Hello xtknight! Thanks for making this thread! I've read through a lot, but still confused. I made this post over on Hardforum, but pasting it here so you can help also if you could?
3 moniter setup (24" + or maybe 22) - need help - am I over analyzing?
Hello everyone,
(I know it's a giant wall-of-text, but I'm trying to give all info possible you would need to help me. Thanks!)
I've been reading Hardforum for about a week and a half now, diving through all sorts of links to panel type descriptions, side by side comparisons, etc. I think I've read so much that it's all turned to mush in my brain and I'm lost. I would REALLY appreciate everyone's help in deciding what to get.
As mentioned, I'm looking to do a 3 monitor setup - the basic middle panel with two slightly angled inwards on the side. I"m sure you can imagine what I"m talking about, but here's a pic of what I'd like to do if you can't (just minus the 4th monitor)
http://img157.imageshack.us/my...81863d05837343bam1.jpg
More information: I have a height adjustable desk so I can stand at it, or sit. Right now I'm sitting because I have a 21" CRT, and it's just HUGE and too close when I stand at it. I'm going to be doing the whole "treadmill desk" thing, where you put a treadmill in the center of the desk and walk at 1mph while working, and build a subfloor that is flush with the treadmill so if I want to sit, the chair glides seamlessly over it all. (not the main topic of discussion here, but look up "walking while working" if you're interested in the concept)
Why I need help
-------------------------
I have been using a 21" CRT monitor for about 7 years now, because it is a very high quality CRT. (at least, that's what I was led to believe when I did my research) I never upgraded to a LCD, because I thought they looked like crap compared to this CRT. (it's a Hitachi SuperScan Supreme 803) It's sort of been on it's last leg for a while, and as mentioned in the last paragraph, it will NOT do for my standing/walking while at the desk application. I have ALWAYS wanted to do the whole multi-monitor setup, and think that 3 lcd's is the way to go - this way I can look at a main panel in the middle to do most of my work on, have directions/comparisons/reference material on the second, and even more on the third or chat programs, etc.
I've read so much on here about the different panel types, and the color shifting, viewing angles, backlight glow, etc... I think I'm lost now. I didn't really want to spend a TON of money on lcd's, but I DO want quality, because really, no matter what you are doing on your computer, you are looking at the screens all the time.
I'm worried that getting a lower quality monitor will affect me with the two side monitors angled in like they will be so that I can glance over at them while working in the middle one (and the reason I gave the info about the treadmill workstation is that I won't be moving to the side to look at it, it will just be a head turn)
I went into Best Buy and Circuit City to look at monitors, and the TN screens mostly looked like crap. However, almost none of them where set at native resolution. The ones that where hooked up to computers and running at native res didn't really impress me either. The Imac 24" was AWESOME looking, but it's also glossy. It is an H-IPS monitor though, so that is mostly what I was looking at. I made a spreadsheet comparing the different monitors I was looking at to compare strong/weak points, etc.
My main uses for lcd
-------------------------------
I do a LOT of web browsing, reading, writing. I read a lot of pdf's, and also getting into writing pdf's, articles, etc. Internet Marketing. I'm also looking into building web pages, so that involves looking at code and reference material/guides, etc. I might get into doing some movie making/pictures (not massive photoshop stuff, just putting images together/editing movies - yes, pr0n). I do a little bit of gaming, but not much, and no, not FPS stuff - really I got addicted to MMORPG's, and now I tend to stay away from games, because I can't control myself with them. HD tv stuff isn't that important, but I would like to be able to use my computer as a DVR to record tv shows.
The MOST important thing is reading/writing text on websites and pdf's, etc.
70% - text
15% - images/websites/movies
10% - tv DVR
5% - games
That should give you an idea of my uses and what is important to me hopefully. I started out looking on NewEgg at the Samsung 2693HM. It's a 25.5" TN panel. After checking out TN's in BB and CC, thought "eh". Unfortunately they don't have that model. I do like that it can pivot though!
From reading here I came to the conclusion that I think a TN would NOT be good for me, and also that Wide Gamut would NOT be good.
Do I really have to spend the money for an NEC 2490wuxi (x3) to be happy? The 2690 is wide gamut. The Planar PX2611W is wide gamut and no polarizer so it has white issues in the corners. Same thing with HP LP2475w. If I'm spending the cash for the NEC's, should I just get 30" Dell 3007WFP-HC ? (or is quality not near NEC and will have issues with the angles I'll be using the side monitors at?)
Those are what I was looking at. Also the Samsung 245t or 275t+, but those are s-pva and will have horizontal color shifting, which will be bad for the angles of the side monitors, yes?
AM I OVER ANALYZING all this, and for my applications I don't NEED a top of the line IPS monitor, and a s-pva/mva or TN would be ok for me? There would be a huge difference in price between 3 TN lcd's, and 3 NEC 2490's... (and, here's a pic of someone's setup of 3 2490s -
http://img87.imageshack.us/my.php?image=32490s01yi6.jpg )
If you could help, I'd greatly appreciate it!