XXX OT- Non-divisive: LCD Monitor Recommendation

[Lou_Duran]

My apology in advance to those sensitive to non-gca threads.

To do my patriotic duty of stimulating the economy (and to save my sight), I am considering the purchase of a 22" LCD monitor.  I've been using a 17" CRT for several years, but I suspect that the new technology is a lot better.  I am looking for value (quality for the money) at the expense of aesthetics and a bunch of features.   Any recommendations?

[George Pazin]

I have a 22" widescreen LCD monitor I got at Best Buy for about $150 (give or take $30, can't quite remember, it was 6 months ago). It is the LG FLATRON L222WT. It looks pretty great (mostly eliminates scrolling side to side when folks post big photos!), the only negative is you probably will need to update your videocard as well (I think that was about an additional $100). The technical side of it was pretty easy, although my hard drive did die about a month or 2 later (I think it was unrelated, I just wanted to be covered for the lawsuit ).

The extra size helps a lot when you're in a graphics industry, but once you have it, you're spoiled - I rarely use my computer at home because that 17" screen is just annoying. Then again, maybe that's a good thing, it keeps me off the computer at home.

[Michael Christensen]

In order to stimulate the economy, I would suggest buying ANY 22" LCD monitor that is made in the USA.....good luck!

[Jim Thompson]

Lou,

I love the Samsung 22
Universal Product Code.: 729507700663
MODEL NUMBER: 226BW.

Description:
22 Widescreen Display imagine having elbow room on screen. That s exactly what you get with the Samsung BW series of widescreen LCD monitors. Wide 16:10 aspect ratios let you multitask, with room for more than one application at a time. The extra room also makes working with graphics programs and multiple tool palletes easier. An ultra-fast 2 ms (G to G) response time is perfect for motion graphics editing. And exclusive MagicBright 3, MagicColor and MagicTune technologies give you complete control over outstanding color. All the color. All the room. With the Samsung BW series, it s not hard to imagine. Panel Viewable area 22 Wide Pixel Pitch(mm) 0.282 x 0.282 Brightness(cd/m (typ.) 300 cd/ Contrast Ratio(typ.) 1000:1(DC 3000:1) Viewing Angle(H/V) 160 /160 Response Time(ms)(typ.) 2(GTG) Frequency Horizontal Frequency(kHz) 30 81 Vertical Frequency(Hz) 56-75 Maximum Resolution 1680x1050 Color Supported 16.7M Signal Input Input Video Signal Analog RGB, DVI Sync. Type Separate H/V, Composite , SOG Input Connectors 15pin D-sub, DVI-D Plug & Play DDC 2B USB powered hub option X Mac compatibility O Power On Mode 55W DPMS Mode <1W Type Built-in Multimedia Speakers X Wall-Mount VESA 100mm TCO X Cabinet Color Black High Glossy Other include accessories Dimension Set(W*H*D)(mm) (with stand) 514.6*422.0*219.3 Set(W*H*D)(mm) (w/o stand) 514.6*63.0*353.3 Packing(W*H*D)(mm) 606.0*158.0*488.0 Weight Set(kg) 4.9 Packing(kg) 7.4 Special Features .DVI(HDCP) .MagicBright3 .Black High Glossy Stand Type Simple Function Swivel, Tilt
 

Should be able to find for $350 or less on line.

Here's the best price I found - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001096&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&CMP=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA
$280 after rebate.

Cheers!

JT

This just in $212 at http://shop.boomj.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=SyncMaster-226BW-22-inch-TFT-Active-Ma-226BW

[Andy Silis]

LG makes the best in my opinion! Had mine ( 22" ) for 9 months now and it is amazing!

[Steve Lang]

 

I have two 19"Nec MultiSync LCD monitors (from Enron auction) run by a $45 video card.. kinda wish I'd gone with three, but that was 3-4 years ago..

You might get more with a similar type multi-screen setup

[ChipRoyce]

The top tier brands (Samsung, Dell, LG Sony) are all good, but you pay a premium.

Check out a mid-tier brand called "Hanns-g" over at NewEgg. I've found very good value in their products and you'll save $25-$75 / screen depending on what you're looking for.

[David_Tepper]

Lou -

It sounds like you are attempting to enhance your performance thru the use of improved technology.  Another sign of the "me" generation run rampant.  Pat Mucci would not approve!

DT

[Lou_Duran]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the input.  I am leaning toward the Samsung 226BW (thanks Jim), though there's some controversy regarding the performance of non-proprietary panels in some of the monitors (short of opening the unit itself and voiding the warranty, a purchaser can't tell what he is getting).  I may just go with the best price and cross my fingers.

David Tepper,

Guilty as charged.  Mr. Mucci notwithstanding, I'd go the same route with my golf equipment if I thought it would work.  After years of futility experimenting with various purchased game options, I've been back awhile with my trusted Apex irons and Anser style putter.  Hopefully my soon to be acquired LCD will not be a disappointment like the Tommy Armour, Cobra, Ping, Mizuno, Titleist, Callaway, and Taylor Made "performance" irons and fairway metalwoods I've owned through the years.   

[Jim Thompson]

Lou,

The issue with most of the LCD units is the quality of a series of six to eight capacitors on an input board.  Sounds scary, but for eight bucks in parts and five minutes wiht a soldering iron you can swap them out.  The issue comes up at power up.  I have had it on six different brands of monitors and the problem has always been the same.  There is a 4 vid "how to" series on you tube if you ever need it. I've seen your putting touch and have no doubt you could pull it off, if need be.

Cheers!
JT

[Mike Nuzzo]

Dell's panels got good enough reviews for me to purchase a pair with my last pc.
They've worked just great.
The colors between them aren't exact, but close enough for me.

I'd recommend getting the biggest one you can buy comfortably.
It's like working with a bigger desk.

P.S.
I like when the mouse jumps across the seam from one monitor to the other - kind of like time travel.

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