LCD Buyer's Guide

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Skott
Well, if the picture quality is as good as the 2025 then it should be a pretty nice LCD. Anyone know the dollar conversion for 300 pounds British?

http://www.xe.com/
300 GBP = 552.277 USD

Still, lots of things are simply more expensive in GB anyway.

The lower contrast on that Viewsonic VX2235wm seems to indicate it's a TN. Generally they boast 1000:1 or greater but maybe they're just being honest for a change. DVI-D just means a digital connection. DVI-A is analog and both analog and digital are transmitted through DVI-I.

 

[Skott]

Obviously thats a starting price too. They do tend to come down after a little while. Get it down to say $400 American and it could possibly be a sweet deal. I'd have to see some actual reviews of it first. Right now its all speculation.

 

[michal1980]

oh man I can't wait for that 22 in viewsonic. Might be on of the 1st to own even if its full price.

Currently have a 18in dell fp (32ms) which ghosts a little. I'd call it more that the image gets 'soft'.

but I still play alot of fps.

I sit infront of a pc 12 hours a day, so CRTs, hurt.

I love the vx2025, But it just looks a bit too small for the rez, and it about .5 inches less tall then my monitor now, so that would suck.

This size is PERFECT.

 

[pencilcase]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: pencilcase
xtknight, I was wondering if you've come across this Sony SDM-S95D before. If I'm not mistaken, it has the same AUO 8ms panel as the VP930, and I can get it for £188 (346 USD) here in the UK. My only concern is that some monitors that are equipped with both DVI and VGA inputs seem to display text a lot more poorly when used in VGA mode. I've read that this is the case for the VP930, for example. I don't know if you've tried using yours on VGA. If so, what was your experience?

If this is likely to be a problem, then I could still go for the SM770P, though I must admit it looks a bit less attractive now that Ebuyer has put its price up. Or I could wait for the new SM971P which I believe is due to be released in Europe within July. But I bet this will be even more expensive, at least initially.

I just tried it and the VP930b is extremely good in VGA mode (after using the OSD's auto-adjust). I was amazed. I can't even tell the difference between DVI and VGA. It does depend largely on the quality of your graphics card's VGA output. At the moment I have a 7800GT dual-DVI card so for VGA I'm using a DVI-I->VGA connector to hook up to the monitor's "D-Sub 1" connection. It could be that dual-DVI cards have higher quality DVI-A (VGA) as well. My old Radeon 9500 PRO's VGA output (secondary) looked muddy on a Samsung 710T. I don't think I ever got a chance to try VGA with the 7800GT on the 710T or with the 9500 PRO on the VP930b. Nor did I get to try using a DVI-I->VGA connector on the 9500 PRO to test the 710T/VP930b.

I would still go with the 770P because of the high-contrast. I think you'd be very pleased with it. The 970P is the 19" version of the 770P and it's a lot more expensive so I'm not sure why the 971P would be any cheaper unless it's a trimmed-down version. The 17" model has a finer dot pitch and higher contrast. Is the 770P cheaper anywhere other than eBuyer?

About the Sony: no I actually haven't heard of that model but I have heard of a very similarly-named one (the SDM-HS95D) that didn't post extremely pleasing results in the LesNumeriques tests. If you find good reviews on the SDM-S95D it may be a great candidate.

I'm sooooo disappointed! I ordered a Sony SDM-S95DB from dabs.com but received a S95DRB instead. It's a totally different monitor. The DB has an 8ms MVA panel with a contrast ratio of 1000:1, whereas the DRB has an 8ms TN panel with a contrast ratio of 500:1. Needless to say, I RMA'ed it. It's possible that this was just an isolated error (I've queried dabs on this and am awaiting their reply) but frankly four out of five times I've ordered something from an online shop in the UK I've received the wrong product. This is so frustrating!

 

[The Green Bean]

http://www.galaxy.com.pk/online-store/lcd.htm

is it worth spening the extra to get the 20" ? $1=60Rs.
I want it maninly for general usage and a little bit of gaming. However, I do fine the text in me 17" 1280*1024 a little small. Advice?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: The Green Bean
http://www.galaxy.com.pk/online-store/lcd.htm

is it worth spening the extra to get the 20" ? $1=60Rs.
I want it maninly for general usage and a little bit of gaming. However, I do fine the text in me 17" 1280*1024 a little small. Advice?

The text on a 20" would only be smaller at native resolution so I recommend you stay with a 19" (or 17"?) for now. The VX seems a lot more expensive over there than the US (vs. the 19 inch models).

 

[The Green Bean]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: The Green Bean
http://www.galaxy.com.pk/online-store/lcd.htm

is it worth spening the extra to get the 20" ? $1=60Rs.
I want it maninly for general usage and a little bit of gaming. However, I do fine the text in me 17" 1280*1024 a little small. Advice?

The text on a 20" would only be smaller at native resolution so I recommend you stay with a 19" (or 17"?) for now. The VX seems a lot more expensive over there than the US (vs. the 19 inch models).

