8210GUY

Not very up with it when it comes to monitors TBH, I know the obvious about response etc and could probably pick out a good one, but don't know enough to pick the best so could do with a few suggestions given the following info if you guys can ?

I may get 2 if they are affordable, one will be for my system, the other to a new system I am building for a mate which is very comparable to mine, so that should give you enough for system specs I guess, although their video card will be an ATI Radeon X1650 Pro ICEQ Turbo 512MB GDDR3 AVIVO HDTV/Dual DVI (PCI-Express) incase it does make a difference, and just the one as opposed to my set up.

Both will be used for general purpose, no specific gaming or media needs, BUT, that said we both want to future proof as best as one can incase we ever go in those directions, so don't hold back on a recommendation just because it would only suit a gamer say, not unless there are other reasons besides, both of us would rather pay a bit more to get something a bit better rather than skimp and find out later that you need something more if you follow us ?
Our budget is around £100-150, but we may be able to stretch a bit further if it is something to die for that would be really worth it, any suggestions ?

TheMatt

8210GUY, what size were you interested in, and do you want widescreen?

When choosing monitors, I usually look for three things: Resolution, Contrast ratio, and Inputs. If you are gaming with it, then you should also look at response time, but anything that is 16 ms and under will be fine for gaming.

These are two of my favorite monitors:
http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/...250439&CatId=0
http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/...266831&CatId=0
The second one is pushing the budget, but the higher resolution is always nice.

Here is a good 4:3 monitor:
http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/...266827&CatId=0

8210GUY

Thanks for the reply, Well 19" +, but budget would cap that at a few 20" models at best, I say Yes to widescreen, firstly it is always good should you watch a film, and secondly it makes a big monitor not quite so big, my space especially is very limited, but the second one you listed is way too much, but I've seen similar specs for way less, I just don't know the good and bad brands in monitors.

I've been looking through all my links, and keep seeing the ratio of the first one, but I don't fully understand how this all fits in with stuff going high definition these days, I suspect it may not be enough.

But I keep going back to ebuyer.com, they have quite a good range and price is often cheapest there, plus they're doing free shipping ATM on orders over £50, and just to make things even harder we want it in black if poss lol, but black and silver if it is worth it will do.

BTW, I don't look at anything over 8ms TBH, I keep looking at a few 2ms and 5ms models.

TheMatt

The thing you will want to watch out for with movies is the screen resolution. If you want to watch movies in full screen, get a monitor with either 1280 (WXGA or SXGA) or 1920 (WUXGA) horizontal pixels. The 19" widescreen monitors have 1440 x 900 res, so your movies won't be in their native resolution in full screen mode.

Another think, make sure your monitor has DVI, some of the lower end LCDs have only VGA. And watch out for a good viewing angle, you will want a horizontal viewing angle of 150 degrees or greater if you will be viewing the monitor from a short distance.

8210GUY

Well those are certainly the pointers I didn't know so Thanks for that, but talk about making it difficult to find something lol, anyway the following are what I've picked out trying to use your guide, am I on the right track ? and which if any would you say is the best ?

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/122780

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/113148

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/124980

Problem is I may have to forgo the speakers by the look of it, not sure any of these have them.

minster9

TheMatt is right,you definitely want a DVI monitor IF your video card has DVI out. 8ms is the slowest response time I would consider.

8210GUY

Yeah I had already figured 8ms was the slowest I'd consider, I guess I figured sub consciously that near enough all monitors had DVI these days, but highlighting the need for it ensures checking so it's all good, but unless someone has any further comments\suggestions I think I'll end up going with the middle one above.
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/113148 (this one)

Kalim

Thats the one I would get from whats been listed so far too, for best all-round specs.

Samsung is a high class respected screen manufacturer. Chi Mei is another, don't mind the BenQ's either, Westinghouse Digital is also known for higher end screens esp the affordable 1080p. Dell also makes some very good 19-22" monitors, with quality specs at reasonable prices. Brightness is one thing to consider. I wouldn't consider under 300 cd/m², under 500:1 contrast and over 8ms response timing nowadays.

