Trying to choose between two monitors...

[Arcuivie]

I realize there is already an article on Anandtech comparing these two (among other 24" LCDs), but I wanted to hear from some consumers who actually have experience with these (or some with extended knowledge of TN vs VA, which this basically boils down to).

So far I've been leaning towards the Gateway FHD2400, mostly because of its response time and it's relationship to gaming. Whichever monitor I buy, I'm going to have both my PS3 and XBOX 360 hooked up to it, so 65% of it's usage is going to be video games, the last 35% going towards normal computer usage and movies/tv.

For the people who own a Dell 2408WFP, how is it with gaming? I mean, is the input lag really that bad? Compared to those who've had experienced with TN panels as well.

For the people who own a Gateway FHD2400, how is it? What about the weak blacks? Is that fixable with some adjustment? How about the poor color accuracy, does it get to you?

And for those who are pretty knowledgeable on TN and VA panels, is the gain from using a VA panel (in this case especially) worth an extra 200+ dollars? Have TN technologies improved enough to hold up to VA panels?

Thanks! Any alternate monitor suggestions would be much appreciated!

 

[Dashel]

I'm in the same process you are. Check the LCD thread above for great insight and advice.

If it were me, first dont get the Dell 2408 at least until the first revision is out, which I believe is soon if the threads I've been reading are correct. Just see what they fix. Anandtech got decent response times from it but many others did not so I would be wary of this monitor. Personally I think it has potential but the negative reviews based on image lag have made me cautious.

Second, if I were considering a TN, I'd take a good hard look at the BenQ G2400W. I have read many good reviews by owners, it's a good quality and it's cheaper than the Gateway I think. I'd also go see a TN pannel monitor somewhere first to be sure you're ok with the limited viewing angles and such if possible.

Finally, research the Doublesight DS-263N. It's a strong contender for me, and I might go with it but I'm not 100% yet.

 

[Arcuivie]

Well, I'm using an NEC 1970GX at the moment, so I really have no problems with TN panels. I'm glad you mentioned the BenQ G2400W, other than the lack of glossy screen (which is what I like the most about my Opticlear), it seems to be pretty solid for it's price. I'm reading some user reviews now on HardForum, there's a 17+ page thread on this monitor, a lot of posts focusing it on other TN monitors (FHD2400 specifically).

 

[nbowman]

I have an FHD, so heres my opinion of it:

good:
-loads of inputs, can have the computer(DVI or VGA), PS3(HDMI/component) and 360(HDMI/component/composite) hooked up at the same time, this isn't a huge deal, but its nice. with other comparable monitors, your gonna have to mess about with unplugging, and using converters (HDMI->DVI for the PS3, the 360 depends on which model you have
-its bright, and the contrast is good.
-input lag isn't an issue
-the touch sensitive menu buttons are cool, again, not a huge thing, but nice.

bad:
-back light bleed in the bottom right corner, only noticeable when its a dark scene and the room is dark.
-view angles - side/side is decent for a TN, but as usual, up/down is pretty atrocious, how much this matters, depends on how close and where you you position yourself, the stand is reasonably flexible and can help minimize this issue
-the color issues will matter a lot if you edit photos or video. IMO its fine for games though, especially once its calibrated.

Neutral:
-The stand might or might not suit your needs, but it does use a standard VESA mounting interface, so its replaceable. the stock stand is quite stable. (which surprised me, it doesn't look stable)
-glossy, some people like it, others don't.


I have had mine since I found it (soon after it came out ~8 months?) no stuck pixels, lines etc and I use it daily - usually on the computer, sometimes on the PS3.


if you can afford it, the doublesight (DoubleSight DS-263N, 25.5":1920x1200 ) is supposed to be one of the nicest monitors at this resolution, and has low input lag. else the FHD and the Samsung SyncMaster 245BW ( 24": 1920x1200 ) are probably your best choices. the sammy is supposed to have better image quality (not sure in what ways exactly, just quoting the LCD thread) and is ~$30 cheaper, where the Gateway has a nicer selection of inputs.

edit:
after poking around a bit, looks like the DoubleSight is out of stock pretty much everywhere, and if you can find one its guaranteed to be ridiculously overpriced.