[Retired] The LCD Thread

[Jamie571]

I've been in the market for a new LCD monitor upgrade for some time now.

I'm currently using a Samsung 172T that I've had for about 8 years now.
Even to this day, I've been very happy with the viewing angles, color, and contrast of this monitor, but I would like a widescreen and a larger size.

I work with many types of 3D graphics programs and have seen just about everything
in the high end/professional side of things.

As noted the NEC LCD2490WUXi2 is an excellent choice for a monitor, but I have two problems purchasing one for a desktop replacement.
1) Price
2) Screen Door Effect/Dot Pitch.
To my eyes the NEC LCD2490WUXi2 just doesn't look as smooth as the PVA Samsung 172T and I use both every day.

One would think that the Dell 2408wfp would be a good choice, but alas the brightness is torch mode compared to my 172T and I could not get the colors right as well.

I then got frustrated and decided to wait.

I came across the NEC Multisync P221W yesterday. This is a 22" widescreen PVA professional monitor in case your wondering. These can be purchased just south of $400.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience or thoughts on this monitor, or could provide me another option.?

I read something that samsung is supposed to release a couple of new PVA's this winter and they are not the C-PVA type for the 24" and 27" displays. Any news on this.

It will be used for photoshop, picture and video editing, web surfing, and the ocassional RTS game.

 

[xboxist]

I think it's worth noting that there is a very unhappy customer base at the Dell forums regarding the U2410. I can't validate their concerns, but it's something to be aware of if you're considering this monitor:

http://en.community.dell.com/forums/t/19302919.aspx

 

[imaheadcase]

I got my U2410 today, its perfect! Honestly I don't see anything wrong with it. I was worried after reading some of those posts.

No dead pixels, no grainy issues (watched Planet Earth some and Contact). Games look good to (Tf2 and warhammer online). I'm using DVI connection.

 

[xboxist]

Question about something in the recommendations on the first page of this thread:

In comparing the input lag of the Dell 2410 to the NEC LCD2490WUXi2-BK, the info given are different measurement types. It says the Dell's input lag is "1-2 frames" and the NEC's is "33ms."

I'm not sure what those numbers mean. What is better?

 

[imaheadcase]

Just a update with using the U2410 all day. Still love it, if i have to make a complaint, though minor is this..
1. The blue LED behind power button is BRIGHT. I have a asprin bottom in front of it to block it though.
2. The touch sensative buttons on the side..putting my drink next to it will actually put it in power saving move cause i guess it detects it near it? Not sure what that is all about it lol Gave me a scare when i first turned it on it kept going into power saving.

I played warhammer online for about 3 hours today, did not notice anything out of the norm, colors look great and fluid. I did NOT notice a difference in the modes from Game mode to media. Not even in TF2.

 

[T2k]

Great news, thanks for the update - just keep 'em flowing, especially about fast-paced games and apps.

 

[albovin]

Question about something in the recommendations on the first page of this thread:

In comparing the input lag of the Dell 2410 to the NEC LCD2490WUXi2-BK, the info given are different measurement types. It says the Dell's input lag is "1-2 frames" and the NEC's is "33ms."

I'm not sure what those numbers mean. What is better?

1 frame is 16.7 ms

 

[albovin]

This seems to be the right place to ask this. For the longest time all 24 in LCDs had a rez of 1920*1200, and now there are a good amount that are running 1920*1080 and im curious as to why this is, and also if it really makes any difference other then a slightly smaller viewspace. I'm most likely going to be picking up 2 new 24in LCDs around Xmass so id like to know more about this.

Im sorry if this was answered someplace in the last 77 pages but i really don't feel like reading 7000 posts to find out

Yes, it was answered here:
http://forums.anandtech.com/showpost.php?p=28591044&postcount=7427

Also see:
http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/2217/511s.jpg

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/8549/711b.jpg

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/4444/612work.jpg

 

[Adrenaline]

I'm not sure that 22" LCDs can get any better right now. Not practically, at least...

The Samsung 2233rz and Dell 2209WA are your best gaming choices, as listed.

ASUS's 22" equivalent is the VW224u, but I'm not exactly sure about its performance. Try the recommended 22" panels instead.

Looks like the L227WTG-PF is going out of stock too...yet another one to remove.

I am looking for a new gaming monitor. I currently use a Gateway FPD2185W which I bought brand new for almost $600 almost 4 years ago. The monitor has not had a single issue and it is crystal clear to this day. The max resolution on it is 1680 * 1050 and well I would like something bigger. I have been reading through post after post after post trying to decide what I would like and can't come up with anything clear.

