[Retired] The LCD Thread

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: MrPibb
Hmmm, I'll just throw my "which LCD to get" up here in hopes someone can just shoot me some recommendations to look at. I'll try to be really descriptive in environments and use.

I'm looking for a 22" or 24" monitor for bedroom use.
No sunlight gets through my window blinds in the day and the room light is a single in-ceiling panel light in the center of the room. More likely then not, I game with it off.

Glossy would be suitable...

Looking for DVI and VGA inputs - VGA for an XBOX 360 and DVI for a MacBook Pro to also be used as desktop replacement.

Who knows if you could get the VGA working at certain resolutions with one model or another. That's probably something you'd have to research. The DVI/MacBook should be fine though obviously.

The only work I do on the Macbook Pro is audio stuff so the LCD I'm looking for should be centered around gaming. It will have minimal use playing movies however I'd like it to be an option in case the future tells a different story.
My budget is around $300, but saving some extra cash never hurts.
Extra inputs are also a big plus. At least 1 VGA and 1 DVI but an HDMI port or an extra VGA would be great if possible.

However I'm torn exactly between which resolution monitor because of the capabilities of my graphics card. The card I'll be using is an underclocked 128 MB NVidia 8600m GT from a MacBook Pro. It handles the current games I play just fine at the laptop's native resolution which is 1440x900. I'm hoping that going with a 1680x1050 or even a 1920x1200 LCD won't strain the card too much. The current games I play aren't too demanding. They are mainly Team Fortress 2, Counter-Strike: Source, and Guild Wars. If the combination can handle the upcoming Guild Wars 2 then I'll be perfectly happy. No current tech requirements have been released for the game but they're not supposed to be harsh. Either resolution should do fine for the XBOX 360.

2 Monitors i'm currently considering are:

Samsung 226BW - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824001096

Sceptre X24WG - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824112011

Thanks for any and all help!

1920x1200 might be too much and I really have no idea how good the X24WG is.

The 226BW is a panel lottery, so I suggest the ViewSonic VX2255wmb instead. ($310 AR)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...24116078&Tpk=vx2255wmb

Like I said, I'm not sure about connectivity to Xbox though. Just because it has VGA doesn't mean it works with the Xbox. Another option is the Acer AL2216wbd but the ViewSonic is better at least in image quality.

The reason I don't recommend the Soyo Topaz 24" is because of so many QA problems but if you get lucky good for you...it's better than any listed here, probably.

 

[SCCA Racer X]

Originally posted by: MrPibb
Hmmm, I'll just throw my "which LCD to get" up here in hopes someone can just shoot me some recommendations to look at.
...
I'm looking for a 22" or 24" monitor for bedroom use.
...
the LCD I'm looking for should be centered around gaming. It will have minimal use playing movies however I'd like it to be an option in case the future tells a different story.
My budget is around $300, but saving some extra cash never hurts.
...

I see you are considering a 24" in the $300 price range. The good news is that you CAN find a 24" VA panel in that price range, if you do your shopping. That being the case, unless lag is your one and only criteria, I would not recommend a monitor with a TN panel like the ones you listed.

Browse the posts above for discussions of sale-priced VA panels like the Soyo at OfficeMax, or the Acer X241WSD at Best Buy. IMHO, the worst 24" VA is a quantum leap above the best 22" TN, now that the price barrier to owning a VA is finally crumbling. If for any reason your budget just won't reach $300, then I recommend what I almost did, get the cheapest recommended 22", which right now is the ~$235 Acer AL2216Wbd.

 

[Mallomar]

Originally posted by: xtknight

First I would try lowering the resolution to see if lack of bandwidth is a problem. It's vaguely possible you'd need a new video card. I believe the 2690 supports dual-link DVI (not 2 DVI connectors, but a special type of 1-DVI connection) for increased bandwidth, and that's the mode my card (7800GT) is using.

See how lowering the resolution (to, say, 1280x1024) works and we'll go from there.

You might also try a reset of the monitor settings (top-right-most reset button of bezel).

