I have been researching monitors for a while now. Of course I would love a Dell U2410, or an HPZR4w. 16:10 is definitely ideal. But I still cannot justify paying $400+ for a 24" display. Perhaps if they offered 3D...
Anyway, my current budget was no more than $300. I looked at TN panels at all the big box stores and I could not get past their limited viewing angles, fixed stands, and glossy bezels. I decided to research the e-IPS 23" monitors sold online. The Viewsonic VP2365WB was $288 and the NEC EA231WMi was $264 on Amazon. I read numerous reviews for both and I chose the NEC, not on price, but for connectivity, aesthetics, and a superior stand (no wobble).
The NEC just arrived and I have to say that it quite exceeded my expectations in build quality and design. This monitor is very sexy. For me, a monitor looks best when the bezel has an understated, professional appearance. The bezel shapes a relatively thin frame around the screen with logos that are colored dark gray so they are hardly visible. You also have full control over the brightness LED power light and can even turn it off. I have it set at about 15% brightness.
The monitor comes with all the accessories you would expect in a high-end package: VGA cable, DVI cable, USB cable (for the 4-port USB hub), and an audio cable. Yes, this monitor has stereo speakers that I didn't even realize existed until I looked at the ports. The downward facing speakers are elegantly placed at the bottom of the bezel on either side of the screen. There is also a headphone jack easily accessible on the left side of the screen.
The menu buttons are intuitive to use and you navigate the menu with the built-in joystick. The monitor can be set extremely bright if you want. Personally, I have my brightness set at around 20%. There are also many color profiles to choose from. I have mine set at sRGB (6500k).
I have to say for $264 shipped, I feel this monitor is a great value after seeing TN monitors at Best Buy selling for $299+tax with less features. Let me know if you have any questions and I will be happy to answer them.
Anyway, my current budget was no more than $300. I looked at TN panels at all the big box stores and I could not get past their limited viewing angles, fixed stands, and glossy bezels. I decided to research the e-IPS 23" monitors sold online. The Viewsonic VP2365WB was $288 and the NEC EA231WMi was $264 on Amazon. I read numerous reviews for both and I chose the NEC, not on price, but for connectivity, aesthetics, and a superior stand (no wobble).
The NEC just arrived and I have to say that it quite exceeded my expectations in build quality and design. This monitor is very sexy. For me, a monitor looks best when the bezel has an understated, professional appearance. The bezel shapes a relatively thin frame around the screen with logos that are colored dark gray so they are hardly visible. You also have full control over the brightness LED power light and can even turn it off. I have it set at about 15% brightness.
The monitor comes with all the accessories you would expect in a high-end package: VGA cable, DVI cable, USB cable (for the 4-port USB hub), and an audio cable. Yes, this monitor has stereo speakers that I didn't even realize existed until I looked at the ports. The downward facing speakers are elegantly placed at the bottom of the bezel on either side of the screen. There is also a headphone jack easily accessible on the left side of the screen.
The menu buttons are intuitive to use and you navigate the menu with the built-in joystick. The monitor can be set extremely bright if you want. Personally, I have my brightness set at around 20%. There are also many color profiles to choose from. I have mine set at sRGB (6500k).
I have to say for $264 shipped, I feel this monitor is a great value after seeing TN monitors at Best Buy selling for $299+tax with less features. Let me know if you have any questions and I will be happy to answer them.
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