[Retired] The LCD Thread

[xtknight]

I'm looking for a good 24'' Monitor.
I was thinking about Dell U2410 but as everyone I'm worried about the problems I can have with it.
Now I was thinking to wait a new Rev that will fix not all, but something.

So, I will need a good suggestion for a nice budget monitor, that I can pass later to my second pc. Even a good TN one will do good I think.
I use the monitor mainly for design, video editing, and some gaming.
The cheap one will be used for office purpose when I will get mine.

Any suggestion?

Something tells me there will be no rev to fix the uniformity issues. Dell can not fix that themselves, LG needs to fix their panel.

Try an ASUS TN panel as recommended in the OP. I should be recommending the ASUS panels for office work as well as gaming, however I guess this was an oversight. TN panels are also fine for office work, although not as good as VA/IPS.

 

[Adrenaline]

The T260HD is not too good. I would try the ASUS as CrystalBay did. For gaming I am thinking TN is the best idea for you, and the ASUS has best-in-class response time.

Thanks for the help. I did smoe more research and will look at getting that ASUS LCD when I can finally get my video card. I have been looking and waiting for a XFX 5870 but I refuse to overpay like crazy for one. If it doesn't become available soon I will just grab a GTX260 and be happy.

 

[tukulka]

Something tells me there will be no rev to fix the uniformity issues. Dell can not fix that themselves, LG needs to fix their panel.

Try an ASUS TN panel as recommended in the OP. I should be recommending the ASUS panels for office work as well as gaming, however I guess this was an oversight. TN panels are also fine for office work, although not as good as VA/IPS.

Dell should releas e new firmware to solve some problem. Not uniformity and thay said to have the new firmware one must send back the monitor to them.
So even if I want to try the panel uniformity lottery I will wait till they ship new firmware monitor at least.

 

[Winterpool]

Well, this isn't good. Over on Hard|Forum, Alsheron (the punter attempting to return his NEC EA231WMi owing to uniformity issues) has been told that

After evaluation by our technical centre, there has been no fault found with the display and the unit is in specification. Therefore further exchanges would be of the same quality. I advise you to contact your dealer if the monitor doesn’t meet your needs.

Now, we all know there are widespread uniformity issues with LG.Display IPS panels. But to look at it from NEC's perspective, 'in specification' might mean, 'For $300-something, this is all we can provide, given LG.Display's manufacturing variation.' With an HP LP2475w or Dell U2410, it's quite common to get replacement displays with similar issues. It's essentially luck whether one will get an acceptable LG panel.

Without actual statistical data, I don't think one can conclude that the proportion of unacceptable panels is any higher with the 23-inch LM230WF2 than the 24-inch LM240WU4. But with Dell and HP, at least one can play the lottery again.

 

[Winterpool]

Now it's possible (and common practice in many factories) that NEC and Apple get the best panels from LG.Display production runs given their circa $1000 retail prices -- ie they can afford to pay LG more for the best samples. In which case, given the lower price segment of NEC's 'EA' business monitors, NEC may feel it's not possible to guarantee a certain quality level, especially since they don't make the actual LCD panels.

Of course there could in fact be quality differences between the 22, 23, and 24-inch IPS panels LG.Display is making. Is LG likely to be simply cutting different-sized panels from essentially the same material, or all these panels coming off different manufacturing facilities?

 

[poohbear]

i didnt see the samsung T260HD on ur list, is this monitor good for gaming and general use? I'm not a photo editor and i watch some movies on my lcd, but i mostly interested in gaming. i have the samsung 226bw (their previous model before the T22/24/26 HD series) and i'm very satisfied w/ it. The T260HD would suit my needs? thanks in advance.

 

[ther00kie16]

HD ending denotes they also have a tv tuner and remote. If that's what you want, it's a great line. If you find a good price, go for it. I was considering the T240HD for awhile.
However, if all you care about is gaming and a large panel, check out the i-inc and hanns-g 26" or 28" monitors (the 2 companies' monitors are basically the same). I've recently seen $290 for the i-inc 28". and don't forget bing cashback (currently 5% but have been 8, 10 and 15% for tigerdirect in the past).

 

[zod96]

Going to Frys at lunch to pick up the Samsung F2380. I saw it the other day and it looked awesome. I know it has it problems but, I didn't want a TN panel and the recent IPS panels have that grainy dirty look to it on white backgrounds which I really really hate. The samsung has nice smooth pure white. I game with vsync on so the response time should be ok, I think Frys has it for $279 in store right now I believe....

