LCD Buyer's Guide

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Torque79
I'll have to investigate again, but I believe last time I tried newegg would not deliver to Canada. I can only examine about 4 or 5 computer hardware providers from work, but so far the only one I have been able to locate of this model was refurb.

I'll have to look at a few more from home (maybe ncix.com), I can't get to all of them from here.

Ah, didn't know you were in Canada but I didn't realize that sellers on Ebay US would be able to deliver to Canada. Never used Ebay personally.

 

[AnotherGuy]

whats the best 22 inch widescreen monitor out there? I was looking at the Acer AL2216Wbd

Or are those new Samsung models i read about a few weeks ago supposed to come out anytime soon ? I can wait another 1-2 months.... Are they much better than this Acer ? Any ideas?

I need to return my sceptre 22 inch back to costco since the dvi connection failed after 2 months 🙁 And i read many plp had this problem as well.... aint gettin anther 1 due to other little issues i have with it also

Edit: when i say best monitor i mean for gaming, watchin movies in general and surfin internet....

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: AnotherGuy
whats the best 22 inch widescreen monitor out there? I was looking at the Acer AL2216Wbd

Or are those new Samsung models i read about a few weeks ago supposed to come out anytime soon ? I can wait another 1-2 months.... Are they much better than this Acer ? Any ideas?

I need to return my sceptre 22 inch back to costco since the dvi connection failed after 2 months 🙁 And i read many plp had this problem as well.... aint gettin anther 1 due to other little issues i have with it also

Edit: when i say best monitor i mean for gaming, watchin movies in general and surfin internet....

I don't really know for sure. The Samsung 226BW does seem to be better than the Acer but I don't want to put it up 'till I'm sure.

 

[ghoti]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: ghoti
Thanks xt and Engel.

The VP930b does well on xt's gradation and banding tests ('After Getting Your LCD'). BUT

Both this VP930b-3 and the 1905FP (Rev A03) I also own, do poorly on xt's grey scale test ('Tweaking Your LCD'), with 253, 254 and 255 (I not even sure I can distinguish 252 from the whiter bands), and no distinguishing possible for 20 and below on the dark end.

Distinguishing the white ones is actually pretty hard on any display. I can't see much difference on my calibrated GX2. It's mainly the dark ones that you should worry about.

Does anyone have colorimeter settings to offer for the VP930b Revision 3 monitor?

Also, does anyone have comments to offer on the pros/ cons of the PerfectSuite software that comes with the monitor (for calibration purposes)? Some comments I saw make me a bit fearful of installing the solftware, although PC World's review link was complimentary about the software.

Thanks for amy help -- past and anticipated.

I have a VP930b (rev 2 though) and it has a different panel than the rev 3, so my calibration settings would look quite off. I would just give it to you to try anyway but it's on my dad's PC at the moment.

The PerfectSuite software completely freezes the desktop (driver error) on at least a couple of my PCs with new NVIDIA cards, so I'm forced to avoid using it. I wouldn't tend to think it would be that great for calibration, anyway.

Thanks xt!

When you come across the calibration settings, I'd appreciate your posting them: I'd like to give them a try even though I understand they're for the prior revision.

Also, if and when you come across calibration settings for the VP930b (Revision 3), PLEASE post!

By the way, what are the particulars of the panel change between Rev 2 and Rev 3? What other changes did they make? You heard anything about the pros/ cons of Rev 2 vs. Rev 3?

Thanks much for the wealth of info.

 

[mikuto]

Originally posted by: xtknight
As long as LCDs are hold-type displays, you probably will notice it on a 0 ms LCD. Check out the new "120 Hz" LCDs coming out, which are actually 60 Hz but they introduce a black frame inbetween to total 120. It also helps eliminate retinal persistence resulting in a smoother image.

I read about this black frame business some time ago and couldn't help wondering then as I do now: wouldn't that turn the LCD into something closer to a 60 Hz CRT in terms of flicker?

edit: Sorry for the delayed post - you obviously answered the question already. Anyway, the review at behardware.com on BenQ FP241WZ complained about quite a few problems with their implementation. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how the technology evolves.