I know I would like to stay around $300 looking at a 24" monitor that has a resolution of 1920*1080 or 1920 *1200 (I don't know which would be better for gaming, they both should be fine). I would like to stay away from ASUS as I have had horrid customer service from them, but would love other options to look at.

I saw these (http://reviews.cnet.com/4504-4_7-0.html?id=33192411&id=33192334&tag=compare) and was wondering just how good they were. Yes, I used google to try to find reviews but they always have decent reviews for a multitude of monitors.

Any other suggestions I could look at would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[alkemyst]

I saw these (http://reviews.cnet.com/4504-4_7-0.html?id=33192411&id=33192334&tag=compare) and was wondering just how good they were. Yes, I used google to try to find reviews but they always have decent reviews for a multitude of monitors.

If you did indeed use google or even searched here you'd find a lot on those two Samsungs (the 240 and 260, WTF is up with everyone linking since VB instead of just posting a model number???).

A lot of the comments esp for gaming are unfavorable.

We have the T260 (non-HD) at the office and it's a good value for the autocad they are using on it.

In the end most of the 'stuff' people are using to choose LCDS and Plasmas are things they wouldn't even notice themselves. Back in the 'day' people chose entirely based on size and price. They didn't care if blue wasn't quite the same blue that printed or if greyscale was slightly flat.

I have always been picky about color and certain other monitor issues as I can see the problems which is why I am still running a Toshiba CX32G70 TV.

However I just made the choice to go LCD for my computer screen (LCD2490WUXi). I will have to see if I am not kicking myself for not picking up a pair of Sony FW900's about 2 hours away. It arrives today.

 

[Adrenaline]

If you did indeed use google or even searched here you'd find a lot on those two Samsungs (the 240 and 260, WTF is up with everyone linking since VB instead of just posting a model number???).

A lot of the comments esp for gaming are unfavorable.

We have the T260 (non-HD) at the office and it's a good value for the autocad they are using on it.

In the end most of the 'stuff' people are using to choose LCDS and Plasmas are things they wouldn't even notice themselves. Back in the 'day' people chose entirely based on size and price. They didn't care if blue wasn't quite the same blue that printed or if greyscale was slightly flat.

I have always been picky about color and certain other monitor issues as I can see the problems which is why I am still running a Toshiba CX32G70 TV.

However I just made the choice to go LCD for my computer screen (LCD2490WUXi). I will have to see if I am not kicking myself for not picking up a pair of Sony FW900's about 2 hours away. It arrives today.

I read through a bunch of stuff but did not see those listed. I was a little tired (it was late) and saw a deal at tiger direct for a good price and was inquiring about the LCDs is all. You say unfavorable for gaming, fine, thanks. I appreciate the help. I am just looking for a good gaming LCD suggestion or maybe 3 or 4 to pick from. I am desiring a bigger monitor for my enjoyment. As was stated before, a lot of reviews are a few years old for some LCDs, and people would be interested in how they fare now. I would love a U2410 but do not desire spending $500 on an LCD at this time.

Congrats on the LCD you picked they are expensive and really nice LCDs. We use those at work, the 20" of those and they are on 24/7 to the point of images being burned into them over time for most of them.

 

[alkemyst]

Those two aren't really listed here for the reasons you will find. They are good monitors, but not top notch. If gaming is your main focus and you are on a budget I'd stick to those listed on page 1.

There was a review with the whole samsung line up I looked at when researching mine.. the smaller ones fared much better overall than the larger, I think the 22" was the sweet spot in the line up.

If size is the criteria then go as large as your budget allows from a major vendor. It's not like it's going to be a crappy experience nor you will be comparing other screens side by side.

If you are going to have more than just yourself viewing then viewing angle becomes a bigger part.

 

[xboxist]

Ok, I think I'm going to reach my buying decision based on the answer to this question:

What is the cheapest, currently available monitor that meets these parameters:

1) 24"
2) non-TN
3) has a hard/glossy screen


Thank you!

 

[alkemyst]

probably the apple cinema 24"...cheap is not going to come with a non-TN and a hard/glossy screen.

There are 22" ones, but even those are up there in cost.

 

[xboxist]

Yeah, I know those parameters are probably going to return only a handful of options, but those are the three things I've decided are most important to me in a new monitor.

I'll look into the Apple (never even remotely considered it) - thank you for the suggestion.

 

[Mr. Tadpole]

Hello. I'm in the market for a new monitor now and have been looking through the list provided here. I've wanted something that can do most things decently, so I've mainly been looking at the Multimedia section, particularly the relatively low-priced IPSs. I was happy when I saw that the U2410 was getting a lot of praise, but I decided to take a look at HardForums for a second opinion. There seem to be quite a few unhappy customers there, and I'm not sure what to make of it.

