reasonably priced.

I'm replacing my NEC 1770GX 17" screens with have the glossy finish... I really like that since I have full control over my lighting, but it doesn't seem like any 1600x1200 monitors come with that glossy finish on the screen.

Thanks for your recommendations.

You're right. There aren't any 20" glossy 4:3 screens that I know of. I would recommend the HP LP2065 for an all-around 20" normal aspect LCD. The only close glossy panels are the Acer AL2051W or NEC 20WMGX2 but both of these are widescreen and the 20WMGX2 is very expensive.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: rxblitzrx
Price Update: HP LP2065 [20.1" 1600x1200 8-bit S-IPS]

Newegg
$389.99 - LCD
$019.14 - Shipping
___________
$409.13 - Total
$040.00 - Rebate
_____________
$369.13 - GRAND TOTAL

Nice, it is really falling in price. My price on it in the OP was $450. Updated.

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: samduhman

Originally posted by: Zebo

Originally posted by: DangerDave
xtknight, have you seen the Maximum Pc review of the NEC 20WMGX2? They gave it a 4. They said it was majorly flawed, and other bad stuff. Are they talking about the same lcd thats on your list, or am I missing something here?

I wouldn't put too much stock in reviews like this. Xknight already told you the flaws in review.

MaxiumPC reviewers seem to be marketing guys who are skilled at copying and pasting from info they find in the PR sheets released from manufactures. More ads placed more copy and paste they do To rate not one, but three TNs well above any IPS let alone the GX2 tells me they are totally clueless and ignorant.

Ultimately you've gotta be the final authority when it comes to judging these monitors since much of it is subjective. Buy both, thier highest rated monitor and the lowest rated one they gave, the GX2, then you'll start laughing hysterically at MaximumPC's review. I'm telling you nothing 20-24" compares quality wise between the bezel to the GX2 in any stat.

I love Maximum PC and generally agree with their reviews. Zebo what monitor do you own exactly?

Just a friendly jab their Zebo . From eveything I read the GX2 is pretty sweet. I've never had the chance see one but it gets over all good reviews. Im wondering if Maximum PC had a bad one for their review.

NEC 1970, two NEC 2070NX's, two NEC 2070SB's, NEC 20WMGX2, Dell 1905FP, Dell 2005WFP, Hitachi CM771, three laptop TN's and whatever Apple has in it's lamp shade iMac. I've tried and RMA'd dozens more incuding some of the so-called good ones featured in review and there is simply no competition GX2 owns all except the CRT's in gaming since all LCD's blur.

MaximumPC is clueless.

 

[SilverM]

thanx again for the pervious advice. I had some trouble finding an HPLP2065 retailer, but finally did (wasn't looking in the right places )
anyway, I wanted to ask, if I did choose a widescreen monitor, what would you recommend?

oh, one more question.
I was thinking maybe, I could keep the old CRT for the time being, maybe until it completely dies . so, I could have both of them connected, right? I have vga and dvi out on graphics card. how would that work, anyway? would I have two identical desktops, or one stretched across bot monitors? Is that even a smart idea?

 

[EQTitan]

I'm currently looking for (2) 19"-20.1" LCD displays with digital output. They will be used on gaming rigs to play World of warcraft, and Battlefield 2142. We had the Hanns-G 19" WS 199JB models from newegg but we both had between 1-3 deadpixels when they arrived, so were either looking for the same model or better coverage from the store selling the product. WE also use office apps so, clarity would be a plus. thanks in advance.

 

[raddygast]

I am very concerned. I just ordered a Dell 2007FP but then found out that there isn't even a panel lottery with it anymore and almost all units are S-PVA.

So I'm about to cancel it because I found a price from a Canadian website for a HP LP2065.

But I just checked prad.de and they say the LP2065 is S-PVA.

http://www.prad.de/en/guide/screen2723.html

Did HP switch panel technologies too? I am really freaking out about all this... it seems I can't get a decent 1600x1200 S-IPS 20-inch screen at all.... the only other option is LG L2000C but that one is really bare-bones in features.

