A New LCD Monitor for Zieen

zieen

1st Off -- I don't want a CRT monitor. I need optimal desk space, I barely play any games, and I watch a lot of DVDs on my computer (the main reason I want a widescreen monitor).

I'm looking for a widescreen monitor, preferably 22", from a reliable manufacturer, Samsung, LG, more(?), at under $350 (The further under without sacrificing too much quality the better).

I have four candidates listed below. I'm sticking with Newegg because I've always had good experience in the past and I'm ordering more than just a monitor (parts for a friend and maybe a couple other things for myself). A thumbs up on any of these monitors over another or a thumbs up to a monitor not listed (preferably through newegg) would be appreciated.

SAMSUNG 225BW Black 22" 5 ms (GTG) DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor with Height Adjustments 280 cd/m2 700:1 - Retail

SAMSUNG 226BW Black 22" 2 ms (GTG) DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 700:1(DC 3000:1) - Retail

LG L204WT-SF Silver 20" 5ms(GTG) DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 2000:1 - Retail

LG L226WTY-BF Black 22" 2ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 3000:1 - Retail

I'm currently leaning towards the 22" LG. Are 2 inches of view area worth $100, though?

xpyrofuryx

www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx

Its a 19", and its only $170. Its by a new company, but they are very good monitors (I have one)

gpett

Buyer Beware.  Samsung 226BW can be one of the best LCDs available... if you get the right version.

Quote from BCCHardware:

There are actually 3 different LCD panels that are marketed under the 226BW model umbrella.  There are "S", "A", and "C" models.  "S" is the highest quality and the panel is made by Samsung themselves,  this is the panel that they sent out to reviewers.  "A" is made by AU and is of slightly lower quality, but it can be calibrated to almost match the "S" panel.  The "C" model is the worst of the batch and is made by the Chei Mei corporation.  This panel has quite pronounced backlight bleeding issues as well as a very bad color profile by default.

You can read that article here.  Other articles detailing Samsung's deceit are here and here.

So, if you are one of the lucky few to get the "S" version made by Samsung themselves, congratulations on one of the best 22" panels out there.  Otherwise you are a victim of bait and switch.

 

There is always the Dell 22" for $299.  The Dell 20" for $319 use thier very nice S-IPS panels(expensive panel technology with fast response times, little input lag,  great color reproduction, and  wide viewing angle.  Does not have deep blacks.)  Cant go wrong with them.  I never buy systems from Dell, but their monitors are hard to beat! (Since you are not primarily a gamer the 22" from dell might be better for you since it has better blacks and input lag is not a concern)

I know nothing about the LG monitors but they seem to be a good company.

P.S. Newegg is a great etailer but thier LCD return policy blows.  I do shop from newegg so I am not a hater but monitors are rather different. You should consider buying a monitor from dell because they have better monitor return policies than newegg.

Spathotan

Sounds odd but, Dell makes great monitors, HP does too. But from your personal selections there, I would go with one of the 3000:1's, preferably the Samsung.

I currently own a HP w19b 19inch widescreen. I want to get something with HDMI for my 2600XT for better quality and to get of that giant DVI cable. Ive found a few 21inch screens for around $260 with HDMI, so I might go with one of those. Brands are BenQ and Viewsonic I think.

gpett

Hmm  I was thinking about what you said. You stated that you primarily watch movies.  You should be sure your new monitor is DVI/HDCP or HDMI.

If you do not have a monitor that supports one or the other in a year or two you will not be able to watch copy protected movies.  HDMI combines sounds and video in one cable.  DVI/HDCP just has video.  The HDMI plug is the newer technology and will probably last longer than DVI.  (similar to how DVI replaced analog rgb plugs)

Seems all the above monitors are DVI/HDCP.  Only the more expensive 24"+ monitors are coming with HDMI.  Newegg dose have two smaller than 24" BenQ monitors with HDMI the 19" for $199 and the 22" for 249.99 after $30 mail in rebate.

A recent Anandtech article reviewed the DX10 HDMI video cards.

Good luck picking out parts!

Edit: Heh Spath beat me to the HDMI thing...

 

b0rderline99

bob dole also wants a new LCD moniter

pyrofreak

I'm going to agree on the Dell part.

 

It's the only time you'll ever see me recommend a Dell, but they make great monitors.