LCD Monitor

[Airencracken]

My CRT just died and I'm now limping along on an old Dell LCD monitor that sucks pretty hard. I'm considering finding a CRT second hand, but I know that would only be a short term fix since they're all older now and starting to fail.

So, I have come to you for suggestions on an LCD monitor. I need something bright, good contrast ratio, at least 1900X1080 res, good color reproduction (I do a lot of photo work on my compy), and a nice fast refresh rate (I can't stand ghosting, 2ms is preferable.) I've never had to shop for an LCD monitor so I don't really know exactly where to start.

Currently I don't have a price ceiling, but I'd say nothing over $400 is best.

Thanks in advance.

[renovation]

check this 19 inch dell out - http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Displays/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=320-7459

[Devhux]

It's a little above your budget, but I'd consider the Dell 2408WFP. I'm very happy with mine, and am actually considering getting a second display.

The 2408WFP is a 1920x1200 display with a higher color gamut (think brighter/more vivid colors). Response time is quite good (I don't notice ghosting on it), and if you did want to plug in more than one computer, you can. The monitor has 2 x DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, Component, and Composite video as well.

[ArkiStan]

It's a little above your budget, but I'd consider the Dell 2408WFP. I'm very happy with mine, and am actually considering getting a second display.

The 2408WFP is a 1920x1200 display with a higher color gamut (think brighter/more vivid colors). Response time is quite good (I don't notice ghosting on it), and if you did want to plug in more than one computer, you can. The monitor has 2 x DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, Component, and Composite video as well.

:stupid:
if you do any type of CG/photo work on your computer, i urge you to get a 24" widescreen monitor. it will change the way you work. seriously. i got the very first 24" widescreen model that dell released in 2005 and have never looked back. as somebody who does mostly CG and photo work, it was by far the best computer-related investment i have ever made, period.

make a list of all the 24-25" models out there and start reading reviews.

[nate el bueno]

ASUS has a lot of 2ms LCDs for really good prices. They get great reviews on Newegg. I'm not going to tell you that I've tried them first hand because I'm still rocking a 19' CRT :)

[Jeffbx]

First of all, I'll third the recommendation for the Dell 2408. Even better if you can find a 2407 off of ebay - It's the best monitor out there, IMHO, and well worth the extra cost.

Second, I'd also urge you to have a look a the differences in LCD panels. The monitors that are rated at 2ms refresh rates are almost always TN (twisted nematic) panels, which are good for gaming, but the viewing angle, color quality & contrast are for crap. I'd assume these are be more important to you for photo work than the refresh rate.

$ TN panels are fastest, but worst color & brightness
$$ PVA is slower, much brighter & excellent color
$$$ IPS is top of the line, with faster response but still excellent brightness and color.

The 2408 uses a PVA panel, and 2407 used both PVA and IPS, depending on when & where it was manufactured. I think the only IPS that Dell sells now is the big 30", which will be really overkill. But even the PVA will be way better than any TN panel for photo work.

[Markel]

$ TN panels are fastest, but worst color & brightness
$$ PVA is slower, much brighter & excellent color
$$$ IPS is top of the line, with faster response but still excellent brightness and color.
I've never seen that breakdown before. Is there any way to know what type of panel a monitor has?

[ArkiStan]

$ TN panels are fastest, but worst color & brightness
$$ PVA is slower, much brighter & excellent color
$$$ IPS is top of the line, with faster response but still excellent brightness and color.


wow. you learn something everyday. good to know. thanks!

[LPMiller]

I've never seen that breakdown before. Is there any way to know what type of panel a monitor has?


It's usually in the stats for that monitor (where they mention resolution, depending), but a general rule of thumb is the cheapest ones are TN ones, and are usually advertised for gaming because they have the fastest redraw rate. They also have the most backlight bleed thru.


Your brightest, fastest monitors tend to be TN, your more colorful, capable (non gaming) monitors are going to be PVA or IPS. Not to say those other monitors can't game, but it's the rare one that has a 5ms or faster redraw, which is really what you need for that.

[DarkFury]

ASUS has a lot of 2ms LCDs for really good prices. They get great reviews on Newegg. I'm not going to tell you that I've tried them first hand because I'm still rocking a 19' CRT :)
I've tried them, and I can vouch for their quality.

Here is the thread I posted when I bought my 26" Asus LCD:
http://www.gotapex.com/hardware/172465-looky-what-i-bought-myself-for-christmas-ho-ho-ho.html

[Airencracken]

Thanks for all the responses!

The faster redraw is a lower requirement, but I do game a bit. I think that 5ms would most likely be fine.

Currently I'm asking everyone I know if they have an old CRT. I'm going to check out that Dell monitor though. My photography is the most important consideration. I'm going to try and troll the Dell outlet for a refurb.

[ArkiStan]

i undersatnd many prefer CRTs for their better color, but i believe LCDs have come a long way, and the performance gap, if any, will be negligible unless you're in the professional print industry.