 

[T2k]

OK, so when I was on the brink of ordering an LP2475w I just did a last round for U2410, this time with Bing and I just realized it's still for sale in Dell's eBay store for $499 w/ free shipping... minus 8% cashback in January and it's under $460 shipped... not bad, my friend, not bad at all...

...and I'm itching to try this semi-10-bit mode (via DisplayPort)...

...decisions, decisions, decisions.

 

[Winterpool]

T2K, if you're not in urgent need of a new display, I'd wait till Dell releases a firmware rev for the dithering issue in sRGB mode, especially since that mode is one of the main advantages of the U2410 over the HP LP2475w.

That said, if ordering today, I'd still buy the Dell, as in its wide-gamut modes, it appears to be at least as good as the HP. And despite the dithering issue, Dell's sRGB mode is preferable to the altogether useless sRGB mode in the HP.

Regarding panel uniformity, that's an LG.Display matter, and I've not read anything to suggest HP is getting better LM240WU4 panels than Dell.

 

[Wolfstan]

Just got an ASUS VH242H, upgrading form a dying LG 1970HR. It's awesome, games look great and the "splendid" mode selector definitely helps for games and other applications.

At 169.99USD from newegg, it was a steal. Definitely recommend this monitor to gamers. Response time is rated at 5ms, and it doesn't appear to be any different from my 1970HR. I'm impressed, doubly so because I'm never had this much resolution (ie screen space). Two thumbs up to ASUS for this great monitor. I might post a few pictures later.

 

[alkemyst]

Personally I think the $450ish NEC LCD2490WUXi-BK from edexdeals.com is the best bang for buck monitor and should suit the most critical viewer and not disappoint anyone but the most diehard of gamers.

Full one year warranty from NEC.

 

[T2k]

T2K, if you're not in urgent need of a new display, I'd wait till Dell releases a firmware rev for the dithering issue in sRGB mode, especially since that mode is one of the main advantages of the U2410 over the HP LP2475w.

That said, if ordering today, I'd still buy the Dell, as in its wide-gamut modes, it appears to be at least as good as the HP. And despite the dithering issue, Dell's sRGB mode is preferable to the altogether useless sRGB mode in the HP.

Regarding panel uniformity, that's an LG.Display matter, and I've not read anything to suggest HP is getting better LM240WU4 panels than Dell.

Very good points, thanks. My problem is that I just sold my old trusty 2405 and I needed a monitor. I thought I can wait but then it seems I am getting a 5870 as well so now I really need a monitor....

... so after some deliberation I went ahead and ordered one.

 

[T2k]

Personally I think the $450ish NEC LCD2490WUXi-BK from edexdeals.com is the best bang for buck monitor and should suit the most critical viewer and not disappoint anyone but the most diehard of gamers.

Full one year warranty from NEC.

Well, that's a refurb for the same price a brand new Dell U2410 can be obtained after Bing cashback so it's hard from the best bang for the buck in my books, not to mention that every new monitor comes with 3-year advance exchange warranty (and I didn't mention reports about NEC's less than enthusiastic responses for obvious problems.)

 

[alkemyst]

Well, that's a refurb for the same price a brand new Dell U2410 can be obtained after Bing cashback so it's hard from the best bang for the buck in my books, not to mention that every new monitor comes with 3-year advance exchange warranty (and I didn't mention reports about NEC's less than enthusiastic responses for obvious problems.)

I really don't think the U2410 will be a legendary monitor.

If it pushed native resolution to the next level maybe.

 

[T2k]

I really don't think the U2410 will be a legendary monitor.

If it pushed native resolution to the next level maybe.

You were talking about best bang for the buck. What 'legendary' has to do with anything...?

 

[alkemyst]

You were talking about best bang for the buck. What 'legendary' has to do with anything...?

the trashing of NEC at the end of the quote I quoted.

Best bang for buck for those that can afford a 1 year warranty is the refurbed NEC LCD2490WUXi-BK IMHO. I'd say the 26" WUXI2 may even be a better bang for buck even than the 2410 until it's issues get worked out.

 

[sofakng]

I'm looking to replace my aging Dell 2405 with something newer that has HDMI and HDCP.

I'll be using the monitor only for gaming but I am not a hardcore competitive player. In fact, my Dell 2405 has ZERO noticeable input lag so anything similar with work just fine for me.