 

[Painman]

OK, here's the scoop from travbomb on what's going on with 2690 and 2490...

Originally posted by: travbomb
Product has been shipped to all major US and Canadian distributors as of yesterday. Some shipped on 2/26 and some shipped on 2/27. We do still have more product in our inventory too.

The 2490 is going to be a bit harder to get a hold of due to large corporate customers. Probably closer to end of March before these become available.

Probably lots of backorders to fill on both...

 

[AnotherGuy]

Originally posted by: xtknight


I don't really know for sure. The Samsung 226BW does seem to be better than the Acer but I don't want to put it up 'till I'm sure.

Dude ur so quick at answering and good recommendations.... I think AT should pay you 🙂

I didnt know those new models had already come out.... and i couldnt remember the exact models.... exactly the answer i was lookin for
Thanks

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: ghoti
Thanks xt!

When you come across the calibration settings, I'd appreciate your posting them: I'd like to give them a try even though I understand they're for the prior revision.

Also, if and when you come across calibration settings for the VP930b (Revision 3), PLEASE post!

By the way, what are the particulars of the panel change between Rev 2 and Rev 3? What other changes did they make? You heard anything about the pros/ cons of Rev 2 vs. Rev 3?

Thanks much for the wealth of info.

Heh, OK, OK, I'll see what I can do. 😉 No guarantees though. My dad never sticks with his calibrated settings anyway.

 

[Pens1566]

xt, any feelings on the 24" Gateway? I've read some of the gi-normous thread over at hardforums, and wanted to see if you had any input.

 

[Zebo]

Here is a list I made of Current S-IPS monitors someone may find useful, * = Best in catagory either newer panels more overdriven or better electronics.

I probably havnt got them all but it's enough to give a user looking for best panel tech a good selection of options out there. I did'nt even bother with the super high end IPS's from Eizo that start at $5000 for graphics pros.


19" 1280x1024
LaCie 319*
NEC LCD1970NX
NEC LCD1980FXi
NEC LCD1990FX*
NEC LCD1990SXi*

20" 4:3 1600x1200
ACER AL2021
BENQ FP2091
Dell 2007FP*
HP LP2065*
LaCie 320*
LG L2000C*
NEC LCD2070NX
NEC LCD2080UX
NEC LCD2080UX+
NEC LCD2080UXi*
NEC LCD2090UXi*
Philips 200P4
Philips 200P6
Philips 200P7*
VeiwSonic VP2000s

20" 16:10 1680x1050
Apple Cinema Display 20"
Dell 2007WFP
NEC 20WGX2/20WMGX2*

21" 4:3 1600x1200
NEC LCD2190UXi*
LaCie 321

23" 1920x1200
Apple Cinema HD Display 23" M9178 *
Philips 230WP7 *
LG L2320A

24" 1920x1200
NEC LCD2490WUXi*

26" 1920x1200
NEC LCD2690WUXi*

30" 2560x1600
Apple Cinema HD Display 30" M9179*
Dell 3007WFP
Dell 3007WFP HS edition *
HP LP3065*

Edit: added LCD2190UXi

 

[Painman]

Dunno if this is a repost (thread is getting really long) but there's an interesting article @ Tom's that has a section explaining the mechanics of Overdrive:

Article

Pages 12-15.

 

[Matt2]

Hey xtknight:

I mentioned earlier in this thread that I was looking for a 24" LCD monitor for my computer. This monitor will be the main display for my PC and also be my main display for my XBOX 360 via VGA cable. Right now I am running my XBOX on my 2007WFP (S-IPS) and I just dont like it. Too small for my tastes and the XBOX 360 will only output 1366x768 and 1920x1200, no option for 1680x150. Running 1366x768 makes it look a lot uglier than it needs to be because it's stretching the image to fill the screen. I tried 1:1 pixel mapping, but I dont like losing 1/3 of my screen to black bars.

Anyways, I've almost completely settled on the Dell 2407WFP. I'd like to get the BenQ, but at $800, I might as well go all out and get the 37" 1080p Westinghouse LCD TV for $200 more.