Can anyone who knows about the HP LP2065 chime in? I'm really concerned I'll order one of these and it'll be S-PVA (how do you check through the OSD by the way?)

 

[nemesiz]

But I just checked prad.de and they say the LP2065 is S-PVA.

http://www.prad.de/en/guide/screen2723.html

Did HP switch panel technologies too? I am really freaking out about all this... it seems I can't get a decent 1600x1200 S-IPS 20-inch screen at all.... the only other option is LG L2000C but that one is really bare-bones in features.

Having read a number of reviews as a basis for purchasing the HP LP2065, on my reckoning and personal experience suggest Prad.de site made the error of believing the monitor used S-PVA instead of a S-IPS technology through their previous experiences with each panel technology. Before contemplating purchasing the monitor at Christmas I e-mailed their technical support to confirm the monitor used S-IPS, but never received a reply. Although mine is labelled, LPL LM201U05 at the back, which is an S-IPS panel manufactured by LG Philips.

Hope that alleves some of your fears.

 

[rxblitzrx]

Originally posted by: raddygast
I am very concerned. I just ordered a Dell 2007FP but then found out that there isn't even a panel lottery with it anymore and almost all units are S-PVA.

So I'm about to cancel it because I found a price from a Canadian website for a HP LP2065.

But I just checked prad.de and they say the LP2065 is S-PVA.

http://www.prad.de/en/guide/screen2723.html

Did HP switch panel technologies too? I am really freaking out about all this... it seems I can't get a decent 1600x1200 S-IPS 20-inch screen at all.... the only other option is LG L2000C but that one is really bare-bones in features.

Can anyone who knows about the HP LP2065 chime in? I'm really concerned I'll order one of these and it'll be S-PVA (how do you check through the OSD by the way?)

I have the HP LP2065 but I don't know how to verify if it's a S-IPS panel. I got mine from NewEgg back in early January 2007. I'm pretty sure it is, but yeah... I'd like to know for sure too since everyone is quoting prad.de

 

[Engel]

Originally posted by: ghoti
Well, I got the VP930b, revision 3, I think -- I'm still confirming that. (I split a "two-pack" from Costco with a friend -- a very reasonable price).

So far, so good -- have noticed no dead or stuck pixels.

xt, or anyone else: what's your recommendation for 'fine tuning' or calibrating this monitor? -- got some freeware to recommend (which doesn't require an advanced tech degree and investment of two solid weeks of work)? From what I've been reading on the forums, I not eager to install and use the software that came with the monitor.

Thanks for suggestions.

Howdy.

I, too, am using the VP930b (rev 3). Here are my custom color settings (mileage may vary, but this should be good for you as well):

92 Red; 90 Green; 69 Blue

I use this setting for just about everything and love it. Good luck!

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: raddygast
I am very concerned. I just ordered a Dell 2007FP but then found out that there isn't even a panel lottery with it anymore and almost all units are S-PVA.

So I'm about to cancel it because I found a price from a Canadian website for a HP LP2065.

But I just checked prad.de and they say the LP2065 is S-PVA.

http://www.prad.de/en/guide/screen2723.html

Did HP switch panel technologies too? I am really freaking out about all this... it seems I can't get a decent 1600x1200 S-IPS 20-inch screen at all.... the only other option is LG L2000C but that one is really bare-bones in features.

Can anyone who knows about the HP LP2065 chime in? I'm really concerned I'll order one of these and it'll be S-PVA (how do you check through the OSD by the way?)

The NEC 2070NX is IPS but I don't recommend it, screen is too dark for my taste...it's like a three year old panel and backlight tech. For some reason in both my samples colors look washed out a bit like the Dell 2005..but it's hard to move off the GX2 to a plain ole LCD

My advice is let the Dell come in and see if you like it, you have 21 free days to make a decision. Thats whats so great about Dell only time is eaten up.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: SilverM
thanx again for the pervious advice. I had some trouble finding an HPLP2065 retailer, but finally did (wasn't looking in the right places )
anyway, I wanted to ask, if I did choose a widescreen monitor, what would you recommend?

