LCD Buyer's Guide

[Shiymmas]

Thanks for the response, xtknight. That was one of the few I'd narrowed my list down to.

Today, though, in looking around I'd noted the Viewsonic VX2025wm because I'd seen it offered at several online stores for just over $300 and that's after shipping. After doing some reading about this monitor, the only real flaw people repeatedly mention is the scaling. Is this a real problem to be concerned about should I choose this monitor? If so, are there perhaps some other options right around its price range? I still like the 19" monitors for their quality in their price range, but if I could find a good deal on a 20.1" widescreen, that might fit in as well. The system this monitor will accompany is going to be a C2D machine with a 1024mb GeForce 7950 GX2, so handling higher resolution on a slightly larger monitor won't pose any issue whatsoever. In fact, taking that into consideration I'm almost rethinking a few things so I can perhaps afford a little better solution.

Any suggestions? And yeah, I'd pretty much ruled out 19" widescreens due to your reasoning that they're just too small, but there's gotta be a few in the 20" range that won't bust my budget or leave me with a crappy monitor at the same time. Thanks again for the help.

Thought I'd add, I've been browsing around quite a bit over at this thread on the Widescreen Gaming Forum checking the viewsonic out, as well as here at behardware. They both seem to rate this as a good gaming display, but again I'm just concerned with this scaling I've read about.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Vuronev
Thanks for the help and also the welcome!

So how would the HP LP2065 fit into all that, say between it and the Dell?

It's probably decent but I just can't be sure due to lack of sufficient reviews.

Just curious, I'll probably end up with the Dell, though I did see a 19" NEC at Besy Buy today with that Opticlear glassy coat like the Sony's have. I love the look of it and with how it would be positioned in my office I wouldn't have to worry much about glare, but wow the cost of just the 19" made me queazy just thinking about how much a 20.1" would be.

That would be the NEC 90GX2. It's quite decent and many people love the coating. I did take it off the gaming/max speed list since it was (relatively) slow for gaming. The coating is awesome though.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Raloth
I've been looking around for a 20" widescreen monitor. Originally I was set on the Viewsonic vx2025wm, but a few more options have opened up for me lately. The Samsung 205bw also looks attractive but I can't find out whether it's true 8-bit or if it uses 6-bit and dithering.

The Samsung 205BW is a TN that uses 6-bit/FRC to reach 16.7M colors.

The LG L204WT has also popped up, but I don't know much about it. Normally the 4:3 20" panels are out of my price range, but the Samsung 204b also looks like it might fit my needs and has the advantage of not needing letterboxing on certain games.

The LG L204WT is a great monitor for the price. It is 6-bit/TN but it has the dynamic contrast feature which I love for multimedia. There really isn't an 8-bit under $300. You could try the ViewSonic VX2025WM. It's OK, but it wouldn't have the dark blacks you mention below. High gamma as well, so midtone colors would be off and overbright unless you calibrated it (this does affect vibrancy, not just accuracy). I've always found the ViewSonics' interface annoying too. That's just my opinion on things. Tons and tons of people love the VX2025WM. I'm just not that crazy about it. The price on it is great, and that's the overriding/deciding factor for many. I've always been the type to pay a lot on something to make sure I'll like it.

I will use this monitor about 50% of the time for gaming, and 50% for programming/general word processing. Rich (not necessarily accurate, but they should be close) colors are important, especially dark blacks. True 8-bit isn't necessary but it's definitely preferred. A major bonus would be built in letterboxing - I don't have the cash to upgrade my videocard every year, and ATI still hasn't put in driver support for boxing.

After reading this paragraph, only one monitor came to my mind. The Dell 2007WFP.

Hopefully someone can give me a suggestion. If there are any other options out there feel free to suggest them as well. I will be picking this up at an actual store where I can check for dead pixels beforehand, so availability is somewhat of a concern. Budget is $300, but I'm willing to go a little (no more than $100) over for something that will last me a few extra years.

If picking up from a store is a must, get the LG L204WT. I think most people would like it better than the VX2025WM despite being 6-bit. If you can't find that, go for the LG L203WTX or LG L203WT. Do they let you check for dead pixels in the store? That idea hasn't crossed my mind. Keep in mind, Dell has an awesome return policy (return for any reason within 21 days), so if you do get a dead pixel you can go through that and hopefully get a flawless one. The whole process is rather painless with prepaid return and their fast shipping. But it's up to you.