And to get a better response time you need to enable OVERDRIVE in the advanced menu. As you're turning the monitor on, hold down the INPUT button until you see the screen. Then press the menu button and a more advanced menu will come up. Go to Section 7 and enable OVERDRIVE.

Interestingly the NEC also has an option called CableComp which is supposed to help with long cable connections and lower bandwidth situations. I guess you can try that for fun, but it really should only be necessary for extreme situations.

SCCA Racer X laid out many steps that I was too lazy to type up myself so hopefully between our suggestions you will learn something.

I really don't think it's the video card (new 8800 GTS) because the NEC also looks crummy when hooked up to my old PC (a Parhelia that apparently maxes out at 1680 x 1050). When I had this computer built, the builder knew I planned to use a large LCD monitor, most likely the 26" NEC, and spec'd the video card accordingly. Can I assume this card has sufficient bandwidth?

And right now I'm using my husband's 22" LG with the NEC DVI cable -- and the LG looks real good -- so I think I can also rule out a cable problem.

Can you please clarify the dual-link DVI thing? Do I need to check and see if my video card has that option? Would I need a new cable or cable adapter?

I'll have my husband shlep the NEC back in here and try fiddling with the settings again, but at this point I really fear I have drawn the short straw and gotten a lemon (albeit an expensive, gourmet lemon). I did try resetting the monitor settings already (several times), but nothing I did helped. I didn't try overdrive, but will give it a shot.

Someone suggested I create a white screen (not sure how to do that) and leave it on all night (turn off screensaver) so the matrix can fully charge (or something like that). Does that sound logical?

Doesn't seem like long cable connections would be in an issue. The monitor is about 1.5 feet from the computer. But what the heck do I know?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Mallomar
Someone suggested I create a white screen (not sure how to do that) and leave it on all night (turn off screensaver) so the matrix can fully charge (or something like that). Does that sound logical?

If you want to make the most out of a lemon, I guess it might help. Maybe...

But it's defective and this is not something you should have to do for a new monitor. I've never heard of this helping, personally. Actually I've never even heard it suggested before and I don't really know what it's going to do. It's possible the monitor is so cold it needs to warm up or something like that.

If it was really cold the response time might be slower (the viscosity of the liquid crystals rises).

Doesn't seem like long cable connections would be in an issue. The monitor is about 1.5 feet from the computer. But what the heck do I know?

Nope. I think it's time for an exchange. BTW your 8800GTS has two dual-link DVI connectors as far as I know, more than enough. Better luck next time. Don't read DoctorM's fortunes please (three exchanges of VX2435wm).

And QC issues on the 2690 seem to be more common than normal (more so than even cheaper monitors). I have two dead pixels, plus one very annoying white one in a very unconvenient place which appeared/disappeared.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: czajunia

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: czajunia
xtknight, I am not sure if you remember me asking some questions about Hazro 24'' and your opinion how it compares to NEC 2490. Have you by any chance heard from Simon at TFTCentral about Hazro 24'' additional black level measurements?

No, I haven't heard, sorry.

Well... I just couldn't wait any longer. I decided to go for the renowned NEC 20WGX2Pro. I know that it's slightly to small for me (size and resolution wise) but as I managed to pull one out from ebay for a decent price it helped a bit to make up my mind. I decided to get a smaller NEC and wait to see what are the opinions and reviews on Hazro 24'' or maybe wait for them to introduce a new line of products. I don't think I will be able to lay may hands on NEC 2490 I was initially after and I don't expect too many new IPS monitors coming in the 24'' size in the near future either.

So... I am really sorry if I disappointed anyone waiting for some fresh user's thoughts about Hazro 24'' but I just didn't want to wait for too long. I may still get one though if after using the 20'' panel I really feel that I need extra space and we will get a positive answer from TFTCentral regarding Hazro's black levels.

xtknights - huge kudos for your help and running this thread. Great stuff!!!!! Thank's a lot!!!!

