[Retired] The LCD Thread

[Symmetriad]

I'm in the market for two monitors, as my dual 19" 4:3 LCDs are starting to show their age and wear. Ideally, I'd like them to have the following specs:

-Same or greater height than 19" 4:3, which means at least 21" or 22" widescreen.
-Good color accuracy - preferably a true 8-bit panel, but I'd settle for a good-looking TN.
-Decent response time, as I do moderate gaming.
-$500 or less per monitor.

So far the Lenovo L220X looks like my best bet, but it seems to be out of stock everywhere until at least April. Any other recommendations? I'd be using this mostly for music production, internet tasks and moderate gaming - I have an HTPC for movie-watching, so that's not a concern. Finding a 24" with those specs would be nice, but I'm not counting on it and I don't think I'd need quite that much screen real-estate either.

 

[MotionMan]

As a thank you gift for helping them with their computer "problems" for the past 10 years (think tech support nightmares and urban legends), my 80-plus-year-old neighbors wanted to get me a $300 gift certificate to Fry's. After insisting that they did not need to get me anything at all (all of my kids great-grandparents are dead, so these neighbors are like adopted-great grandparents), I decided that, if they are going to spend the money anyway, and it is rude to argue with someone who wants to give you a gift, the money should be for something I REALLY want.

I REALLY want a new big-ass LCD monitor (and I do not want to limit myself to the selection at Fry's)

I currently have a somewhat ancient 17" LCD (seen on the desk here). I no longer do any gaming, but I may start up again in the future. However, I will give up some image quality for more size - I want the biggest damn monitor I can get (and still be happy with the quality of the image).

You suggestions, WITH LINKS, PLEASE, are greatly appreciated. It would be even more helpful if you also gave me a few PROS and CONS of the monitors you suggest.

I may be willing to add some of my own money (but only for a good reason).

Thanks a ton.

MotionMan

 

[noxis]

Originally posted by: nisya
The input lag you checked is it 2 or 3 frames?

I don't know.
I was checking with an analog VGA connection 1024x768@60Hz and @85Hz (one to one pixel scaling). It was 41ms most of the time.

Now I am using 1920x1200 with a digital DVI connection and I can't notice any lag in this mode (tested with moving windows like a crazy. But it's only my subjective opinion. I don't know how to measure it.

Does the mouse cursor lag behind much?

I can't feel lag with a mouse cursor.

How does the text scroll? Hoes it heat up much?Any coating?

Scroll - I don't see any flaws.
Heat - No, just a little bit on the top.
Coating - No.

But I am not an expert in this area. Just a normal user

 

[j0j081]

Originally posted by: redlinez33
I have some interesting news. I bought a 2253BW monitor to try out and tested out the input lag compared to the Samsung 245BW. According to my results, the 245BW has atleast an average of 15ms of input lag......

the 2253BW is FAST, very fast.......... I would say no input lag fast, but I dont have a CRT to confirm that. The problem with the 2253BW is it makes a humming noise when the brightness is below 70, freaking annoying.... Will post more when I know more .

Btw, I think I am the reason Best Buy changed there return policy to 14 days

I am not purposely going to these places to buy and return, but every damn monitor has a defect, or some kind of problem.......

Did you really get your 2253BW from Best Buy? I just checked the local store today and they didn't have it in stock and when they checked the inventory system didn't know when and/or if they will be even getting it. The guy also checked the nationwide inventory and said nowhere had it. BB employees usually don't know what's going on though so who knows.

 

[j0j081]

hey xtknight,
according to this newegg feedback of the 2253bw it has 1:1 pixel mapping.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824001268

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Van G
I'm looking to buy in the next 90 days. My most taxing need is colour accuracy for amateur photo correction. I don't game and won't be watching TV on the monitor.

I already own the Spyder2 Pro calibrator and my current monitors are Lacie e19bIV.

I've looked at the Samsung 245T and Dell 2407WFP and would like to keep my cost to $500 per monitor and will purchase 2 (Mac and PC).