Should I get the widescreen one or a normal 1280x1024? The 19" models seem to be about the same price. (Except the vx)...

They increased the tax on computer hardware so now its become even more expensive

Edit: The 20"VX2025WM is 350$ shipped on newegg. Im paying about 530$ shipped). The VA912b 19" is for 210$ shipped. Im paying 310$. The VA1912wb is 215$ shipped. Im paying 325$.

Edit: Its still cheaper than the UK prices

Thanks for the help. TGB

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: The Green Bean
Should I get the widescreen one or a normal 1280x1024? The 19" models seem to be about the same price. (Except the vx)...

Get whatever suits your usage pattern the best. If you get the widescreen make sure the games you play can support that resolution (if you play games). I would stick to regular 19" monitors and only veer into widescreen at the 20"+ segment.

 

[dwell]

Anyone have the Samsung SyncMaster 940BF? My wife wants to get me one for my birthday in the ~$300 range and it looks good for what I do (gaming and photoshop). Any better models in my usage and price range?

 

[josh6079]

Sorry to interupt, and if no one really cares then by all means, continue past this post. I updated my comparison of the 2007WFP and the VX2025: Click

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: dwell
Anyone have the Samsung SyncMaster 940BF? My wife wants to get me one for my birthday in the ~$300 range and it looks good for what I do (gaming and photoshop). Any better models in my usage and price range?

Have you considered the 20.1" ViewSonic VX2025WM ($330)? That would have true 8-bit color and still a great response time for gaming.

 

[ivwshane]

Originally posted by: josh6079
Sorry to interupt, and if no one really cares then by all means, continue past this post. I updated my comparison of the 2007WFP and the VX2025: Click

Thanks for the info. I asked a question in your thread

 

[Dark Alchemist]

XT you sure do get around don't you? Just found you over at www.flatpanels.dk talking about the 20wmgx2 and the 215TW.

I am going out in just a bit to look at the 215tw and would love to see a 20wmgx2 first hand but no one locally sells the 20wmgx2. I would kill for a side by side live comparison though.

 

[eXecutioner28]

 

[eXecutioner28]

xtknight, you won't believe this. Now they tell me they are out of BenQ 91G+. I'm going crazy over here. I mean one shop does have it but it's 40 euros more.

what do u think of LG Flatron L1950B? it costs less than Acer and I could buy it, it's in the sam price range as SMG 940B. It has 170/170 degrees, so said Prad.de... but is LG a good brand? or is Samsung better? I am thinking on 940B.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: eXecutioner28
xtknight, you won't believe this. Now they tell me they are out of BenQ 91G+. I'm going crazy over here. I mean one shop does have it but it's 40 euros more.

what do u think of LG Flatron L1950B? it costs less than Acer and I could buy it, it's in the sam price range as SMG 940B. It has 170/170 degrees, so said Prad.de... but is LG a good brand? or is Samsung better? I am thinking on 940B.

The L1950B is OK. It sounds like your standard TN, no better, no worse. http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,124343,pg,1,00.asp

I would get the Samsung 940B though. I'm sure it would be better color-wise.

 

[pencilcase]

xtknight, my SM770p arrived today and soon after I switched it on I noticed what looks like a grey shadow in the middle area of the screen (approximately 4 inches from the bottom and 6.5 inches from the sides). The shadow itself covers an area of approximately 4-5 pixels. I don't know if this is a cluster of dead pixels, but based on my previous experience of lcd panels and also on photos I've seen on the web, I'd say that it looks somewhat different. It's not as well defined and looks a bit faint. It doesn't change colour when the background is blue, red or green, and the only time it's not visible is on a black background. Have you come across anything like this before?

I tried connecting the monitor to a different computer but it made no difference. My first brush with Samsung's Customer Service was very disappointing. My call was answered by an extremely rude Indian guy who hang up on me after stating that Samsung's dead pixel policy is 3 dead pixels before they offer an exchange. Basically, he just didn't want to know, and refused to give his name when asked despite taking mine.:|

 

[eXecutioner28]

u really would choose Samsung over this LG? why? do u think it's better in games/movies then LG? couse LG has 700:1 and 170/170 viewing angle... but ok, I'll think about it. will surf around and bother you again...

@pencilcase - I think that Indian guy is wrong, couse Samsung's "P" series has perfect panel guarantee...

 

[pencilcase]

Originally posted by: eXecutioner28
u really would choose Samsung over this LG? why? do u think it's better in games/movies then LG? couse LG has 700:1 and 170/170 viewing angle... but ok, I'll think about it. will surf around and bother you again...

eXecutioner28, good luck with your search!

@pencilcase - I think that Indian guy is wrong, couse Samsung's "P" series has perfect panel guarantee...

That's what I thought too after reading about it in Behardware but the guy I spoke to said that that's definitely wrong. He said all Samsung panels adhere to ISO class II and that while other manufacturers may be willing to go one better, that's not the case for Samsung. Now, I've looked at Samsung's UK website again and again but I haven't been able to locate a single piece of information relating to their faulty pixel policy. If anyone can direct me to an appropriate link, that'd be really helpful. The only webpage I've come across making any mention of Samsung's pixel defect policy is on the US Support website FAQ/Knowledge Base which states that for 17" monitors the minimum number of defective pixels allowed is "10 or more" (sic).