 

[leglez]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: leglez
I just bought a X800XL from a guy in the For Sale forum. I am now wanting to my (2) 19" LCDs to use with the X800XL. I am not much of a gamer right now, but might be in the future when I get a better PC. I am wanting to keep the budget around $400 altogether so about $200 per monitor. I would prefer wide screen but it isn't required. Other than that I don't know much about monitors, so I will leave it up to you guys.

Just my opinion on things, but I think you'd be much happier with a single 20.1" if you'll mainly be gaming. If you do have a use for dual monitors, that's fine too.

Also, 19" widescreens are really short. If you decide to go that route, the Hanns G sounds the best. If you want regular aspect, I'd get two Samsung 940BFs if possible, but if your budget doesn't allow then try a couple BenQ FP93GXs. You can get these for $209 each at Newegg after a mail-in rebate that's valid for 2 per household.

Thanks for the reply. Sorry for the confusion, I mean't I don't game much now, and if I might do some in the future, but I will never be a real hardcore gamer. Maybe Counterstrike, Diablo, or Age of Empires. Has anyone here used that Hans G? Is it a good monitor?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: jimmaz69
Hey folks.

Welcome.

Wicked thread! I have been looking for my first LCD for a while now and keep coming across great reviews for the Hyundai L90d+. I know that it is a realtively old panel now so wondered how it would stack up against something like the Samsung 940BF?

The 940BF is better on all counts. That may sound biased, and it is, for big reasons. The Samsung is faster and colors are better. Interface/overall features are better.

I need something for mostly games but also quite a lot of web browsing and basic application work. Both screens are about the same price in the UK and i am attracted by the uniformity rating of the Hyundai having witnessed some horrendous backlight bleed on a friends LG 1980Q.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

The Samsung 940BF sounds perfect so I wouldn't even worry about the LG. Uniformity of Samsungs has always been great.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Shiymmas
Thanks for the response, xtknight. That was one of the few I'd narrowed my list down to.

Today, though, in looking around I'd noted the Viewsonic VX2025wm because I'd seen it offered at several online stores for just over $300 and that's after shipping. After doing some reading about this monitor, the only real flaw people repeatedly mention is the scaling. Is this a real problem to be concerned about should I choose this monitor?

The VX2025WM is a pretty good value, still I'd prefer the LG L203s or L204. It seems to have DVI issues if that's what you mean. My previous ViewSonic VP930b had scaling problems (720p would not input). Not a problem if you're using it with your PC, but if you hook it up to external devices it could be.

If so, are there perhaps some other options right around its price range? I still like the 19" monitors for their quality in their price range, but if I could find a good deal on a 20.1" widescreen, that might fit in as well.

Like I said above the LG L203WT/L203WTX or L204WT are also a great value and awesome all-around.

The system this monitor will accompany is going to be a C2D machine with a 1024mb GeForce 7950 GX2, so handling higher resolution on a slightly larger monitor won't pose any issue whatsoever. In fact, taking that into consideration I'm almost rethinking a few things so I can perhaps afford a little better solution.

See if you can possibly fit the Dell 2007WFP into your budget.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: leglez
Thanks for the reply. Sorry for the confusion, I mean't I don't game much now, and if I might do some in the future, but I will never be a real hardcore gamer. Maybe Counterstrike, Diablo, or Age of Empires. Has anyone here used that Hans G? Is it a good monitor?

I don't know...tons of great reviews on Newegg though.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Tifosi248F1
I finally ordered a monitor today after thinking about it for some time and waiting for price changes. Darn thing went up the day before I was going to order it originaly. So in a few days I will be adding my own impressions of the NEC 2070nx. I must thank xtknight for this thread. Your knowledge and advice were extremely helpful, and I'm sure everyone else would agree. For anyone interested in the NEC 2070nx, check back in a week or so to see how I rate it, and if you were waiting on it to come down, only $485 with shipping at Newegg, not sure for how long.

Great! I'm looking forward to hearing how you like it.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Vuronev
So how would the HP LP2065 fit into all that, say between it and the Dell?

After reading up some on the HP LP2065 I'd wager it's very close to the Dell 2007FP, but I'm more confident recommending the Dell. Some reported grayscale issues with the HP (and MaxPC reported image persistence). They both use the same panel (S-IPS, LPL LM201U05) to my knowledge.

 

[Shiymmas]

Originally posted by: xtknight
The VX2025WM is a pretty good value, still I'd prefer the LG L203s or L204. It seems to have DVI issues if that's what you mean. My previous ViewSonic VP930b had scaling problems (720p would not input). Not a problem if you're using it with your PC, but if you hook it up to external devices it could be.

Like I said above the LG L203WT/L203WTX or L204WT are also a great value and awesome all-around.

See if you can possibly fit the Dell 2007WFP into your budget.