Any suggestions on alternative models and/or new models using the Samsung S-PVA panel?

Should I consider any 22" models?

Van G

This is a little more than you'd want to spend but I think it would be a great choice: http://www.pcconnection.com/IP...4110944&ci_sku=8290284

I haven't seen reviews on it but it's extremely rare that Eizo monitors wouldn't give you great graphics performance. This is what they're built for. That's an S-PVA, sRGB panel. The Adobe RGB model is a little more but I don't think this is suitable for most photo editors unless you do work in the Adobe RGB space. You mentioned two ~aRGB models but you should stay away from these if you use the sRGB space.

I don't know of any IPS panels around that range. The HP LP2065 could be a great choice because most have been S-IPS lately, but there's no guarantee...

The VX2435 is another great choice around that price range and it's another standard gamut, good for sRGB work.

Edit: Now that I actually realize the S2201W is a TN panel, it doesn't look like such a good deal!

Originally posted by: zod96
Dumb question here which lcd gives better colors and view angles, the samsung 932GW or the samsung 2232GW? I know one is a 19 inch and one is a 22 inch, but when I was looking at these two in the store I could swear the 19 inch looked better.

I don't really know but 19" and 20" TNs typically do look better than 22" ones, for some reason. 22" ones can have more QA issues, perhaps because of their size. The viewing angle issue is another thing like j0j081 stated.

Originally posted by: zod96
Is 1440x900 a good resolution or do most people give negative thoughts on it

Well I don't like it that much......is there any reason why you're asking this many questions? If you're just curious that's fine but I feel like I don't have a definite answer for most of what you ask. Have you chosen an LCD?

 

[muppet22]

i was disappointed at 1440x900 when i got my 19"ws, coming from a 1280x1024 17" monitor i lost vertical space :[

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Symmetriad
I'm in the market for two monitors, as my dual 19" 4:3 LCDs are starting to show their age and wear. Ideally, I'd like them to have the following specs:

-Same or greater height than 19" 4:3, which means at least 21" or 22" widescreen.
-Good color accuracy - preferably a true 8-bit panel, but I'd settle for a good-looking TN.
-Decent response time, as I do moderate gaming.
-$500 or less per monitor.

So far the Lenovo L220X looks like my best bet, but it seems to be out of stock everywhere until at least April. Any other recommendations? I'd be using this mostly for music production, internet tasks and moderate gaming - I have an HTPC for movie-watching, so that's not a concern. Finding a 24" with those specs would be nice, but I'm not counting on it and I don't think I'd need quite that much screen real-estate either.

I don't really know about the L220X; there's few reviews on it.

But, dual HP LP2065s are a good choice. There's a real good chance you'll end up with S-IPS panels (and even the AMVA panels are nice w/ regards to contrast). You're not going to find two 24"s for that much money but for under $1000 you could try the 26" Planar PX2611W. I don't know if that would take the place of two 20"s for you (in terms of resolution, not nearly) but it is also a very high quality S-IPS panel.

But dual 20" std. is probably the best dual monitor config worth getting these days. At least you can still run most latest games at 1600x1200.

There is a more expensive LP2065 model (the EF227A4 is more than the EF227A8). People say you're more likely to get S-IPS w/ the more expensive A4 but I don't know if that's true. I'm pretty sure many A8 users have received S-IPS panels.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: MotionMan
As a thank you gift for helping them with their computer "problems" for the past 10 years (think tech support nightmares and urban legends), my 80-plus-year-old neighbors wanted to get me a $300 gift certificate to Fry's. After insisting that they did not need to get me anything at all (all of my kids great-grandparents are dead, so these neighbors are like adopted-great grandparents), I decided that, if they are going to spend the money anyway, and it is rude to argue with someone who wants to give you a gift, the money should be for something I REALLY want.