Well you should be happy with the LCD20WGX2 Pro, I've no doubt.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: redlinez33
In the last few days I have tested and messed with three different monitors, the Samsung 245BW, Gateway FHD2400, and HP W2408H. Each monitor has its own weakness and strengths, and I will mention the ones that I found here. This is just a simple PROS and CONS list, to make it easier for me. When testing I did not have a color meter to change things around, which is fine, because most people don't have one. I also didnt have that much experience with the Gateway before I returned it, and that is because of the VERY bad backlight bleeding. Also, each monitor had fast enough response time in gaming, so I wont mention that here. The PROS and CONS are only comparing each monitor, it does not mean they are AMAZING compared to other higher quality monitors, like a VA or IPS. BTW i think the gateway uses the same panel as the samsung.... Jujst as guess though


SAMSUNG 245BW

PROS

• Default Color Accuracy (when set to TEXT or INTERNET MODE).
  Least amount of backlight bleeding
  NON-GLOSSY panel
  PRICE ($400 at Costco)
  Warranty (3 years)

CONS

• 
  Not as VIBRANT as the other monitors
  Doesn't swivel
  Average text quality when not running in native resolution

GATEWAY FHD2400

PROS

• Vibrant colors
  Default Color Accuracy
  Tons of inputs (HDMI, DVI, VGA, Component, Composite)
  ON screen menu is awesome
  Swivel
  Great text quality when not running in native resolution

CONS

• Games at non native resolution looked TO sharp when using built in scalar.
  Only a 1 year warranty
  Glossy panel (but this adds A PRO so it is a matter of choice)
  HORRIBLE backlight bleeding that kept getting worse with time (only took 24hours to see a difference), and was actually noticeable when playing games

HP W2408H

PROS

• Vibrant colors
  Swivel
  Great text quality when not running in native resolution

CONS

• Only a 1 year warranty
  Glossy panel (but this adds to a PRO so it is a matter of choice)
  Bad color accuracy
  I don't know the word for this, but I think its called banding, in games where you looked at the sky or there was fog or smoke, it would show banding worse than the other monitors.

If I think of any more PROS or CONS for each monitor I will edit this post. While in earlier posts I was praising the HP, I really got to test it tonight some more. I knew it had a blue tint to it and I could get close to correcting it and having it at acceptable levels, but what I didn't know is when I corrected it I started to notice a green tint to certain things, especially FOG (sandstorm map in UT3). I tried to correct this but then things just turned red on me (literally). I spent hours trying to fix it, and I just cant without a calibrator. I am not sure if calibration software could fix it. Then I noticed that the banding of certain things (like the sandstorm in the map sandstorm (creative eh?) in UT3 and the sky in Crysis) was much worse on the HP W2408H than the other monitors.


While I think all three monitors are at least DECENT, and each would be good enough for games, only one is worth the purchase if you don't have a calibrator. The winner for me atleast is.................................






















Samsung 245BW

It has least amount of problems, and the lowest price with the best warranty. The only thing I wish the Samsung did better was text in non native resolutions.

Thanks for the overview. I've moved the Samsung above the FHD2400 in the Recommendations due to your post. But I still don't know about the w2408. I might add it below both. Did you like the HP better than the Gateway overall then? If the Samsung didn't exist which of those (HP, Gateway) would you keep?

 

[redlinez33]

Samsung is definitely above the other two in terms of overall value and picture...

The Gateway had horrible backlight bleeding and bad DARK details in certain games. This could of been caused by the backlight bleeding messing things up. Crysis in dark areas was very bad. Its a tough call between the HP w2408H and the Gateway in terms of picture quality.... You can always fix (or get close to) fixing the bad colors on the HP with a colormeter or possibly with luck with just settings on the monitor, but you cannot fix the backlight bleeding and the bad dark details in the gateway.

In terms of picture then I would probably give the HP the overall advantage, its close though.

With the quality control issues of the Gateway and the HP having some funky color issues this should be cause for concern though. It should be noted with the Gateway having these problems, I am not sure if I would want that monitor for watching movies (especially moves with dark scenes) because of that issue.

 

[Mallomar]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Then I think you should waste no time getting an RMA for this monitor. It seems to be obviously/clearly defective. You might try the Reset button on it first but I doubt that would fix anything and it shouldn't have shipped with messed up settings.