Since XBOX 360 is what I am most concerned about, can you elaborate on this "input lag" issue I have seen floating around regarding the 2407WFP? Is it really bad? Is it going to effect my gaming?

Thanks.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Pens1566
xt, any feelings on the 24" Gateway? I've read some of the gi-normous thread over at hardforums, and wanted to see if you had any input.

The Gateway seems to have poor default color settings. I would recommend in this order:

1. BenQ FP241W (least QA problems)
2. Dell 2407WFP
3. Gateway FPD2485W

And Zebo, thanks, that'll come in handy.

Originally posted by: Matt2
Hey xtknight:

I mentioned earlier in this thread that I was looking for a 24" LCD monitor for my computer. This monitor will be the main display for my PC and also be my main display for my XBOX 360 via VGA cable. Right now I am running my XBOX on my 2007WFP (S-IPS) and I just dont like it. Too small for my tastes and the XBOX 360 will only output 1366x768 and 1920x1200, no option for 1680x150. Running 1366x768 makes it look a lot uglier than it needs to be because it's stretching the image to fill the screen. I tried 1:1 pixel mapping, but I dont like losing 1/3 of my screen to black bars.

Anyways, I've almost completely settled on the Dell 2407WFP. I'd like to get the BenQ, but at $800, I might as well go all out and get the 37" 1080p Westinghouse LCD TV for $200 more.

LCD TVs just don't work well for PC use. I recommend that model but for HTPC use, which should mostly be far-away viewing when watching multimedia. I'd much rather have a 24" screen than a 37" LCD TV for PC use. I have a 37" LCD TV myself and I used it on the PC. Colors were poor in PC mode, plus it's just too huge to be useful for anything. I wasn't a fan of the big dot pitch either. The LCD TV works great for HDTV, but that's all.

Since XBOX 360 is what I am most concerned about, can you elaborate on this "input lag" issue I have seen floating around regarding the 2407WFP? Is it really bad? Is it going to effect my gaming?

Thanks.

I really can't say whether or not you'll notice it. It's been debated to death and I don't really have a stance on it. As far as I'm aware, the vast majority of people have no problems with input lag on any LCD.

 

[Pens1566]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: Pens1566
xt, any feelings on the 24" Gateway? I've read some of the gi-normous thread over at hardforums, and wanted to see if you had any input.

The Gateway seems to have poor default color settings. I would recommend in this order:

1. BenQ FP241W (least QA problems)
2. Dell 2407WFP
3. Gateway FPD2485W

Is it just the default settings, or is there anything else negative? The reason I ask is that this lcd is available locally (BB) and I wouldn't have to worry rma/shipping back if something were wrong. It's also < $600. TIA

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Pens1566

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: Pens1566
xt, any feelings on the 24" Gateway? I've read some of the gi-normous thread over at hardforums, and wanted to see if you had any input.

The Gateway seems to have poor default color settings. I would recommend in this order:

1. BenQ FP241W (least QA problems)
2. Dell 2407WFP
3. Gateway FPD2485W

Is it just the default settings, r is there anything else negative? The reason I ask is that this lcd is available locally (BB) and I wouldn't have to worry rma/shipping back if something were wrong. It's also < $600. TIA

Well it's more than default AFAIK. Pretty much any setting is affected by the slightly odd gamma, unless you have a professional colorimeter to correct gamma.

I'd highly recommend not getting the Gateway due to this issue.

 

[ghoti]

Anyone know the particulars of the panel change between ViewSonic VP930b Revision 2 and Rev 3? What other changes did they make? Any comments about the pros/ cons of Rev 2 vs. Rev 3?

Still looking for calibration settings for Rev 3. Anyone calibrated with colorimeter?

Thanks.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: ghoti
Anyone know the particulars of the panel change between ViewSonic VP930b Revision 2 and Rev 3? What other changes did they make? Any comments about the pros/ cons of Rev 2 vs. Rev 3?

I believe the contrast and response time controller changed from rev 2 to 3. Also some of the controls (OSD) are less annoying and more intuitive. No more forced resolution notice.

Still looking for calibration settings for Rev 3. Anyone calibrated with colorimeter?

Thanks.