I REALLY want a new big-ass LCD monitor (and I do not want to limit myself to the selection at Fry's)

I currently have a somewhat ancient 17" LCD (seen on the desk here). I no longer do any gaming, but I may start up again in the future. However, I will give up some image quality for more size - I want the biggest damn monitor I can get (and still be happy with the quality of the image).

You suggestions, WITH LINKS, PLEASE, are greatly appreciated. It would be even more helpful if you also gave me a few PROS and CONS of the monitors you suggest.

I may be willing to add some of my own money (but only for a good reason).

Thanks a ton.

MotionMan

Well you can get a 24" Samsung 245BW for $420 AR at Newegg, and that's by far the biggest thing you can get for under $450 AR. That might be the best choice for you.

It may not be as high quality as the 20.1" HP LP2065 at around $350. So I'd say those are your primary choices: higher quality 20.1" or decent-quality 24". The most obvious advantage of the 20" is better viewing angle. It might have better color depth but the 245BW's image isn't too bad. If you look at more images or photo edit a lot you might take the LP2065, otherwise, I believe for text/Internet use and gaming the 245BW is going to be better for you. They're about the same for movies...different trade offs there between size and viewing angle.

Edit: oh yeah, I have conveniently included links for you. If you want specifications for each monitor, links for that are in the OP.

For just $300 your only option would be to pick up a 22" TN panel from the OP, pretty much, if you're going for size. The higher quality 19" panels (LP1965 and VP930b) are about the same or a little more expensive than that but personally I'd take a 22" TN over 19" VA based on experience with both monitors.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: j0j081
hey xtknight,
according to this newegg feedback of the 2253bw it has 1:1 pixel mapping.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824001268

I heard about this, and also something about the 275T Plus having a firmware update for 1:1 mode as well.

Makes it the first 22" with a 1:1 mode, I think? Maybe besides Eizo models or the L220X if that has 1:1...

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: MotionMan
As a thank you gift for helping them with their computer "problems" for the past 10 years (think tech support nightmares and urban legends), my 80-plus-year-old neighbors wanted to get me a $300 gift certificate to Fry's. After insisting that they did not need to get me anything at all (all of my kids great-grandparents are dead, so these neighbors are like adopted-great grandparents), I decided that, if they are going to spend the money anyway, and it is rude to argue with someone who wants to give you a gift, the money should be for something I REALLY want.

I REALLY want a new big-ass LCD monitor (and I do not want to limit myself to the selection at Fry's)

I currently have a somewhat ancient 17" LCD (seen on the desk here). I no longer do any gaming, but I may start up again in the future. However, I will give up some image quality for more size - I want the biggest damn monitor I can get (and still be happy with the quality of the image).

You suggestions, WITH LINKS, PLEASE, are greatly appreciated. It would be even more helpful if you also gave me a few PROS and CONS of the monitors you suggest.

I may be willing to add some of my own money (but only for a good reason).

Thanks a ton.

MotionMan

Well you can get a 24" Samsung 245BW for $420 AR at Newegg, and that's by far the biggest thing you can get for under $450 AR. That might be the best choice for you.

It may not be as high quality as the 20.1" HP LP2065 at around $350. So I'd say those are your primary choices: higher quality 20.1" or decent-quality 24". The most obvious advantage of the 20" is better viewing angle. It might have better color depth but the 245BW's image isn't too bad. If you look at more images or photo edit a lot you might take the LP2065, otherwise, I believe for text/Internet use and gaming the 245BW is going to be better for you. They're about the same for movies...different trade offs there between size and viewing angle.

Edit: oh yeah, I have conveniently included links for you. If you want specifications for each monitor, links for that are in the OP.

For just $300 your only option would be to pick up a 22" TN panel from the OP, pretty much, if you're going for size. The higher quality 19" panels (LP1965 and VP930b) are a little more expensive than that but personally I'd take a 22" TN over 19" VA based on experience with both monitors.