Depending on which store you ordered it from, you may have to contact NEC directly for replacements. Check the store's return policies for LCDs or even a specific policy for this monitor which would probably be listed on its product/specs/order page.

I bought it from Buy.com, but when I called NEC's tech support about an hour ago, the guy said it was DOA and I should return it to NEC, not Buy.com. Okay by me! I already submitted the paperwork, and as soon as NEC "authorizes" it as a DOA (as opposed to a warranty issue) they'll send out a new one (not a refurb), and supposedly pay for me to ship the DOA back to them. I did take a lot of screen shots of the crummy display before we packed the monitor back up.

It'll probably a week or more to get the replacement, but it can't be helped. Fingers crossed that I get a good one next time!

 

[starcycle]

well I got the LG today - 1 day from newegg, pretty good!

No bad pixels :thumbsup:, very moderate/virtually unnoticeable backlight bleed, and what I guess is an LG panel? It says "LGL 20.wide," if anyone knows what that refers to. I thought these came with "chungwha" panels, but I guess LG also uses another kind.

The colors are very good, but I still need to calibrate it. It's very... BLUE and also a little red. Thing is, I use linux, so any included software is pretty much useless (unless it works in wine, haven't tried it yet). If anyone knows of any good utilities or calibration tools for linux, pls. let me know. I have it set pretty well now by sight, but I'd like to fine tune it if possible.

For the xorg.conf, I just added the resolution to the mode line, changed the monitor name to "L204WT FLATRON Wide LCD" and X started right up at 1680x1050 looking great. I'm still used to the near-perfection and amazing color repro of the 172t, so it will probably take me a little time to adjust to this new panel.

All in all nice monitor so far! I think I'll keep it for awhile.

 

[pcgamer321]

Anyone have recommendations for a 20" widescreen that is still good for general use( I am a gamer), but doesn't cost like $400?
I'm not really sure where to begin, as monitors is not my strong subject.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: pcgamer321
Anyone have recommendations for a 20" widescreen that is still good for general use( I am a gamer), but doesn't cost like $400?
I'm not really sure where to begin, as monitors is not my strong subject.

LG L204WT is mainly what comes to mind right now, but the HP w2007 is even better if you like glossy and if you can find it cheap.

 

[Cheex]

Originally posted by: redlinez33
Samsung is definitely above the other two in terms of overall value and picture...

The Gateway had horrible backlight bleeding and bad DARK details in certain games. This could of been caused by the backlight bleeding messing things up. Crysis in dark areas was very bad. Its a tough call between the HP w2408H and the Gateway in terms of picture quality.... You can always fix (or get close to) fixing the bad colors on the HP with a colormeter or possibly with luck with just settings on the monitor, but you cannot fix the backlight bleeding and the bad dark details in the gateway.

In terms of picture then I would probably give the HP the overall advantage, its close though.

With the quality control issues of the Gateway and the HP having some funky color issues this should be cause for concern though. It should be noted with the Gateway having these problems, I am not sure if I would want that monitor for watching movies (especially moves with dark scenes) because of that issue.

Are you sure that you did just get a bad one?

I'm SERIOUSLY considering getting that Gateway FHD2400. I really like it, even though I've never seen it in person. Aesthetically, it is marvelous. In terms of actual screen performance, I have to go with reviews.

I live in Jamaica but I'm gonna get a monitor from Newegg. I just don't want any problems when I do buy one.

1920x1200 resolution is what I want but I want to get the overall BEST...for under $600.

 

[starcycle]

Originally posted by: pcgamer321
Anyone have recommendations for a 20" widescreen that is still good for general use( I am a gamer), but doesn't cost like $400?
I'm not really sure where to begin, as monitors is not my strong subject.