Like I said I'll see what I can do, I'll get it one of these days for the rev 2 but I am lazy. 😛

 

[Matt2]

knight,

What are your thoughts on the Acer AL2423Wdr 24"??

I can get the Dell 2407WFP for $645 shipped from a company called "I Squared" or I can get the Acer for $661 shipped from Newegg.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Matt2
knight,

What are your thoughts on the Acer AL2423Wdr 24"??

I can get the Dell 2407WFP for $645 shipped from a company called "I Squared" or I can get the Acer for $661 shipped from Newegg.

Don't know much about it, really. This is the best deal as far as I'm concerned for 24" LCDs:

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/prod...spx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=320-4335

$674.00 with Dell's great return policy. Don't think that includes shipping yet but as long as you could get the better return policy that's a smart ~$50 extra IMO.

 

[Matt2]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: Matt2
knight,

What are your thoughts on the Acer AL2423Wdr 24"??

I can get the Dell 2407WFP for $645 shipped from a company called "I Squared" or I can get the Acer for $661 shipped from Newegg.

Don't know much about it, really. This is the best deal as far as I'm concerned for 24" LCDs:

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/prod...spx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=320-4335

$674.00 with Dell's great return policy. Don't think that includes shipping yet but as long as you could get the better return policy that's a smart ~$50 extra IMO.

Well, the only problem I have with ordering straight from Dell is the fact that it's going to be $738 after taxes and that is even including free shipping. That effectively makes it $100 more.

I want to keep this purchase under $700 and that is my price ceiling.

This is the 2407WFP that I found for $645 shipped.

It says it has a 3 year manufacturer's warranty. How is this warranty different from the one I would get straight from Dell?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Matt2
Well, the only problem I have with ordering straight from Dell is the fact that it's going to be $738 after taxes and that is even including free shipping. That effectively makes it $100 more.

I want to keep this purchase under $700 and that is my price ceiling.

This is the 2407WFP that I found for $645 shipped.

It says it has a 3 year manufacturer's warranty. How is this warranty different from the one I would get straight from Dell?

If you order any monitor from Dell.com, they let you repeatedly return it for replacements within 21 days should you have any panel QA issues like dead pixels or backlight bleeding. As far as I know, you don't have these liberties with a standard warranty.

I say go for the Dell at i^2.

 

[Matt2]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: Matt2
Well, the only problem I have with ordering straight from Dell is the fact that it's going to be $738 after taxes and that is even including free shipping. That effectively makes it $100 more.

I want to keep this purchase under $700 and that is my price ceiling.

This is the 2407WFP that I found for $645 shipped.

It says it has a 3 year manufacturer's warranty. How is this warranty different from the one I would get straight from Dell?

If you order any monitor from Dell.com, they let you repeatedly return it for replacements within 21 days should you have any panel QA issues like dead pixels or backlight bleeding. As far as I know, you don't have these liberties with a standard warranty.

I say go for the Dell at i^2.

Definitely leaning towards the I^2 deal, but I am really shy about receiving a terrible looking screen and not being able to return it.

I've got a week till the tax return comes so I guess I'll just keep looking for a better deal till then.

 

[xtknight]

ghoti:

I had a chance to calibrate the VP930b (rev 2). Check here. 😉 http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...?catid=31&threadid=2002685&STARTPAGE=1

 

[Painman]

A nice cold :beer: for Zebo and an update to my 2690 review - SpectraView calibration results 🙂

 

[integra15]

I am looking to purchase a 20in widescreen monitor.

After reviewing site and reviews on Newegg.com I have it narrowed down to several models. What I am looking for is a monitor that has the most even backlighting, a good picture on resolutions less than 1680x1050, and the best color reproduction

SCEPTRE X20G-Naga III Black 20.1" - $260

ViewSonic X Series VX2035WM Black-Silver 20.1" - 240

NEC Display Solutions 20WMGX2-BK Black-Silver 20.1" - $$570

If money was not a factor, I would easily choose the NEC, however what I am wondering is, would either of the other choices be a good choice? What type of TFT technology do the SCEPTRE and the Viewsonic use? I could not find it listed anywhere. Can anyone make a recomendation?