30" monitor

[mashimaroo]

I'm in the market for a 30" monitor. Im currently using a 24" and its just not enough. I know i can just get another 24 and dual screen, but i prefer 1 larger screen. Any suggestions? i was thinking about the apple cinema 30" that they discontinued but Ive heard a lot about ghosting on it. Going to use it mainly for games, and movie watching.
Thanks in advance to anyone who can help!

 

[Jhatfie]

What is the budget you are looking at? That will help with suggestions.

 

[TheStu]

If it is the 2560 pixel width that you want, there is the Dell 2711 monitor. It is ~$1000, so cheaper than a 30" display, but still has 90% of the viewable area

 

[mashimaroo]

its not really about the pixel width, since i plan to use it for movies. im looking to spend under 1100.. preferably a lot less.. maybe looking to buy used to save some $ not sure...

 

[Jhatfie]

I am using a HP ZR30W and I love it. Got it for $1050 shipped a few months ago. I have noticed no ghosting when gaming and it's color reproduction is great. Worth investigating to see if it is something you might be interested in.

 

[TheStu]

its not really about the pixel width, since i plan to use it for movies. im looking to spend under 1100.. preferably a lot less.. maybe looking to buy used to save some $ not sure...

So it isn't about the resolution? Why not get a 1080p TV, or a 27" 1080p monitor? Much cheaper than a 30".

 

[superccs]

Wait what? Movies ? Then Get a 46" HDTV (~$500-700). I have been loving my Hitachi Ultravision for a year now after loving my Ultrasharp 24" monitor for 3 years before that (now my 2nd monitor).

The large size and the 1080P is surprisingly nice to use even as a primary monitor as I have done.

Getting a 30" high res display is annoying, the pixel pitch is too small and makes everything hard to read.

 

[Jhatfie]

Getting a 30" high res display is annoying, the pixel pitch is too small and makes everything hard to read.

Really? I have never experienced any issues with the pixel pitch hindering text readability for me.

 

[Zorander]

Really? I have never experienced any issues with the pixel pitch hindering text readability for me.

Agreed. No such problem on my Dell U3011.

However, if OP really wants something mainly for movies, I think he could get better value with a larger HDTV (the 30" Dell is no competition against my 55" Plasma for media & gaming). However, if the screen is also to be used at close proximity, a monitor makes more sense and 30" is the biggest size available AFAIK.

However, as has been pointed out, the U2711 (2560x1440) is better value at slightly lower resolution and screen size. I went from 27" to 30" and IME it was not as big a difference as a trip from 24in to 27".

 

[mashimaroo]

How well to HDTV's work for gaming" id imagine it wouldnt be so smooth but ive never tried so i wouldnt know. ill probably look into the dell 23011 or the hp u2711.

 

[TheStu]

How well to HDTV's work for gaming" id imagine it wouldnt be so smooth but ive never tried so i wouldnt know. ill probably look into the dell 23011 or the hp u2711.

Nowadays they do 120Hz (or more) which is plenty fast enough.

One thing to consider is that some TVs don't play nice with computers, others do, and some have a PC mode that makes it actually usable as a monitor.

 

[cmay119]

Nowadays they do 120Hz (or more) which is plenty fast enough.

One thing to consider is that some TVs don't play nice with computers, others do, and some have a PC mode that makes it actually usable as a monitor.

120+ Hz on TV's isn't a true 120Hz refresh rate, but a use of interpolation. This usually is detrimental to gaming performance as it introduces input lag.

 

[mashimaroo]

so since i play games more than i watch movies, i guess ill stay away from getting a tv.. Soo any other options besides the dellu3011 and hpu2711

 

[@gent_T6]

Like mentioned if resolution is not an issue (not using this for photo editing,cad etc..) then go for a 1080 TV. But make sure to do a bit of research on the tv because some have bad input lag for gaming and other issues when used as a pc monitor. I used to use a westy 37 in. and it was great for everything! I had it for 5 years and it was time to get a new monitor (they dont make them anymore). I did not want to go smaller and I also did not want to spend over $1,000 on a monitor. So I did some research and since I watch movies on it alot I decided to go a bit bigger to a 42 inch tv. I got info on here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1257131 and got an Lg 42ld450 for about $500. and it is a great "PC monitor", I have it set up on a large desk (Ikea Jerker) and I sit about 3 feet from it and dont have issues. I game on it and dont notice any input lag or ghosting. Anyways think about getting a Tv it will save you some money and you will love the size.

 

[pcunite]

The HP ZR30W would be for budget with the NEC PA301W being professional grade.

Compare:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/4196

 

[RoboChobo]

so since i play games more than i watch movies, i guess ill stay away from getting a tv.. Soo any other options besides the dellu3011 and hpu2711

If it is for movies or console gaming, I have to recommend getting a HD PLASMA TV and a kick ass sound system and to play in a nice dark area" basement preferably" Blu-RAY MOVIES & games will never be the same for you.

But if your going to play PC games, I recently got a U3011 dell monitor and I've been playing some Shogun 2 Total war ,The Witcher 2, BFBC 2 on it and I can honestly tell you that I almost sh*t myself cause of its awesomeness

Since you said your budget is $1100, and I know you don't want to spend a penny more and may not be interested in U3011 BUT! if you can invest an extra $100. You can buy a U3011 Dell monitor on sale normally around $1125+GST which should come around $1200-1220? It's MSRP is $1499 but wait for the sale!!

OR

you can buy 1 50 inch plasma for Movies and console gaming, they should be around $500-$1000." I strongly suggest a 60in" if you got the money

The remaining funds should go in a regular 24-27inch monitor