Check out the L204WT xtknight just mentioned. I just got this today, and it's pretty impressive so far, esp. for the price. If you're a gamer, I think you would absolutely love this monitor. Lots of bang for the buck for a 20", with a very respectable 5ms, extremely minimal backlight bleeding, and apparently 24-bit color somehow. I'm still not clear if this is dithered color, or some sort of newish TN technology that provides 8-bit for TN panels, there seems to be conflicting information on the web. It's full 16.7, though, and looks pretty good. The gaming screens I've seen posted around the web are incredible (check |H|ard forums, they have a long 45 page thread on it). $210 +shipping at newegg, very hard to go wrong, imho.

 

[redlinez33]

Originally posted by: Cheex

Originally posted by: redlinez33
Samsung is definitely above the other two in terms of overall value and picture...

The Gateway had horrible backlight bleeding and bad DARK details in certain games. This could of been caused by the backlight bleeding messing things up. Crysis in dark areas was very bad. Its a tough call between the HP w2408H and the Gateway in terms of picture quality.... You can always fix (or get close to) fixing the bad colors on the HP with a colormeter or possibly with luck with just settings on the monitor, but you cannot fix the backlight bleeding and the bad dark details in the gateway.

In terms of picture then I would probably give the HP the overall advantage, its close though.

With the quality control issues of the Gateway and the HP having some funky color issues this should be cause for concern though. It should be noted with the Gateway having these problems, I am not sure if I would want that monitor for watching movies (especially moves with dark scenes) because of that issue.

Are you sure that you did just get a bad one?

I'm SERIOUSLY considering getting that Gateway FHD2400. I really like it, even though I've never seen it in person. Aesthetically, it is marvelous. In terms of actual screen performance, I have to go with reviews.

I live in Jamaica but I'm gonna get a monitor from Newegg. I just don't want any problems when I do buy one.

1920x1200 resolution is what I want but I want to get the overall BEST...for under $600.

There is a thread over at HARDOCP with people having problems with the backlight bleeding on the FHD2400..... For reviews you do have to see how they got there monitor. If they bought it in store great, if they received it from the manufacture as a review offering, then you have to think did they possibly get the best out of the lot monitor... This is just my thinking.

 

[najames]

More info on the Benq X2200W if anyone is interested. Shows some setup screens in the bottom translated link.

http://www.benq.us/products/LC...81&page=specifications

http://translate.google.com/tr...rls%3Dcom.ubuntu:en-USfficial%26sa%3DN

 

[Cheex]

Originally posted by: redlinez33

There is a thread over at HARDOCP with people having problems with the backlight bleeding on the FHD2400..... For reviews you do have to see how they got there monitor. If they bought it in store great, if they received it from the manufacture as a review offering, then you have to think did they possibly get the best out of the lot monitor... This is just my thinking.

Well that would make sense for a company to hand pick a monitor to send for review.
I kinda agree with that line of thinking.

Anyway, can you link me to that thread?

 

[redlinez33]

Heres the thread, its long, so lots of post.. GL on your decision

http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1231866

 

[Cheex]

Originally posted by: redlinez33
Heres the thread, its long, so lots of post.. GL on your decision

http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1231866

Thanks.

I should find a lot of useful information there.
It might help be to decide to buy it or find something else.

 

[Mallomar]

Originally posted by: xtknight
Then I think you should waste no time getting an RMA for this monitor. It seems to be obviously/clearly defective. You might try the Reset button on it first but I doubt that would fix anything and it shouldn't have shipped with messed up settings.

Depending on which store you ordered it from, you may have to contact NEC directly for replacements. Check the store's return policies for LCDs or even a specific policy for this monitor which would probably be listed on its product/specs/order page.

I wonder if I made a mistake by dealing directly with NEC for the exchange? Buy.com's product page says nothing at all about their return policy. I've e-mailed them, but will call tomorrow if they don't respond. BTW, I searched Buy.com for LCD monitor return policy, but the results turned up only a Linda Ronstadt Box Set. :laugh:

I initially called NEC to find out what I could do to try to adjust the monitor -- I still wasn't sure it was defective. I described the problems to the NEC guy (and my troubleshooting attempts, including hooking up the monitor to my other PC with a different cable) and asked him what I should do to fix the problems. When the guy said it was defective, there was nothing I could do to adjust the problems, and they would replace it, I said "So I shouldn't send it back to Buy.com?" and said no.