It seems to have color uniformity issues similar (though not exactly the same?) to the LP2475w, as well as dithering. A lot of reports say they are just fine, but there seem to be many who are saying otherwise. Although it seems that Dell employees at their forum have admitted to the problem on some level and will at some point release new firmware to address the dithering issue?

So basically, what I want to ask is how bad the uniformity issues are, either on the U2410 or the LP2475w as they are somewhat similar. When I see that in the description here I tend to shy away from the monitor, but I'm not sure if I am blowing it out of proportion. To avoid all this should I simply go with the cheaper 2209WA? I am not sure how the image quality measures up (advice?) and it lacks a number of features that would be nice, but it could save me both the headache of a possible qualitative panel lottery with the U2410.

I don't mind waiting until the U2410's A01, but in my experience with monitor shopping I could end up waiting for the "right" monitor forever.

 

[alkemyst]

I just got my LCD2490WUXi in...perfect. Can't wait for my ColorMunki to get here.

I have a lead on 9 of these I will sell for $650 a pop. I will need a 1 week lead time for them to get to me then I will ship out, I am looking into a dropship option but they don't seem keen on it. They come in a plain brown box with nice foam padding, VGA and power cable only. I cannot guarantee that they will not have any pixel issues more than NEC does...however most have said their refurbs have been much better consistancy than original retail.

I am not sure why NEC doesn't sell their refurbs direct anymore, but I worked out a deal with my supplier.

Mods if this is not good to post here let me know, it's sort of a specialized niche sale on an items that's become unobtainable.

 

[albovin]

Dell U2410

http://review.zdnet.com/product/lcd-monitors/dell-ultrasharp-u2410/33772972

 

[alkemyst]

ColorMunkis on ebay, new in box (box is not cosmetically perfect though) $45 shipped

http://cgi.ebay.com/X-Rite-ColorMun...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item414a560778

Just got mine today...the box wasn't that bad...interior contents perfect.

 

[Bolas]

I'm planning on buying a new computer, and with it, one or more 30" monitors.

I'm down to one of two different 30" monitors.

The Dell 3007WFP-HC, which I can get for $999 at Sam's Club.

The LG W3000H-Bn, which I can get for $1160 on Newegg.

I mostly play things like Warcraft III, Starcraft, Civilization IV, and Sins of a Solar Empire, but I'm interested in Batman: Arkham Asylum (don't own it yet).

Dell is cheaper and has lower input lag. LG has higher brightness and contrast and possibly wider color gamut, not really sure. My wife loves photography and I'd share my computer with her.

Any thoughts as to which monitor is better? I don't see much information on the LG monitor anywhere. Which one has thinner bezels, for Eyefinity setup?

If I do end up at some point going with a triple monitor Eyefinity setup, I would like something that is easy to use in portrait setup. Are either of these easy to mount in portrait mode? What hardware would I need to mount them in 3x1 portrait mode, any recommendations?

I would love to try out Nvidia's 3D-Vision but I'm not willing to buy anything smaller than a 30" 2560 x 1600 resolution monitor. Anyone know if there will be a 120Hz 30" monitor out from any manufacturer any time in the next three to six months?

 

[Adrenaline]

I'm planning on buying a new computer, and with it, one or more 30" monitors.

I'm down to one of two different 30" monitors.

The Dell 3007WFP-HC, which I can get for $999 at Sam's Club.

The LG W3000H-Bn, which I can get for $1160 on Newegg.

I mostly play things like Warcraft III, Starcraft, Civilization IV, and Sins of a Solar Empire, but I'm interested in Batman: Arkham Asylum (don't own it yet).

Dell is cheaper and has lower input lag. LG has higher brightness and contrast and possibly wider color gamut, not really sure. My wife loves photography and I'd share my computer with her.

Any thoughts as to which monitor is better? I don't see much information on the LG monitor anywhere. Which one has thinner bezels, for Eyefinity setup?

If I do end up at some point going with a triple monitor Eyefinity setup, I would like something that is easy to use in portrait setup. Are either of these easy to mount in portrait mode? What hardware would I need to mount them in 3x1 portrait mode, any recommendations?

I would love to try out Nvidia's 3D-Vision but I'm not willing to buy anything smaller than a 30" 2560 x 1600 resolution monitor. Anyone know if there will be a 120Hz 30" monitor out from any manufacturer any time in the next three to six months?