Thanks. Based on what you said, especially the fact that I do zero photo editing and 99.9% text/surfing, the 245BW sounds like the way to go.

Any last words of wisdom before I start some serious hand-wringing about pulling the trigger?

MotionMan

 

[zod96]

I'm just curious Xtknight you seem to have all the good answers. I must have tried at least 6 different LCD's these past 2 weeks. I think I've settled on the samsung 2232GW for $390 out the door.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: MotionMan

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: MotionMan
As a thank you gift for helping them with their computer "problems" for the past 10 years (think tech support nightmares and urban legends), my 80-plus-year-old neighbors wanted to get me a $300 gift certificate to Fry's. After insisting that they did not need to get me anything at all (all of my kids great-grandparents are dead, so these neighbors are like adopted-great grandparents), I decided that, if they are going to spend the money anyway, and it is rude to argue with someone who wants to give you a gift, the money should be for something I REALLY want.

I REALLY want a new big-ass LCD monitor (and I do not want to limit myself to the selection at Fry's)

I currently have a somewhat ancient 17" LCD (seen on the desk here). I no longer do any gaming, but I may start up again in the future. However, I will give up some image quality for more size - I want the biggest damn monitor I can get (and still be happy with the quality of the image).

You suggestions, WITH LINKS, PLEASE, are greatly appreciated. It would be even more helpful if you also gave me a few PROS and CONS of the monitors you suggest.

I may be willing to add some of my own money (but only for a good reason).

Thanks a ton.

MotionMan

Well you can get a 24" Samsung 245BW for $420 AR at Newegg, and that's by far the biggest thing you can get for under $450 AR. That might be the best choice for you.

It may not be as high quality as the 20.1" HP LP2065 at around $350. So I'd say those are your primary choices: higher quality 20.1" or decent-quality 24". The most obvious advantage of the 20" is better viewing angle. It might have better color depth but the 245BW's image isn't too bad. If you look at more images or photo edit a lot you might take the LP2065, otherwise, I believe for text/Internet use and gaming the 245BW is going to be better for you. They're about the same for movies...different trade offs there between size and viewing angle.

Edit: oh yeah, I have conveniently included links for you. If you want specifications for each monitor, links for that are in the OP.

For just $300 your only option would be to pick up a 22" TN panel from the OP, pretty much, if you're going for size. The higher quality 19" panels (LP1965 and VP930b) are a little more expensive than that but personally I'd take a 22" TN over 19" VA based on experience with both monitors.

Thanks. Based on what you said, especially the fact that I do zero photo editing and 99.9% text/surfing, the 245BW sounds like the way to go.

Any last words of wisdom before I start some serious hand-wringing about pulling the trigger?

MotionMan

Not really. The 245BW seems to be an easy choice for you.

Well actually the BenQ G2400W is supposed to be as good or better (no pro reviews yet). It's even cheaper and no rebate needed. You may want to give it a shot. http://www.newegg.com/Product/...4158&Tpk=benq%2bg2400w

The Newegg reviews are excellent. Give the G2400W a try, I say. Some type of a review here: http://www.drainweb.com/?p=95#more-95

Other infos here: http://www.hardforum.com/showt...37718&highlight=g2400w

Direct comparison here, better in every category than 245BW(=245B): http://www.digitalversus.com/d...6&mo2=245&p2=2334&ph=1

I'm real compelled to put this on my official list real soon.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: zod96
I'm just curious Xtknight you seem to have all the good answers. I must have tried at least 6 different LCD's these past 2 weeks. I think I've settled on the samsung 2232GW for $390 out the door.

Oh, wow, alrighty then.

 

[redlinez33]

XTknight. I have $1000 MAX to spend on a monitor thats mainly used for gaming.... What you say the Planar 26" is the best I could do ?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: redlinez33
XTknight. I have $1000 MAX to spend on a monitor thats mainly used for gaming.... What you say the Planar 26" is the best I could do ?

Easily, yes.

