Would this be a good time to buy a monitor?

[Trente]

Hello,


Let me begin with some background information: The monitor had always been the last one to survive my computer builds; because of that I would like to make sure I manage to reach a successful decision about the purchase of a replacement for the current one, as it is going to serve me during the next decade or so. I am using an old Trinitron based CRT that is still going strong although it had undergone some serious abuse by it's previous owner and to add on that, a couple of years ago it had died and came back alive 48 hours later. I realize that it's days are numbered - meaning, It could die the very next day or within months or even years.

I have been paying growing attention to the Dell 2209WA: It seems to be priced just right, featuring one of the best panels around. The buzz around it hasn't worn off and some of the latest posts on "The LCD Thread" indicate that it's availability is now questioned, a conclusion that was drawn in similar places online as well.

Do you think that this deal really sets a record in the world of computer monitors as far as value for money is concerned, so that if and when my monitor dies there will most likely not be a better (maybe even inferior) product available for the same price tag?

Are there any new upcoming products that would revolutionize this market or is this market likely to be in a stalemate for the next year or even couple of years, as far as new breakthroughs and/or technologies are concerned?

Should I be awaiting developments while dragging with the current monitor, squeezing every last drop of life left in it?


Thank you!

 

[Winterpool]

As you've been reading 'The LCD thread', you know that right this moment may not be the best time to buy a monitor if you're interested in the Dell UltraSharp 2209WA, owing to the supply issues. Only time will tell if more sub-$300 IPS displays will be coming, whether from Dell or perhaps the LG W2220P (if you're interested, join TDoran1's campaign to bring the W2420P and W2220P to North America -- presuming you are in N America).

You didn't describe what your typical computer usage is -- that could be critical in determining acceptable displays and panel types. That said, as an all-around monitor, it's hard to beat the 2209WA, especially at that price! My only quibble is the 1680x1050 res (I should like 1920x1200).

Of course if your Trinitron dies tomorrow, you'll have to buy something other than the 2209WA or the LG W2220P. I've still got a slightly wonky Sony G400 myself, though I use it as a secondary display, mostly for watching video. The 2209WA is now my primary, at least until I can upgrade to a 24-inch IPS.

As to upcoming products in the next couple of years: LED-backlighting should become common, and at the cutting edge, we should see (small) OLED displays, probably in premium notebooks (erm... Apple...). I dunno how quickly we'll see affordable LED-backlit IPS displays, however (the current Apple Cinema Display is $900), and OLED monitors won't be big enough for desktop use until well into the next decade.

 

[Trente]

Winterpool, thank you for your informative reply!

The 2209WA is still available where I live (outside of North America, not surprisingly). My current usage is mainly focused on text reading (websites, documents, programming) but as the future monitor will be used on a future rig or even rigs, I think I would like to keep as many options open as possible, usage wise. That is, an all-around product would most likely fit the bill.

Do you think LED is well worth the wait considering the current state of my monitor and budget?

 

[ronss]

look at this monitor and the price....$449...that is $100 cheaper than what i paid....and this is a great monitor,,,and with a great PANEL...no tn panel in this one-
http://accessories.us.dell.com...dhs&cs=19&sku=320-6272

 

[Winterpool]

If your CRT monitor dies tomorrow, I'd buy the Dell 2408WFP, or the HP LP2475w, the exact choice depending on your usage demands (and $100 or so).

 

[Trente]

Thanks, but these two are out of my budget; the price of the 2209WA is basically where it's at. I'm only contemplating whether I should buy anything now or wait for my monitor to finally die...

 

[Zensal]

I'd pull the trigger if you have the money now. The supply of 2209WAs is either getting smaller or demand is out of control. Either way it's a great monitor for a great price. I bought the 2005wfp for almost twice the price, and the 2209WA is the only monitor I have thought looked good for a decent price in a long time.

Careful though. Once you use an IPS, it's hard to go back to TN's.