Looking for a new monitor, but it seems now is not the right time to get one.

[GusS]

I've had my 17" Nec XV17 for 4-5 years now and I'd like to go higher than 1024x768 which I currently can't do (unless I settle for 60Hz which I won't). I really wanna go LCD, but it seems to me that 1280x1024 is awfully lo-res for an 18.1" screen. If I want 1600x1280, then we're looking at a 19.6" Eizo FlexScan L771 which at 3 grand is about 3 times what I can afford.
Now, I can get a Hitachi (my #1 choice in crt's) 19" CRT for $240 which would do the job.. except that I was looking forward to giving my eyes a break sooner rather than later.

Seems to me TFT prices stopped going down significantly about a year ago when I remember the IBM 18.1" TFT plummeting from 3 grand to 1 grand. Nowadays it goes for about $850 on pricewatch.
It's the low native resolution that irks me. Still, I -would- get one of those at that price, if I knew that 1600x1280 native resolution screens would not become mainstream in the next 12-18 months.
Will they ever come out with 18.1" screens at that native resolution? Or will it be a case of the 19.6" becoming mainstream?

What would you suggest?

Also I found the 18.1" IBM T85 and the Samsung 170T roughly for the same price.. the Samsung has much better specs, so I'm leaning more towards it despite its smaller size. Anyone had experience with both?

 

[rogue1979]

Another viable option for you would be a Trinitron monitor with a low glare finish. I have some concerns about blurriness on an LCD when playing games, requiring the monitor to change at a high rate of speed. I went to Ebay and bought a 20" Dell Trinitron from CRT Guy for $299 shipped. It was used, but in brand spanking new condition with a full 3-year warranty. Very easy on the eyes, big with fabulous 2d and colors, I am very happy with it.

 

[The_Lurker]

If you want something easier to look at, and have $1000 to spend, i'd recommend a 21" Sony Trintron Perfect Flat. They're a few different models, but i'm sure they're all great. Definately recommend getting that monitor. I've seen Sony tubes (albeit non perfect flat, a Sony E220), but it's a great looking monitoor.

 

[GusS]

Hey guys,
thanks for your replies.. but I decided that I do not want to spend big bucks on another CRT monitor.
So either I'll get something cheap and better than what I have (like a Samsung CRT) as a temporary solution until 16x12 native LCD's become more affordable, or I'll bite the bullet and spend 8-900 on a LCD now.
I spend 90% of my time in front of my computer doing work and surfing.
The only games that I play are NHL 2001 (soon NHL 2002) and Swedish Touring Car Championship (and other racing games by Digital Illusions, SE). Since these games are rather bright, I don't think that the response time issue with LCD's is a factor.

After more research it looks like the Planar 17.4" and the Samsung 170T are the only two current choices that fit my needs.