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: MotionMan
Any last words of wisdom before I start some serious hand-wringing about pulling the trigger?

MotionMan

Not really. The 245BW seems to be an easy choice for you.

Well actually the BenQ G2400W is supposed to be as good or better (no pro reviews yet). It's even cheaper and no rebate needed. You may want to give it a shot. http://www.newegg.com/Product/...4158&Tpk=benq%2bg2400w

The Newegg reviews are excellent. Give the G2400W a try, I say. Some type of a review here: http://www.drainweb.com/?p=95#more-95

Other infos here: http://www.hardforum.com/showt...37718&highlight=g2400w

Direct comparison here, better in every category than 245BW(=245B): http://www.digitalversus.com/d...6&mo2=245&p2=2334&ph=1

I'm real compelled to put this on my official list real soon.

That does look like a winner, doesn't it? and lots of real estate (24"!).

MotionMan

 

[brencat]

Originally posted by: xtknight
This is a little more than you'd want to spend but I think it would be a great choice: http://www.pcconnection.com/IP...4110944&ci_sku=8290284

I haven't seen reviews on it but it's extremely rare that Eizo monitors wouldn't give you great graphics performance. This is what they're built for. That's an S-PVA, sRGB panel.

@xtknight, what's the input lag on something like this? Would you/could you use this for FPS gaming? Damn, 5yr warranty on Eizo...nice.

 

[Van G]

Eizo are really nice monitors. If I were to step into that category I would look at the Lacie and Apple monitors as well although for that money I would probably get the Samsung 245T and get the extra real estate.

I've come across a few posts of new 24" releases this month so I'm going to play the waiting game to see what happens.

Thanks for the reply xtknight.

 

[infinitesymphony]

I'm looking for a 20-22" monitor for $250- or less, mostly for business/casual (non-gaming) purposes. I've been eyeing the Acer AL2216Wbd, which appears to use a Chi-Mei TN panel. Are there any monitors in that size/price range that would top it?

 

[piser]

Originally posted by: Van G
I've come across a few posts of new 24" releases this month so I'm going to play the waiting game to see what happens.

Where did you see this? I want to get a 24" in the next week or so.

I know waiting always yields better results, but if there is credible information on something coming in the next couple weeks I can wait.

 

[Tasiin]

Thanks guys. I've ordered an LP2065, and I'm going to test it against my 2007WFP when it gets here and keep whichever one I feel is better.

I've gotten used to the 2007WFP's quirks, and it's definitely a step above my aging CRT for working with text. If the LP2065 is basically the same thing in a 4:3 form factor, I should be pretty pleased with it. Hopefully the coating is a little better and it comes without any stuck pixels like my Dell, but I'm not expecting miracles.

 

[jae]

College student.. In apartment-style dormitory.. Computer is my bedroom's television (PVR card), stereo (Klipsch 5.1), and sometimes educational use ;-P. Building a HTPC this summer, but desperately in need of new monitor! Current is an unbelievably blurry Dell CRT, sometimes I have to goto lab because I begin to get a headache.

Should I go for 19-24" HDCP (SP?) LCD monitor or 19-22" 720p tv? Would like to spend about $200 (no more than $250 though).

 

[Van G]

Originally posted by: piser

Originally posted by: Van G
I've come across a few posts of new 24" releases this month so I'm going to play the waiting game to see what happens.

Where did you see this? I want to get a 24" in the next week or so.

I know waiting always yields better results, but if there is credible information on something coming in the next couple weeks I can wait.

It's mentioned in here and I believe the original source was either a review of the Samsung 245T at TR or xBit. Author literally said he knew from insider that new 24" panels based on the Samsung S-PVA panel would be coming out this month.

 

[zod96]

After all this debating the last 2 weeks over which 22 inch I should get, I finally stuck with my old nec 20wmgx2 it still has the best colors out of all the ones I looked at and best view angles..Anyone know what NEC's policy is on dead and stuck pixels on the 20wmgx2?