Acer AL2051W. 8-bit P-MVA, reasonably priced. Might need a little calibration (gamma adjustment is a bit high by default).

oh, one more question.
I was thinking maybe, I could keep the old CRT for the time being, maybe until it completely dies . so, I could have both of them connected, right? I have vga and dvi out on graphics card. how would that work, anyway? would I have two identical desktops, or one stretched across bot monitors? Is that even a smart idea?

Yes you can hook up any two monitors that have those inputs (one CRT on VGA and one LCD on DVI is fine). For dual monitors, you get a choice between those two (clone or span and also something called DualView which I believe is two "window workstations" (i.e. each monitor has its own taskbar/shell/etc). Lots of people like using dual monitors. I can't see it suiting me but I haven't tried it for more than half an hour either, so I can't really comment.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: EQTitan
I'm currently looking for (2) 19"-20.1" LCD displays with digital output. They will be used on gaming rigs to play World of warcraft, and Battlefield 2142. We had the Hanns-G 19" WS 199JB models from newegg but we both had between 1-3 deadpixels when they arrived, so were either looking for the same model or better coverage from the store selling the product. WE also use office apps so, clarity would be a plus. thanks in advance.

Almost any LCD these days is void of dead pixels on arrival. I think yours is an isolated case where the Hanns Gs were extremely cheap (which is one reason I don't recommend them). HannStar (panel manufacturer)'s panels are very low end. If you get an LCD from the big three (AU Optronics, Samsung, LG Philips LCD), dead pixels are particularly rare (especially with AUO and LGP). I don't know about Chi Mei, they probably aren't too bad either.

You'd have to specify a price range as there are lots of LCDs on the market. From what I gather you were considering getting the Hanns G LCDs again but from a better retailer? I would avoid Hanns G LCDs altogether. A couple of Acer AL2051Ws sounds right for you (they'll run you about $270 apiece).

 

[tw33ter]

Is there any info on the Samsung 206bw? It's only $280 @ the Egg after a $30 rebate.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824001095

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: raddygast
I am very concerned. I just ordered a Dell 2007FP but then found out that there isn't even a panel lottery with it anymore and almost all units are S-PVA.

So I'm about to cancel it because I found a price from a Canadian website for a HP LP2065.

But I just checked prad.de and they say the LP2065 is S-PVA.

http://www.prad.de/en/guide/screen2723.html

Did HP switch panel technologies too? I am really freaking out about all this... it seems I can't get a decent 1600x1200 S-IPS 20-inch screen at all.... the only other option is LG L2000C but that one is really bare-bones in features.

Can anyone who knows about the HP LP2065 chime in? I'm really concerned I'll order one of these and it'll be S-PVA (how do you check through the OSD by the way?)

prad.de is in error. I don't believe ANY LP2065s are S-PVAs. I certainly have not heard of any reports of S-PVA LP2065s. I believe all rumors are originating from their error. As to not perpetuate the rumor any further, I will not change my recommendation until I see a service menu report of a unit being S-PVA. I have seen the same type of report and it was an LGL LM201Uxx panel. I'm not sure how to check the service menu but check on HardForums for the LP2065.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: tw33ter
Is there any info on the Samsung 206bw? It's only $280 @ the Egg after a $30 rebate.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824001095

No info at all as a matter of fact but I always try to keep up with the new LCDs. Let's see what kind of info we get in the next few days/weeks. It's a TN panel for sure but beyond that I know nothing.

 

[lorlabnew]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: raddygast
I am very concerned. I just ordered a Dell 2007FP but then found out that there isn't even a panel lottery with it anymore and almost all units are S-PVA.

So I'm about to cancel it because I found a price from a Canadian website for a HP LP2065.

