PDA

View Full Version : Troubles with Dell 2000FP LCD Monitor



Joshua
03-15-2003, 02:29 PM
Ok, I finally broke down and bought the 2000fp monitor after sitting on the fence for the last 4 months or so.

It's HUGE! I have it connected via analog cable to a KVM with two pc's connected to it. The problem is that unless it's at 1600x1200 resolution, the text looks blurry and is actually tough on the eyes. The problem with putting it at 1600x1200 is that text is so small that AGAIN, it strains my eyes. When I change to Large fonts, the edges look bad etc...

Also, there seems to be some kind of coating built into the screen that gives a slight crystal-like reflection that screws up my eyes.

For the record, I have perfect vision, don't wear glasses and YES I've had my eyes checked regularly. :)

I know Apex has been using this monitor for a while, but I think he said he's running full 1600x1200.

My wife has been using the 1800fp at 1280x1024 for a week now and loves it. Sadly, I'm tempted to return the 2000fp and exchange it for the 1800fp.

I'm not running DVI, but I also don't want to spend another $200 to $300 for a new vid card when I'm currently running a GeForce 3 that I paid $400 for and that I'm happy with when I don't even know if the end result will be good enough to keep. Then I'm stuck with a new card that I don't need and an expensive monitor.

Somebody HELP!! I really want to keep this monitor, but if it's gonna give me headaches etc..., I can't keep it.

Joshua
03-18-2003, 07:22 PM
Anyone?? Anyone?? Bueller??

Apex
03-18-2003, 07:36 PM
You definitely want to run DVI. You can get a replacement for about $100 or so. It's definitely worth it.

Are you using ClearType?

Devhux
03-18-2003, 10:15 PM
Unfortunately, all LCD's look best at their native resolution (lower ones will look blurry).

As for that strange "coating" on the display, that's something I cannot really comment about, since i've never seen the Dell displays.

Joshua
03-19-2003, 04:56 AM
Hey hey!! :) Not only did I get a reply, but from the lord of the manner himself!

Yep, I'm running cleartype. Would a relatively cheap DVI card give similar performance to my GeForce 3 128mb, or am I having a pipe dream over hear? I'm hoping not to drop another $300 or more on a decent video card. All I play is UT and UT2k3.

P.S. Apex, how do you edit web pages with such high res?? :) G|A? only takes about 25% of it's 1024x768 size on the left side of my screen! I'm gonna seriously whack out my website one day this way!

:)


Originally posted by Apex
You definitely want to run DVI. You can get a replacement for about $100 or so. It's definitely worth it.

Are you using ClearType?

Joshua
03-19-2003, 07:59 PM
I seem to have figured it out. I'm using a Compaq 8 port KVM switch that's meant for racked servers. I plugged the monitor directly to my PC and **WOW** big difference (for the better).

I think I'll still pursue the DVI option that Apex suggested though.

Thanks for the tips!!

Apex
03-19-2003, 09:00 PM
Yeah, even a cheap DVI card is good, as long as it's based on the newer Silicon Image chipset sender or a Radeon.

Joshua
03-20-2003, 07:04 AM
Nice, I'll try my luck and report back what works for me.

Now I can happily say, "I strongly recommend the Dell 2000fp"!!

ski
03-22-2003, 09:34 AM
Even a Radeon 9000 128mb costs less than $100, and offers dual monitor support (1 DVI, 1 VGA)...

I'm glad you got it fixed though!