8210GUY

OK Thanks for that, unless I see something else as I go to place the order I'll get that one probably, Thanks for the tips guy's.

smz

Great Advice. I do want to throw a couple of new generation LCD's that really have fascinated me.

First, is a 19" Widescreen by HP. Thing about this one is it has Brightview Technology which is the glossy screen. Any other manufacturer that has the "Brite" Glossy line of monitors wants megabux. This HP is a mere $239 MSRP.

Put it side by side with the NEC or Sony XBrite, and they nearly look identical. Of course if you have light issues in your room, it may not be a good suggestion.

http://www.compusa.com/products/prod...ct_code=341924

The other is a 2007 line from Samsung. They are just arriving in the Stores this week. The flavors are 19, 20, & 22". Model #'s: 906bw, 206bw, & 226bw.
Here's a link to the 22 which I am testing right now. 3000:1 Contrast Ratio and a mere 2ms Response Time.

http://www.compusa.com/products/prod...ch_LCD_Monitor

Of course as also recommended is the Viewsonic. You normally can't go wrong with them. My only concern at this time is being HDCP compliant. The Samsung's are all HDCP. Most reviews show all the Viewsonic's are NOT HDCP except for their new 24 & 26 models which are not out yet. But I have a call into Viewsonic Corporate to verify with the engineers so I can get this once and for all. Does anyone out here run a Blueray or HD-DVD on their PC with a Viewsonic monitor? Supposably HD content will not play back in high resolution because the monitor doesn't support it. I don't have either drive to verify this, only the monitor currently in the box. So if anyone out here might know this first hand, please PM me or reply here.

I am going to post this last link because of the unheard of price. I have never seen a brand name 22" monitor at this price before. This monitor is also HDCP compliant with a 3 year warranty. Yes, it's an ACER, but I've seen it up close and the picture seems as bright and clear as the basic Samsung monitors. But the kicker is Staples.com's price of $259, no rebate required. I ordered one today just for the heck of it. It's a $70 instant discount part of their Acer promotion. This DOES come with a DVI cable as well. Be careful because the HP I reviewed did NOT. Also take note of the warranty. This has a 3 year factory and the HP is only one year. Viewsonic normally has 3 years but also offers a 2 year extended plan for $121 to give you 5 years of coverage. Express 48 hour warranty replacement is also available.

Good Luck in your selection. For the price, this Acer is the bomb. If you don't need this much real estate, Costco has some great deals on smaller units.

Take it Easy.

http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/st...P2000:CL142218

forcifer

Sceptre X20WG-Naga. great one. i use it myself, bought it for $150, 20.1" and 5ms. no issues yet

8210GUY

Sorry for not getting back sooner, been having some major fun with these PC's, 3 of them and only 1 that will run, but it needs a new case.

I ended up going for the 204BW, can't say much so far due to all the hassles, I did see that 226 and would of gone for it in a shot, but it was way over my budget unfortunately, otherwise I would of had it no question, Thanks for the tips though.

smz

that 226BW is quite the monitor. But with a MSRP of $379. That's tough to swallow. I know this sounds like an advertisement for Acer, but I picked up a monitor only available on the staples.com website and not in store of a brand new Acer model. The AL2223W with HDCP support and DVI cable in the box.
Out of the monitors I tested, I've found this to be the most acceptable quality for my picky self. I find no bleeding of any kind which I can't say for the others. I didn't bother with the viewsonic as they are just now certifying the monitors for HDCP / Vista premium and wont be in stores till mid to end of April.

My only complain is no height or swivel adjustment and a funky charcoal color. I may opt for the black one which is $20 more. Never the less, This model was $259 out the door with free shipping and no rebates. Something to seriously look for if you want a "NICE" 22" without all the bells and whistles but providing incredible brightness and backed by a 3 year warranty.

$259 for a 22", I never though I would see the day. The next step up is a 24" and that will cost a minimum of $629 for the dell and more for other brands.

No matter what the model number, you can't go wrong with Samsung. My 192N has lasted me 4 years and still works. I just wanted the DVI connection along with a higher resolution then the stock 1280x1024. This acer boasts 1680x1050 and is just beautiful. It just looks cheap cosmetically, but the clarity is what should count right?