But I just checked prad.de and they say the LP2065 is S-PVA.

http://www.prad.de/en/guide/screen2723.html

Did HP switch panel technologies too? I am really freaking out about all this... it seems I can't get a decent 1600x1200 S-IPS 20-inch screen at all.... the only other option is LG L2000C but that one is really bare-bones in features.

Can anyone who knows about the HP LP2065 chime in? I'm really concerned I'll order one of these and it'll be S-PVA (how do you check through the OSD by the way?)

prad.de is in error. I don't believe ANY LP2065s are S-PVAs. I certainly have not heard of any reports of S-PVA LP2065s. I believe all rumors are originating from their error. As to not perpetuate the rumor any further, I will not change my recommendation until I see a service menu report of a unit being S-PVA. I have seen the same type of report and it was an LGL LM201Uxx panel. I'm not sure how to check the service menu but check on HardForums for the LP2065.

I'm still having hard time to decide whether to buy LP2065, or 20WMGX2. The HP is about $200 cheaper but bit barebone compared to NEC's model. I however would probably prefer the 4:3 format better - I wish that NEC had similar model as 20WNGX2 in 1600*1200 4:3 aspect... I can't find any other fast response IPS LCD's in 20-21" size. I'd also like to have the fine pixel pitch of about 0.255mm or so, my current NEC 1940cx has 0.29mm pp and I dislike that a lot.

I've been keeping an eye on the topic with regard to S-PVA panel in LP2065 before making the purchase. Are you guys who got LP2065 lately happy with your monitors?

I think that I'll order either LP2065 or 20WMGX2, but leaning towards HP because the screen ratio suits better my needs. Besides normal desktop work I like to fly FS2004 and FSX, and the widescreen aspect distorts 2D panels; there is no meaningful way to correct that...so 4:3 is the only format where 2D gauges are circles, not ovals...

Is there any 4:3 1600*1200 monitor with IPS panel under or around $600 that I overlooked?

Thanks. Dave

 

[Zebo]

Cant you get a GX2 at B&M taking all risk out the equation? I think BB, CC and Frys carries them. Simply buy and try.

 

[MMo]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: raddygast
I am very concerned. I just ordered a Dell 2007FP but then found out that there isn't even a panel lottery with it anymore and almost all units are S-PVA.

So I'm about to cancel it because I found a price from a Canadian website for a HP LP2065.

But I just checked prad.de and they say the LP2065 is S-PVA.

http://www.prad.de/en/guide/screen2723.html

Did HP switch panel technologies too? I am really freaking out about all this... it seems I can't get a decent 1600x1200 S-IPS 20-inch screen at all.... the only other option is LG L2000C but that one is really bare-bones in features.

Can anyone who knows about the HP LP2065 chime in? I'm really concerned I'll order one of these and it'll be S-PVA (how do you check through the OSD by the way?)

prad.de is in error. I don't believe ANY LP2065s are S-PVAs. I certainly have not heard of any reports of S-PVA LP2065s. I believe all rumors are originating from their error. As to not perpetuate the rumor any further, I will not change my recommendation until I see a service menu report of a unit being S-PVA. I have seen the same type of report and it was an LGL LM201Uxx panel. I'm not sure how to check the service menu but check on HardForums for the LP2065.

You can check the panel type of the LP2065 by holding down the Menu button while turning the Power On. Then you have a new item "Service" in the OSD menu.

Mine has an S-IPS panel LPL LM201U05-SLA1

I bought the monitor mainly for photo editing and I have been quite happy with it.
I have calibrated it with Spyder2 using following target values:
- gamma 2.2 / native whitepoint (quite close to 6500K)
- white luminance 140 cd/m2

All the other monitor settings are in factory defaults, except:
- Brightness = 0 (couldn't reach 140 cd/m2 otherwise)
- Contrast = 90 (ended up at this value by watching the effect on gray gradients)

The only downside I have noticed so far is that when I had to bring down the brightness to <40% now I am seeing some faint backlight "flickering" on my dark gray desktop background. Anyone else having this problem?

