Dell Plasma Deal??

[wmdubois]

I am just wondering if I can get some input regarding the plasma screens on the deals page from Dell. Is the Planar plasma any good? The 50' Samsung? I'm assuming the Pioneer 50" is good. Any thoughts etc...

[vdaddy]

I was too interested in the Planar 42" deal or the Samsung 50" especially with a SB 20% off catalog coupon. Anyone seen any reviews on these monitors? I found one review on audioreview.com for the 50" but thats it.

$2399 Planar PDP-42B 42"
-20% coupon
-3% (******, fashcash, etc)
-----
$1861

or

$4776 Samsung PPm50H2 50" Plasma display with 1366x768
-20% coupon
-3% (******, fashcash, etc)
-----
$3706 + tax free shipping

thats sick!

[Grimm]

Ditto, anyone know about the Planar?

[wmdubois]

Originally posted by vdaddy
I was too interested in the Planar 42" deal or the Samsung 50" especially with a SB 20% off catalog coupon. Anyone seen any reviews on these monitors? I found one review on audioreview.com for the 50" but thats it.

$2399 Planar PDP-42B 42"
-20% coupon
-3% (******, fashcash, etc)
-----
$1861

r

$4776 Samsung PPm50H2 50" Plasma display with 1366x768
-20% coupon
-3% (******, fashcash, etc)
-----
$3706 + tax free shipping

thats sick!

Are you saying that you have an additional coupon for an additional 20% off? The screen price is 2999.00- 20% plus free shipping. If you have an additional coupon to make it an additional 20% off please post it asap. Thanks

[vdaddy]

Are you saying that you have an additional coupon for an additional 20% off? The screen price is 2999.00- 20% plus free shipping. If you have an additional coupon to make it an additional 20% off please post it asap. Thanks

The other 20% coupon is available on the back of the Dell Small Business catalog that was just sent out. Unfortunately I tried the deal and it not stackable with this coupon.

But if you received the 5% coupon sent in email from Dell SB you can stack this for an additional 5%

[Shaq34_KB8]

Planar used to make displays for vertical markets. Over the past two years they've made a push to get into the mainstream PC market. Planar does most of their business through Dell, which is why their prices are so low. Dell requires vendors that "partner" with them to give good prices. Many vendors, including Sony, got pissed at them because of their heavy handed tactics and their requirement to sign up for co-branding marketing programs. The margins on displays sold through Dell are low, but Dell gets marketing dollars and display vendors get good run rate revenue for their top line. Among display companies, Planar is considered a lower-middle tier in quality. Not a bad product, but not great either.

[vdaddy]

I could understand from the price point that the Planar screen would not be the best or even middle road plasma. But I read a review on the Gateway plasma (same as Sampo) in Sound & Vision mag which rated this plasma as a good monitor for the price. 'A calibration of the monitor could produce acceptable grayscale and color rendition for videophiles' ?!? Maybe it a stretch but it also states that banding was a problem (scalar) and black reproduction (all plasmas.)

With that in mind the Planar might be a decent choice for low $2000's then just sell it and upgrade. Without having to worry about a an eyesore in the house (RPTV) or closing your drapes everytime you watch tv (FPTV) plasma's are definitely enticing.

[Dave_7]

Tell your boss (or wife... sometimes the same thing, I guess)...


"Maybe if I had Plasma... I could do a bettah jahb!"



:P




Dave.

[johnnymk]

If you're talking about the same 42" monitor I saw in the Gateway store around Christmas for $2999, I wasn't impressed with the picture at all. However, if it were around $2000, it would probably be worth the money.

[vdaddy]

I wasn't impressed with the picture at all. However, if it were around $2000, it would probably be worth the money.

A good calibration can go a long way.

[jhess]

Interesting posts on the plasma prices. I would absolutely love to own a plasma screen, and I can afford to buy one, but I just cannot bear the thought of paying several thousand dollars for a display that's in the 40 - 50" range. I know the prices are coming down, and *relatively* speaking the Planar from Dell is a good deal, but .... gasp! I wouldn't mind paying two or three grand for an excellent plasma that's maybe 70 or 80", but 42 or 50"??

I think in a few years we'll look back and these "deal" prices on plasmas and they will look ridiculous. However, I guess the early adopters should be thanked or it would take much longer to get to the point of reasonable prices on new technology.

To my discredit, I spent about $2200 on a 50" rear projection Mitsubishi a few years ago. I guess at the time it seemed like a good deal. I guess my value standards have just increased over the last few years. I guess I won't be replacing my rear projection until I can get a decent 60" or larger plasma for under $3500 OR my rear projection Mits goes on the fritz.

[Jeffbx]

Originally posted by jhess
I guess I won't be replacing my rear projection until I can get a decent 60" or larger plasma for under $3500 OR my rear projection Mits goes on the fritz.

If you're looking for a screen THAT size, you're much better off with a projector rather than plasma. A 60" plasma screen is in roughly the $15-20k range right now, so it'll be a while before you see one down to $3500.

You can get a really nice projector & a 60" screen right now in that price range.