Ok, so all things considered, I'm sitting here trying to figure out which way to go.

First up, I have the Samsung 940BF which looks nice, but is a standard 5:4. It's by far the most practical decision, at $260. Price is a huge factor here, so I can hardly go wrong here. Only issue is that I'd be stuck at 1280x1024 resolution, with seemingly no room for higher res on a brand new system that's going to blaze through any game at that resolution. Nothing wrong with that, but feels limited without ever buying it.

Then, there's the Viewsonic VM2025wm which I'd have to locate a reputable source to buy from, but potentially has a $50 rebate right now (would need to look further into that) but without would end up in the $300-320 price range it seems. It's widescreen, which the more I look at these things I want. Almost don't want to settle on a 19" at all anymore due to this. Also, if it did in fact come with a $50 rebate, I'd end up at as low a price as the Samsung.

Finally, there's the LG L204WT which will end up costing me $370 shipped. Basically breaks the bank, but is it worth the extra $$? Haven't seen any potential rebates or breaks on this one - it is what it is, $370.

I'm really having an impossible time here trying to decide. Originally, the 19" was the only way to go, but having spent a ridiculous amount of time on the WSGF today, and reading post after post on the Hardop forums, I'm almost totally convinced that I want a widescreen monitor. The pricing now becomes an issue, where this puts my new system setup over my originally planned $3000 mark, and even further with the idea of the LG, as attractive a monitor as it is. Personally, having read some really bad things about the Dell 2007WFP having banding issues, and looking at its price (well over $400 from most sources) I have to rule it out as pushing beyond what I can afford.

So, there it is. I really, really want to go with the VM2025wm, but am a bit skeptical. I guess at this point, I'm looking for your professional advice, knight, as to whether or not you think based on my usage (85% gaming) this monitor will suit my needs. I've read plenty of satisfied reviews about this monitor at the Hardforums, and plenty at the WSGF as well. I suppose I'm just a bit nervous about pulling the trigger, though, as this will be my first LCD. I have no problem with tweaking this monitor myself, or making this thing work with games if I have to. Bottom line is, I think the LG just pushes the budget a bit too far and I probably wouldn't go that route unless you just can't recommend the Viewsonic as a viable option (or anything else, for that matter).

 

[Vuronev]

Thanks again xtknight, you've been a big help.

I think I'll just go ahead and grab the 2007fp while the price is good, at least with Dell I have 21 days to decide if I like it or not, and since they have a warehouse in town, I'll probably get it in a day or two just like I did with my 2001fp.

I love those glossy coats on LCDs myself, just never found one that fit my price/performance range. Maybe my next upgrade down the road

As for the panel on the 2007fp, I've read that it's a crapshoot between getting the S-IPS and a PVA panel, not sure if I should try to special request one or the other or not. I'm no graphics artist, for work I just like sharp text, and graphics only have to do with my gaming.

Oh well, thanks again!

 

[Vuronev]

sorry

 

[Vuronev]

oops, sorry guys, newb mistake, lag + clicking on reply button = bad

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Shiymmas
Ok, so all things considered, I'm sitting here trying to figure out which way to go.

First up, I have the Samsung 940BF which looks nice, but is a standard 5:4. It's by far the most practical decision, at $260. Price is a huge factor here, so I can hardly go wrong here. Only issue is that I'd be stuck at 1280x1024 resolution, with seemingly no room for higher res on a brand new system that's going to blaze through any game at that resolution. Nothing wrong with that, but feels limited without ever buying it.

1280x1024 is a bit low for a GX2. 1680x1050 sounds perfect and my guess is future games will still play well on that card at 1680 for some time.

Then, there's the Viewsonic VM2025wm which I'd have to locate a reputable source to buy from, but potentially has a $50 rebate right now (would need to look further into that) but without would end up in the $300-320 price range it seems. It's widescreen, which the more I look at these things I want. Almost don't want to settle on a 19" at all anymore due to this. Also, if it did in fact come with a $50 rebate, I'd end up at as low a price as the Samsung.

Finally, there's the LG L204WT which will end up costing me $370 shipped. Basically breaks the bank, but is it worth the extra $$? Haven't seen any potential rebates or breaks on this one - it is what it is, $370.

I'm really having an impossible time here trying to decide. Originally, the 19" was the only way to go, but having spent a ridiculous amount of time on the WSGF today, and reading post after post on the Hardop forums, I'm almost totally convinced that I want a widescreen monitor. The pricing now becomes an issue, where this puts my new system setup over my originally planned $3000 mark, and even further with the idea of the LG, as attractive a monitor as it is. Personally, having read some really bad things about the Dell 2007WFP having banding issues, and looking at its price (well over $400 from most sources) I have to rule it out as pushing beyond what I can afford.