Has anyone confirmed if this monitor has a LUT that could be hardware calibrated through DDC/CI with the upcoming ColorEyes Display Pro (Win) + Spyder2 ?

That would be sweet! I would buy another one

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: MMo

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: raddygast
I am very concerned. I just ordered a Dell 2007FP but then found out that there isn't even a panel lottery with it anymore and almost all units are S-PVA.

So I'm about to cancel it because I found a price from a Canadian website for a HP LP2065.

But I just checked prad.de and they say the LP2065 is S-PVA.

http://www.prad.de/en/guide/screen2723.html

Did HP switch panel technologies too? I am really freaking out about all this... it seems I can't get a decent 1600x1200 S-IPS 20-inch screen at all.... the only other option is LG L2000C but that one is really bare-bones in features.

Can anyone who knows about the HP LP2065 chime in? I'm really concerned I'll order one of these and it'll be S-PVA (how do you check through the OSD by the way?)

prad.de is in error. I don't believe ANY LP2065s are S-PVAs. I certainly have not heard of any reports of S-PVA LP2065s. I believe all rumors are originating from their error. As to not perpetuate the rumor any further, I will not change my recommendation until I see a service menu report of a unit being S-PVA. I have seen the same type of report and it was an LGL LM201Uxx panel. I'm not sure how to check the service menu but check on HardForums for the LP2065.

You can check the panel type of the LP2065 by holding down the Menu button while turning the Power On. Then you have a new item "Service" in the OSD menu.

Mine has an S-IPS panel LPL LM201U05-SLA1

I bought the monitor mainly for photo editing and I have been quite happy with it.
I have calibrated it with Spyder2 using following target values:
- gamma 2.2 / native whitepoint (quite close to 6500K)
- white luminance 140 cd/m2

All the other monitor settings are in factory defaults, except:
- Brightness = 0 (couldn't reach 140 cd/m2 otherwise)
- Contrast = 90 (ended up at this value by watching the effect on gray gradients)

The only downside I have noticed so far is that when I had to bring down the brightness to <40% now I am seeing some faint backlight "flickering" on my dark gray desktop background. Anyone else having this problem?

I believe rxblitzrx described a problem like this a few pages back. I'm not sure what's going on here.

Has anyone confirmed if this monitor has a LUT that could be hardware calibrated through DDC/CI with the upcoming ColorEyes Display Pro (Win) + Spyder2 ?

Yes, it can be calibrated via DDC/CI, according to PhotoMan (I believe), but it does not have a configurable LUT. Personally I don't like DDC/CI or find it anything special since on the consumer monitors it only allows brightness/contrast adjustment. So you don't get any of the red/green/blue channel adjustment, you're stuck at native white point. Yet, the graphics card is still using a LUT so you're quite constricted. DDC/CI on the pro monitors ($1000+) can adjust everything, and only then does it become feasible, at least IMO. He did mention he got <0.40 dE for all tones (IIRC). So, obviously the LP2065 calibrates pretty well regardless, but he was probably using a graphics card LUT as well, not that there's any problem with that (but you don't get any gamut advantages since the LUT is still on the graphics card).

That would be sweet! I would buy another one

 

[MMo]

I believe rxblitzrx described a problem like this a few pages back. I'm not sure what's going on here.

OK. Yes, my monitor has exactly the same problem as described on this thread and on the dpreview forum. The flickering is noticeable only with dark/mid grays and with brightness values <40%.

Yes, it can be calibrated via DDC/CI, according to PhotoMan (I believe), but it does not have a configurable LUT. Personally I don't like DDC/CI or find it anything special since on the consumer monitors it only allows brightness/contrast adjustment. So you don't get any of the red/green/blue channel adjustment, you're stuck at native white point. Yet, the graphics card is still using a LUT so you're quite constricted. DDC/CI on the pro monitors ($1000+) can adjust everything, and only then does it become feasible, at least IMO. He did mention he got <0.40 dE for all tones (IIRC). So, obviously the LP2065 calibrates pretty well regardless, but he was probably using a graphics card LUT as well, not that there's any problem with that (but you don't get any gamut advantages since the LUT is still on the graphics card).