I also want to use my X-Box 360 and PS3 so a nice 720p to 1080p scaler would be nice but I also might use a dedicated DVDO Edge for those certain PS3 games that only output in 720p. However, true 1:1 pixel mapping is important. A 16:9 instead of 16:10 ratio would probably be better for me but I can work with 16:10...

How does the Dell 2410 compare to my 2405? According to the specifications, the 2410 has LESS input lag so I think it would be fine for me.

I've also considered the Dell 2709 but despite the much higher price I'm not sure I should go that big right now. I'll probably upgrade my next monitor yet again once 120 Hz input becomes standard, etc.

Finally, if the Dell 2410 is my best option, where is the best place to buy it with a good price and good return policy in the case of dead pixels?

Thanks!

 

[alkemyst]

If you work for a company that deals with a company like CDW, MoreDirect, etc you may be able to order under their account for a better deal.

My VAR came up with the 2410 at around $450 or so + $15 shipping. I was considering the Planar 25.5", the Dell 2410, HP 2475 and finally found a refurb NEC 2490 for $450 and jumped on it.

Feels like I am still looking at a CRT and even better. Watched a few movies, played left for dead, word/excel/email, web all awesome.

1920x1200 is so much better than 1600x1200. Still I wish it was one or two steps up in resolution as I like more real estate and can handle small fonts.

 

[xboxist]

I was considering the Planar 25.5", the Dell 2410, HP 2475 and finally found a refurb NEC 2490 for $450 and jumped on it.

I really want to pull the trigger on this, but this gives me pause:

Used and refurbished items may have slight cosmetic imperfections. Refurbished monitors sold alone or with a computer system will occasionally have blemishes on the side or back of the case, but not the display side. Monitors may also have slight screen burn, but are otherwise guaranteed to be in good working condition.

Does this mean that if my monitor comes with screen burn, that I have to deal with it because they say up front that might be the case? Or can I still send that sucker back?

 

[alkemyst]

Were did you get that from, a NEC Direct refurb will really be equal to new minus 3 years of warranty (and about 70% of the price)?

I got two and they both looked exactly like new. The first had a bad pixel cluster, which was replaced via 2 day shipping from NEC.

eDexDeals.com is a great merchant. NEC stands behind their product.

The 2490 was a top of class LCD.

 

[xboxist]

Were did you get that from

What I quoted is from edexdeals -- I should have noted that.

From here, towards the bottom:

http://www.edexdeals.com/StoreFront/do/page/about

 

[alkemyst]

ahh...the NEC 2490 they are selling is guaranteed to be like new. Pick up a chat with Maya(I think that is her name)...she will tell you just like new save only a monitor cable and power cord as the only accessories. They do come with the rear cable cover which is listed as an accessory but considered part of the monitor.

 

[sofakng]

What's the consensus on 24" versus 27" monitors for gaming? (not hardcore competitive, but just the fact they are "fast motion", etc)

I get motion sickness but I currently play on 24" (1920x1200) just fine. However, I'm thinking about upgrading to a 27" but I'm worried it might cause motion sickness, etc.

 

[T2k]

the trashing of NEC at the end of the quote I quoted.

Best bang for buck for those that can afford a 1 year warranty is the refurbed NEC LCD2490WUXi-BK IMHO. I'd say the 26" WUXI2 may even be a better bang for buck even than the 2410 until it's issues get worked out.

Were did you get that from, a NEC Direct refurb will really be equal to new minus 3 years of warranty (and about 70% of the price)?

I got two and they both looked exactly like new. The first had a bad pixel cluster, which was replaced via 2 day shipping from NEC.

eDexDeals.com is a great merchant. NEC stands behind their product.

The 2490 was a top of class LCD.

ahh...the NEC 2490 they are selling is guaranteed to be like new. Pick up a chat with Maya(I think that is her name)...she will tell you just like new save only a monitor cable and power cord as the only accessories. They do come with the rear cable cover which is listed as an accessory but considered part of the monitor.

Utter nonsense. Refurbished is NOT NEW, especially not in case of a display.

If you guys really believe this complete BS coming from the sales person of the seller then I won't waste my time telling you why is it utterly stupid to think a refurbished display to be on-pair with a brand new one at half the price...

Typical wishful thinking by home users - I bought well over a hundred monitors in my life, refurb and new, CRT and LCD, and a refurb is never the same as a new one, period. You can be lucky and get a very good refurb but it's still not the same as a new one - of course, for a home user it still can be "like I am still looking at a CRT and even better"... ()