YAWLCDDIBT: "Yet Another Which LCD Do I Buy? Thread"

[GoodRevrnd]

Basically the LCD will only be used for viewing text for wordprocessing, IRC, general desktop work, and doing anything on LINUX terminals.
Right now I'm looking at the KDS RAD-5. I was attracted to the low price point and high (75hz) refresh rate. Motion blur isn't too big a concern to me (but the less the better), but crisp text is very important. Can we find a better 15" LCD at the $310 pricepoint? I might be willing to go a tad higher for a 500:1 contrast ratio.

Also, I'm aware that the Envision FFD LCD's are supposed to be coming out in November, but costs are a bit of a concern to me on this one. I know I won't *need* those kinds of response times, but it's something you just can't say no to. I haven't found any place that sells Envision yet (yeah, I didn't look very hard

), so what are these expected to sell for?

 

[azkiwi]

LCD color, clarity and contrast are exactly BAD right now, so I wouldn't wait for FFD - especially when you already said you don't need what it is directed at.

As with any product if you buy cheap you get cheap. Just look for 25ms response time (FORGET refresh rates) and decent contrast (400+) with DVI. If you find those things and still have money get more screen.

 

[subhuman]

Do not get a the KDS you mention. Many of the NECs are better monitors for $10-20 more, and if you do a Dell deal, you can get the 1504FP UltraSharp for about $360. I haven't seen a nicer looking 15" LCD for under $400...

And if price is the main consideration the other Dell 151 LCD is under $300 with the right discounts...

 

[GoodRevrnd]

Who makes Dell's LCD's?

Is the only difference between those Dell's the contrast ration and DVI, and am I really going to notice the difference between 350:1 and 400:1?

 

[LH]

Dells are rebadged Samsung.

Id go with either a Planar or a Dell/Samsung.

The Planar 15"

Specs are 300:1, 450-500:1 and 25ms, for $300-$350

 

[Coherence]

A friend of mine has the KDS RAD-5 is very happy with it. However, if you can find other monitors out there at a better/similar price with better specs and features, then of course go for it.

Don't get anything with a pixel response higher than 25ms, though. And even then, make sure that the response time they give is the average rise+fall time. Some vendors will try to make their LCD's look better by giving only the rise time.