So, there it is. I really, really want to go with the VM2025wm, but am a bit skeptical. I guess at this point, I'm looking for your professional advice, knight, as to whether or not you think based on my usage (85% gaming) this monitor will suit my needs. I've read plenty of satisfied reviews about this monitor at the Hardforums, and plenty at the WSGF as well. I suppose I'm just a bit nervous about pulling the trigger, though, as this will be my first LCD. I have no problem with tweaking this monitor myself, or making this thing work with games if I have to. Bottom line is, I think the LG just pushes the budget a bit too far and I probably wouldn't go that route unless you just can't recommend the Viewsonic as a viable option (or anything else, for that matter).

OK, I'll save you further pain. Go with the ViewSonic VX2025WM. Newegg has it in stock.

Even I was nervous moving from CRT at first (mainly response time) but once I got an LCD I never looked back. The clarity and brightness is amazing and the response time never bothered me anyway.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Vuronev
Thanks again xtknight, you've been a big help.

I think I'll just go ahead and grab the 2007fp while the price is good, at least with Dell I have 21 days to decide if I like it or not, and since they have a warehouse in town, I'll probably get it in a day or two just like I did with my 2001fp.

I love those glossy coats on LCDs myself, just never found one that fit my price/performance range. Maybe my next upgrade down the road

As for the panel on the 2007fp, I've read that it's a crapshoot between getting the S-IPS and a PVA panel, not sure if I should try to special request one or the other or not. I'm no graphics artist, for work I just like sharp text, and graphics only have to do with my gaming.

Oh well, thanks again!

I've never tried an S-PVA panel (only owned TN, P-MVA, AS-IPS) for a prolonged period of time, but I'm sure they're decent. You get higher contrast (generally better blacks) with the S-PVA and truer color reproduction/wider viewing angles with the S-IPS. I doubt you can request a specific panel though. If you decide to, and succeed, let me know. I'd recommend the S-IPS. Not that it's a big difference. You get true 8-bit color with both, and the gamma on both Samsung and LG panels is great.

 

[leglez]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: leglez
Thanks for the reply. Sorry for the confusion, I mean't I don't game much now, and if I might do some in the future, but I will never be a real hardcore gamer. Maybe Counterstrike, Diablo, or Age of Empires. Has anyone here used that Hans G? Is it a good monitor?

I don't know...tons of great reviews on Newegg though.

Oh and also I am planning on getting a Xbox 360 here in a few weeks. Would I be able to hook the 360 up to the monitor and use it? My TV is a crappy 17" Tube.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: leglez
Oh and also I am planning on getting a Xbox 360 here in a few weeks. Would I be able to hook the 360 up to the monitor and use it? My TV is a crappy 17" Tube.

Well if you can get either VGA or DVI from your XB360 you should be able to switch between the inputs on the monitor. The Hanns G has both VGA and DVI in.

 

[Vuronev]

Here's a question for anyone willing to answer.

Should I go ahead and buy a Dell 2007FP now (currently $382 on their website) or hold out and wait til say December?

I mean, anyone think there would be a notable benefit to that, other than just the obvious drop in price that would likely occur?

Are there any new models/technologies that are planned to hit the market in the 4 months or so that I might want to wait out for.

Or is what I can get now about the best I'm gonna get in that segment and depriving myself of using a new LCD for a few months wouldn't produce any real benefit?

Oh, and on a side note, searching around on flatpanels.dk, seems the HP LP2065 has an 8ms LG/Philips S-IPS panel whereas the Dell 2007FP has either a 16ms S-IPS panel or an 8ms Samsung S-PVA. Maybe I should go HP then?

Ha, so many ways of looking at it and probably not worth all the thought, but hey, what else are we gonna do?

Thanks!

 

[Tifosi248F1]

Originally posted by: ViRGE
And the backlight went out on my 2070NX*.:| At least NEC offers advance replacement.

* Or rather, it cuts out after 3 seconds.

I just ordered that monitor. How long have you had yours? I'd hate to get it and be without it right away, even though I've still got my CRT.

I never really thought about it until today, but what sort of impact on performance does running dual monitors have? I know I won't have both on all the time, but is it going to cause problems or put a real strain on my GPU if I'm gaming on one and the other is just sitting at the desktop? I'll have my 2070nx and a 19" CRT hooked up if that matters. I did it before with my CRT and a 17" LCD, but just for a few days while waiting for the parts to a new system to ship, and I only messed with the nvidia settings and goofed around with general apps.

