Need Monitor suggestions...

[deadken]

My daughter is in College and cracked the screen of her laptop. She can still use it, but it is getting difficult. We bought a warranty when we got the laptop, but she doesn't want to send it out for repair until spring break (around March 10th). I'm thinking I'll get her a LCD monitor and have it shipped directly to her dorm. She has a HP DM4-2070us laptop (14" LCD, i5 CPU, Win7, 6gb of ram).
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...r1002_usens-001&lang=en&lc=en&product=5128728

Now, here's where it gets interesting. I don't know whether she will ever use the LCD screen once the laptop screen is repaired. I don't have money to waste. As it ends up, I have $135 in Staples gift cards (recent gifts from family and friends). Since I don't have much disposable income (remember, my daughter is in college) I'd just assume get her a monitor from Staples if I can. If need be, I'll sell off the gift cards and use the money elsewhere (maybe buy a used monitor from the forums?). Her Laptop only has a VGA and a HDMI output, definitely no DVI. IIRC, The native resolution of her screen is 1366 x 768.

Of course, if she doesn't use it once her screen is fixed, I could have her bring it home at the end of the school year. I'd use it to replace the 19" LCD (1280x1024) on her desktop. Unfortunately, I think it still be largely a waste since she rarely uses her desktop when she comes home.

Her brother and I both have HP ZR24w's. I don't expect a S-IPS monitor for my budget, but I'm hoping that someone can suggest a good monitor for up to $160. I'll spend more if it is REALLY worth it, but otherwise need to be frugal.

Frankly, from what I've seen, the best prices are on older monitors without HDMI input(s). Should I consider getting a HDMI -> DVI adapter?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...ers+and+gender+changers-_-STARTECH-_-12200621

The cheapest 'decent' monitor that I think fit my needs is this Acer 20" for $90 shipped:
http://www.staples.com/product_9224...10422268&CID=AFF%3A600263%3A600263%3A10422268

Cliff notes:
Need an inexpensive monitor for temporary use.
Available from Staples a plus.
1366 x 768 resolution minimum.
Up to $160 budget (more if it really will make a difference).

 

[Dadofamunky]

There are tons of 22"-23" 1080p LCD monitors in your price range. Some are not even TN panels. Check the 2500K system in my sig for one example. There are many others, some of which are LED-driven TN panels, some of which are PVA panels like mine. Staples tends to charge more than many of these inexpensive LCD displays are worth. NEVER pay more than $150 for anything in the 22"-23" 1080p panel range unless professional work is called for. (Note: also don't buy anything less than 1080p.)

 

[Stuka87]

No claims that this is the best monitor on earth. But for what you need, fits the bill perfectly.

http://www.staples.com/HP-S2031-20-Widescreen-LCD-Monitor/product_864221

It has VGA and DVI inputs. So provided her laptop does indeed have VGA, it should work fine.

 

[xxslay3rxx]

could always get a cheap CRT monitor for 15-30 dollars lol, its a little big but itll do the job, if not try checking on craigslist for simple LCD Monitors, no need to have all the 1080p and high resolutions for something thats not gonna be used often!

 

[deadken]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm still wondering how much use it will get after this month. On one hand I want to get a cheap monitor so I don't feel bad if I never use it anymore. On the other hand, I want a good monitor so there is a higher chance of it being used again. Perhaps I should look for one with HDMI input and then it could always be used with a DVD player or Cable box.

Alternatively, I think I really need to look at some used monitors. Who knows, maybe I can trade a gift card for one? I'm thinking that a used 22" would be as cheap as a new 19".

 

[bba-tcg]

I'd use it to replace the 19" LCD (1280x1024) on her desktop....

Ship her this one.

 

[TemjinGold]

Ship her this one.

+1. Why buy something she won't use once hers is fixed?

 

[cantholdanymore]

Like it was said, she may be able to find a free crt or very cheap crt locally. I've seen people droping,crt for recycling at best buy