As regards Samsung's Customer Care, I can honestly say it's the worst I've ever come across. Their agent made me repeat the model number at least 5 times, as if he'd never heard of this particular monitor before, and was extremely rude and arrogant throughout before finally cutting me off.

 

[Dark Alchemist]

I bought the 215TW and will not be able to set it up until tomorrow but I did manage to see a 90GX2 and that screen was way too much glare (same screen as the 20WMGX2) for this computer room.

 

[Nextman916]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: eXecutioner28
xtknight, you won't believe this. Now they tell me they are out of BenQ 91G+. I'm going crazy over here. I mean one shop does have it but it's 40 euros more.

what do u think of LG Flatron L1950B? it costs less than Acer and I could buy it, it's in the sam price range as SMG 940B. It has 170/170 degrees, so said Prad.de... but is LG a good brand? or is Samsung better? I am thinking on 940B.

The L1950B is OK. It sounds like your standard TN, no better, no worse. http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,124343,pg,1,00.asp

I would get the Samsung 940B though. I'm sure it would be better color-wise.

The 940Be looks like a better buy now, no difference in panel but has a much more ergonomic stand and is a bit cheaper. Just seems like a refresh where they fixed complaints about the non-adjustable stand.

 

[eXecutioner28]

I know, that Samsung looks great... (compared to most of BenQ models) but is it good enough for games and movies, and what's with the angle? I am so lost in the whole LCD market, so many models, but haven't seen a lot of model in person...

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: pencilcase
xtknight, my SM770p arrived today and soon after I switched it on I noticed what looks like a grey shadow in the middle area of the screen (approximately 4 inches from the bottom and 6.5 inches from the sides). The shadow itself covers an area of approximately 4-5 pixels. I don't know if this is a cluster of dead pixels, but based on my previous experience of lcd panels and also on photos I've seen on the web, I'd say that it looks somewhat different. It's not as well defined and looks a bit faint. It doesn't change colour when the background is blue, red or green, and the only time it's not visible is on a black background. Have you come across anything like this before?

Wow, sorry to hear about your crappy experience(s). I don't know, it could be heat that damaged the panel.

I tried connecting the monitor to a different computer but it made no difference. My first brush with Samsung's Customer Service was very disappointing. My call was answered by an extremely rude Indian guy who hang up on me after stating that Samsung's dead pixel policy is 3 dead pixels before they offer an exchange. Basically, he just didn't want to know, and refused to give his name when asked despite taking mine.:|

I hope you didn't catch my case of bad karma. :Q I have only e-mailed Samsung for support so far, but when I did they seemed polite/patient, but all they told me to do was to call. At least they acknowledged the fact I did say I didn't want to call them, but they said I'd have to given the situation.

For those wondering about the 215TW vs. the 20WMGX2 you can check out my article here: http://www.lcdresource.com/index.php?page=articles/20gx2_215tw.htm

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: eXecutioner28
I know, that Samsung looks great... (compared to most of BenQ models) but is it good enough for games and movies, and what's with the angle? I am so lost in the whole LCD market, so many models, but haven't seen a lot of model in person...

Have you read the Guide? Basically, you can not trust the specifications at all. One monitor that has a lower stated viewing angle than another LCD can actually have a higher viewing angle. All TNs really have the same viewing angle characteristics anyway (just like all PVAs are very similar to each other). The market is indeed big, so that's why I try to stay with the manufacturers and models I know best. This has worked great so far. But when you ask me about an Acer I can't provide much on it because, being an "off-brand", I try to avoid them. The same goes for BenQ but their FP93G X has been reviewed and proven a winner. I also don't know Belinea very well since they are solely European.

Nextman916: thanks, haven't seen you around here in a while. Hopefully the 940Be is available in his area then. The only thing that worries me is the 35 ms response time X-Bit Labs measured on the 940B. I find it pretty hard to believe but I took it off the recommendations list in favor of the 940BF which seemed to excel at everything.

pencilcase: I haven't heard back from darXoul yet but it looks like you chose to get the 770P (well, I hope you can get a good one).

 

[Nextman916]

Sorry been kinda busy . :Q! Thats pretty shocking if its true....although i hate to admit it sometimes i notice serious ghosting when gaming. Its not terrible but is still a huge improvement compared to my previous MAG(probably why i thought so highly of the 940b when i first go it). I guess in reality its specs arent up to par for its claim, after reading that article its obvious the 940BF is the clearer choice. Oh well, im browsing for a new display anyways, savin cash up for either that or put towards a new rig+parts. Also again very nice guide you have here :thumbsup: i know ive already said this once but its really evolved into something else. I think its great for all who are in the market for a new lcd or for those who want to learn about the technology, i must have viewed it 25+ times by now. 63,277 views? your the man!