 

[ViRGE]

Originally posted by: Tifosi248F1

Originally posted by: ViRGE
And the backlight went out on my 2070NX*.:| At least NEC offers advance replacement.

* Or rather, it cuts out after 3 seconds.

I just ordered that monitor. How long have you had yours? I'd hate to get it and be without it right away, even though I've still got my CRT.

I never really thought about it until today, but what sort of impact on performance does running dual monitors have? I know I won't have both on all the time, but is it going to cause problems or put a real strain on my GPU if I'm gaming on one and the other is just sitting at the desktop? I'll have my 2070nx and a 19" CRT hooked up if that matters. I did it before with my CRT and a 17" LCD, but just for a few days while waiting for the parts to a new system to ship, and I only messed with the nvidia settings and goofed around with general apps.

I have had the monitor for a little over 3 weeks. Overall it was only manufactured in June, so it's not even 3 months old. The funny thing is that I've got a pretty good idea of what the problem is based on something I've read about someone else with a different NEC monitor having the same problem(it's a fuse for the backlight), but I can't try to fix it without voiding the warranty, never mind I don't have a spare fuse or a soldering iron.

 

[lepump]

Thank you xtknight.. Great reply.
Now I know where to spend money next time.
Hopefully the 215TW has a pricedrop soon.
Birthday coming up in October. Would be a great present to myself

 

[Shiymmas]

Ugh, I hate to bother you guys here again, but one more time

While looking around for the best price/policy I can find before ordering, I stumbled on this LG L203WTX. I know, I should probably just shut up and get what was recommended me, but this one matches the Viewsonic's price, and of course it was recommended over the VX2025wm, so I assume there's something to that. Just figured I'd check to see which I'd be better off with, given their equal price (at least on that site) and why.

Sorry to bother again. Problem is where I live, it'd take an hour drive, or longer, just to find a retailer with these types of products so I can't just pop into a local store and give these things a try. So, I'm just trying to make the best choice I possibly can sight-unseen, via reviews, and recommendations. Sorry to be such a PITA, and the help really is appreciated

And oh yeah... what's the difference between an LG L203WT and an L203WTX?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Vuronev
Here's a question for anyone willing to answer.

Should I go ahead and buy a Dell 2007FP now (currently $382 on their website) or hold out and wait til say December?

I mean, anyone think there would be a notable benefit to that, other than just the obvious drop in price that would likely occur?

Are there any new models/technologies that are planned to hit the market in the 4 months or so that I might want to wait out for.

It's impossible to know, so I've learned to just buy and ignore what may come in the future until the next time I'm considering a purchase. The sooner you buy it, the later the new tech will come. There's extreme doubt in my mind that LED backlights will be available this year, or even 20"s with the new CCFL phosphors (there's 19" one at the moment). I can't see the price dropping below $340 by December.

Or is what I can get now about the best I'm gonna get in that segment and depriving myself of using a new LCD for a few months wouldn't produce any real benefit?

Pretty much so (get the Dell now).

Oh, and on a side note, searching around on flatpanels.dk, seems the HP LP2065 has an 8ms LG/Philips S-IPS panel whereas the Dell 2007FP has either a 16ms S-IPS panel or an 8ms Samsung S-PVA. Maybe I should go HP then?

The Dell has just begun shipping with the U05 panel that the HP uses so it's also 8 ms. I would just get the Dell. There's advantages to getting either type of panel so just take the gamble and be happy with what you get. The HP doesn't have S-Video or composite in, and you don't get the great return policy like you do if you go with Dell. Here's a comparison: http://cnet.nytimes.com/Dell_UltraSharp_2007FP/4505-3174_7-31783700-2.html

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Shiymmas
Ugh, I hate to bother you guys here again, but one more time

It's nothing. I've gone 20 replies back and forth with many people. :laugh:

While looking around for the best price/policy I can find before ordering, I stumbled on this LG L203WTX.

If you're willing to order from there then I would say just get that over the ViewSonic.

And oh yeah... what's the difference between an LG L203WT and an L203WTX?

Nothing as far as I know. I don't know what's going on with that.

 

[Tifosi248F1]

ViRGE: Ah it's good to know you have an idea what it is. Kind of a bummer for it to even happen, especially after only 3 weeks/3 months. Gotta expect a few missed QC checks with so many products coming out of a factory. I ended up with a bad camera a few months ago, second one has been fine. Hope you can get that monitor back up and running the way it should. I'm curious as to what you think of it, even with just a few weeks with it. Mine should be here Monday and I'm dying to get my hands on it.