He assured me that since it would be considered DOA, and not a monitor that failed further into the warranty period, it would be replaced with a new unit, they would cross-ship, and pay for return shipping for the defective unit. Of course NEC has to authorize all this.

I did check the NEC web site, which confirms that a DOA monitor can be returned within 30 days for a new one.

I had done a bunch of screen shots of particularly awful-looking image persistence, in case they wanted some kind of proof, but to my astonishment when I open the screen shots in Photoshop they all look fine! Do you have any idea how/why this would happen? I wish I had checked the screen shots before I packed up the monitor. I might have to set it up again and shoot some digital photos.

BTW, I always thought DOA meant the equipment didn't work at all. Apparently that's not the case.

This is all kind of stressful. I hate spending this kind of money and running into problems right off the bat. I just hope that I did the right thing by agreeing with the NEC guy that they would replace it, and that they do replace it with another new one.

And I'm just boggled about those screen shots looking fine. Maybe I'm going crazy!

Mallomar

 

[Butaz]

Did you try this new thing available on http://www.digitalversus.com: free calibration profile for LCD displays. Apple, Samsung, ViewSonic, there's a lot there. Around 60 I think. There are in fact two reviews:
First is "Are our calibration profiles good for all LCD monitors?" :
http://www.digitalversus.com/article-423.html

They write: We give you the profiles for most screens! Great, you say. But will they work with all operating systems (Windows XP, Vista, Mac...) or different graphic cards?
Then: "Download a calibration profile for your screen" :
http://www.digitalversus.com/article-424.html

LCD default color rendering can range from good (the best are factory pre-calibrated) to utterly awful. Color dominances are frequent and lately there has been the particular trend of more bluish colors except in white which has a reddish tinge.
I've tried the one for the Samsung SyncMaster 226BW A version. It worked great!

 

[czajunia]

Originally posted by: xtknight
Well you should be happy with the LCD20WGX2 Pro, I've no doubt.

After reading so many positive reviews and user opinions I am sure I will. I think the only thing I may not be happy about is the size and resolution.
I am gonna keep an eye on the Hazro 24'' model though just in case it turns out to be a good NEC 2490 alternative.

Also, I am thinking about getting a colorimeter and noticed that you recommend Pantone Huey Pro over Spyder2 Express. Are there a lot of differences between these two? The reason I am asking is that I can get a Spyder for about £60 and Pantone is like 50% more expensive (£90). Is it worth spending the extra or will they both do the job comparably? Thank's!

 

[SCCA Racer X]

Originally posted by: Mallomar

I wonder if I made a mistake by dealing directly with NEC for the exchange?
...
He assured me that since it would be considered DOA, and not a monitor that failed further into the warranty period, it would be replaced with a new unit, they would cross-ship, and pay for return shipping for the defective unit. Of course NEC has to authorize all this.

I had done a bunch of screen shots of particularly awful-looking image persistence, in case they wanted some kind of proof, but to my astonishment when I open the screen shots in Photoshop they all look fine! Do you have any idea how/why this would happen? I wish I had checked the screen shots before I packed up the monitor. I might have to set it up again and shoot some digital photos.
...
This is all kind of stressful. I hate spending this kind of money and running into problems right off the bat. I just hope that I did the right thing by agreeing with the NEC guy that they would replace it, and that they do replace it with another new one.

And I'm just boggled about those screen shots looking fine. Maybe I'm going crazy!

Mallomar

Mallomar:

Dealing directly with NEC in your case is the best way to go. Chill, its okay to be disappointed, but when you get the replacement, it'll be easy to forget the speed bump you're going over.

As far as the screen shots, if you captured the screen in software, you'll see the good image that the video card rendered, not the fubar image the monitor displayed. It would take a camera to capture that. But don't waste any more time with the bad monitor. Since NEC is cross-shipping, if you really feel the need to protect yourself, simply hold the bad one until you have the new one up and running. My gut tells me NEC has got you covered.