I haven't been able to test the ColorEyes software, because the current windows (demo) version 3.2 is not compatible with Spyder2. Does the current version clearly indicate whether the corrections are loaded to the graphics card LUT or to the monitor LUT?
If you look at the picture labelled "Measuring" on this review:
http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/coloreyes_display.html
you see that the new version of the software will tell you if the monitor has a configurable LUT (with standard interface) or not. Is it the same with the current version or is there still hope left?

I agree with you, that without the configurable Monitor LUT, the DDC/CI is nothing special.

 

[nemesiz]

I've been keeping an eye on the topic with regard to S-PVA panel in LP2065 before making the purchase. Are you guys who got LP2065 lately happy with your monitors?

My monitor shows the supposed classic sign of being an S-IPS screen as a black background turns a purple when viewed at an acute angle.

Ecstatic about the purchase. Yes it has minor faults such as it lacks HDCP support, the screen has a glossy coating (probably anti reflective or a protective coating ) which can be noticeable, but it's mainly unobtrusive. Although my panel has a slight backlight bleed, top left of the screen it doesn't distract from the overall picture, as the uniformity is excellent.

The text sharpness is outstanding with no blurring at 1600 x 1280 and 1240 x 1024 resolutions. Colour reproduction is excellent straight out of the box, although with further tinkering it can be improved. So if like me suffer from migraines through constant useage of a monitor, you will find it a dream to use. Furthermore it is perfectly suitable for gaming, and watching films.

One other point is that you receive two excellent quality DVI and VGA leads for the monitor which is a real added bonus.

 

[lorlabnew]

Originally posted by: nemesiz

I've been keeping an eye on the topic with regard to S-PVA panel in LP2065 before making the purchase. Are you guys who got LP2065 lately happy with your monitors?

My monitor shows the supposed classic sign of being an S-IPS screen as a black background turns a purple when viewed at an acute angle.

Ecstatic about the purchase. Yes it has minor faults such as it lacks HDCP support, the screen has a glossy coating (probably anti reflective or a protective coating ) which can be noticeable, but it's mainly unobtrusive. Although my panel has a slight backlight bleed, top left of the screen it doesn't distract from the overall picture, as the uniformity is excellent.

The text sharpness is outstanding with no blurring at 1600 x 1280 and 1240 x 1024 resolutions. Colour reproduction is excellent straight out of the box, although with further tinkering it can be improved. So if like me suffer from migraines through constant useage of a monitor, you will find it a dream to use. Furthermore it is perfectly suitable for gaming, and watching films.

One other point is that you receive two excellent quality DVI and VGA leads for the monitor which is a real added bonus.

Thanks for feedback on LP2065; I went ahead and ordered it from Amazon this moring, after MIR it should come down to around $380, not bad deal (only $3.99 1-day shipping too, so I may get it as early as tomorrow, but at the latest on Monday). I figured at this price it's worth to give it a shot. If I ordered the 20WMGX2 I'd be looking at $610 an up. depending on vendor. I don't know if Amazon would let me swap it for 20WMGX2 if I'd be unhappy with it, maybe, we do a lot of shopping at Amazon so they'd probably consider that. I really couldn't make my mind which one to get, so I went with the less expensive model out of two I considered...

Once I get it I'll definitely post here how I like it, and also will probably have a few question how to best calibrate it.

Dave

 

[samduhman]

Originally posted by: tw33ter
Is there any info on the Samsung 206bw? It's only $280 @ the Egg after a $30 rebate.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824001095

Maximum PC magazine recently designated the 206bw as best budget lcd.

Its bigger sibling the 226bw is doing quit well in the Customer ratings at Circuit City. This is the one I bought and Im pleased with it. I really wanted to go with a 24" but they just cost to much so the 22" was a nice alternative.

circuit city 226bw link