I would not buy an LCD from newegg for half price. Their return policy sucks on dead pixels (8 dead pixls is a bunch of crap). Find out what Sam's Club return policy is for dead pixels. Also, Sam's Club should have cheaply priced extended warranties.

 

[mgutz]

Warning! I ordered the Dell U2410 model based on the list. While the colors were good, the text is grainy (anti-glare coating is coarse, dithering is also a problem). Read about it in other forums as well as on Dell's before purchasing. I don't know how the U2410 made its way to the #1 panel for office work. A cheap Acer panel is better suited for office work from what I saw. Needless to say I returned the U2410.

I was expecting the U2410 to be better than the DoubleSight 263N I purchased a while back from recommendations in this thread. It was not. Is there anything comparable to iMac displays that isn't glossy? I love the silkiness of the new iMacs but the glass reflects too much. I do 70% coding and 30% design. Any recommendations?

 

[alkemyst]

Why'd you get another comparable 24" when you already had one?

Also to others....newegg's policy is in effect to more or less force one to go through the manufacturer.

 

[xtknight]

great info!

I'm shopping for a new gaming monitor...
I think I've decided on the Asus VK246H or VK266H. I cant figure out which size to get!

stepping up from a 2007WFP

any thoughts or suggestions?

any other monitors I should be looking at?

thanks in advance!

I would recommend a 26". I like the font size the 26" size offers.

Any word yet on when an inexpensive e-IPS LED back-lit monitor is going to arrive?

I don't know, I would not expect this soon. I would maybe expect wide gamut eIPS, but that might be awhile too.

This seems to be the right place to ask this. For the longest time all 24 in LCDs had a rez of 1920*1200, and now there are a good amount that are running 1920*1080 and im curious as to why this is, and also if it really makes any difference other then a slightly smaller viewspace. I'm most likely going to be picking up 2 new 24in LCDs around Xmass so id like to know more about this.

Im sorry if this was answered someplace in the last 77 pages but i really don't feel like reading 7000 posts to find out

1920x1080 is 1080p and it is the 16:9 ratio that TV people are used to. It makes it more convenient to watch HD media with 1:1 mapping. It does not make any difference except the 120 less vertical pixels. I don't think this is a big deal, but if you are looking for something bigger, there is always 30" at 2560x1600, 16:10.

As to why they used to have more 1920x1200, I'm not sure. They figured the "true" 1080 ones sold more. It is sometimes about the popular market, not about what is "better". However, 1080 definitely makes sense if you watch 1920x1080 material. As you know, LCDs are fixed-pixel displays and that means they must scale to match another resolution. 1920x1080 needs to somehow be projected onto 1920x1200 either by black bars or upsampling.

 

[xtknight]

Warning! I ordered the Dell U2410 model based on the list. While the colors were good, the text is grainy (anti-glare coating is coarse, dithering is also a problem). Read about it in other forums as well as on Dell's before purchasing. I don't know how the U2410 made its way to the #1 panel for office work. A cheap Acer panel is better suited for office work from what I saw. Needless to say I returned the U2410.

I was expecting the U2410 to be better than the DoubleSight 263N I purchased a while back from recommendations in this thread. It was not. Is there anything comparable to iMac displays that isn't glossy? I love the silkiness of the new iMacs but the glass reflects too much. I do 70% coding and 30% design. Any recommendations?

Dell monitors are very universal in the office. They have great ergonomics and many businesses can get discounts from Dell. I think that I will stick by this choice. The 2007FP is also grainy, but I found it great for text use. I think you may want to take some time to get used to it.

You could try the HP LP2475w too. It has a soft anti-glare coating H-IPS panel. The ordering of the office list may not be perfect right now, however there are negligible differences between the best IPS LCDs. Where I live, it's not within my ability to see all the higher end and bigger IPS LCDs. The hard anti-glare coating avoids light better and makes it easier to focus on text, in my opinion. LCDs are not always one-size-fits-all though; find what works great for you. I know people who like TNs better than IPS or VA for text. It's been my experience that the majority prefer the viewing angle of IPS, even at the cost of hard anti-glare coating.

I am very surprised it is not better than your DS-263N. As I recall, you cannot adjust the backlight on that monitor? It's still a good monitor, and I recommended it because it's IPS, but I think that the U2410 would be better due to its wide brightness adjustment and high-index anti-glare coating to block unwanted reflections.

I have used and seen several Dell monitors, at school and in the office, that have the hard anti-glare coating. They have all been a joy to work with for office work. They are my favorite for using Word, and Excel, and very easy on my eyes. However, of course, this thread must incorporate some of my opinion. It may not always be objective.