 

[Mari0Br0s]

Hi xnight,

First of all, let's start by saying that I've read the first 30 pages of this post, but got tired after seeing that there were 139 pages!!! LOL So it is possible that the questions I am going to ask you has already been asked, but I'll take a chance.

I'm presently the owner of a NEC MultiSync FE992-BK and I love it! I've been using this monitor since July 2005 without having any troubles. Anyways, I never had any troubles with NEC's monitor, I've been using them since '98, I had a MultiSync 75 for 7 years before.. But recently, I've moved and my office is now smaller than it was, so I needed to get a smaller desk, and as you can expect, the FE992-BK is way to big, I do not have much space left to work on the desk.

So here I am in the business for an LCD monitor.
Here are my needs:

1- Monitor needs to be white or silver (to match my Mac)

2- Monitor needs to be detected correctly by OSX Leopard, I've seen some monitor not being detected at all, so the resolutions options were not all available, and no drivers for Mac even existed. (it was an LG 22" model)

3- Monitor needs to have a fast respond time, since I often play first person shooters game. (hehe we're never too old to play video games )

4- I'm looking for a 20" widescreen.
5- Monitor needs to have a great contrast ratio and good colors, since I'm also often doing video editing and some photoshop.

6- dot pitch of 0.26 of greater(smaller)

According to my needs, the NEC 20WMGX2 that you own will fit all my needs. The glossy isn't a problem, since it can't be worse than on my FE992 CRT. Presently at work, we have a Spectra View 3D monitor, which is a NEC 90GX2 that has been customized. This monitor looks great, and the glossy does not botter me at all. Also, I've read in the previous post, that this monitor was generating a lot of heat. The customized 90GX2 monitor that I have here, is very cool. I'm wondering if the 90GX2 is suppost to get hot like the 20WMGX2 or is it the customized panel that generate less heat.

One thing that really botter me about the 20WMGX2, are the speakers. Are they unmountable? (Removable from the monitor) I guess they are, since the European 20WGX2 doesn't have them, and is basically the same monitor.

I live in Canada. In Canada, the only NEC distributor is Ingram Micro Canada, so wherever store you buy your monitor, it comes from Ingram Micro. Presently, all available 20WMGX2 are refurbished ones. Since they're discontinued, that's all we can get. They're selling for ~325$ CAD. The thing is, the warranty from NEC is only 1 year instead of 3, and that Ingram has about 90 in stock (white and black together) that are all refurbished unit.

When you see 1 or 10 refurbished unit, you say, ok, this monitor is still good, maybe there were a small amount of defective ones like in everything else. But when you see around 100 monitors that are refurbished, this looks quite like a major defective problem.

What do you think? Would you consider buying a 20WMGX2 for ~325$ USD (USD & CAD are about even), with only 1 year warranty, even if there's 100 of them that were defective?

The alternative monitor I've found, is the NEC MultiSync LCD2070WNX, which is ~380$ and is 10ms. Since the 20WMGX2's cheaper, and has a 6 ms refresh rate...

The main question is, do you have any experience with the LCD2070WNX and what would be better, a 380$ LCD2070WNX brand new with 3 years warranty or a 325$ refurbished 1 yars warranty 20WMGX2, which seems to have a manufacture problem because of the number of refurbished unit?

Thanks in advance,

 

[czajunia]

More colorimeter questions.

How do Pantone Huey Pro and Spyder2 Express compare to Eye-One Display2? What is the difference between GretagMacbeth and Pantone versions of Eye-One Display2. I read that they are the same products sold under different brands. Is this correct and is the bundled software the same for both products? Cheers!

 

[Engraver]

Originally posted by: czajunia
More colorimeter questions.

How does Pantone Huey Pro and Spyder2 Express compare to Eye-One Display2? What is the difference between GretagMacbeth and Pantone versions of Eye-One Display2. I read that they are the same products sold under different brands. Is this correct and is the bundled software the same for both products? Cheers!

We have the GretagMacbeth Eye-One and it didn't even come with a manual. Luckily, I'm not the sucker that has to do color critical work.

Vector art 4tehwin