Monitor Purching Decision

[w0lf42]

I'm struggling with which monitor to purhcase. My 19" died and my 17" is on it's way out.

The most recent Anandtech Weekly's buyer guide for mid-range systems proposes two options: NEC/MITSUBISHI FE991SB-BK 19" and SAMSUNG 955DF-T/T 19".

They both seem to have great reviews on newegg.

NEC/MITSUBISHI FE991SB-BK 19":
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-002-037
$239.00 + $35.00 s/h

SAMSUNG 955DF-T/T 19":
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=24-001-119&depa=0
$205.00 + $35.00 s/h

I game a fair amount (excited about Doom3, anticpating Half-Life2, and currently playing Farcry). I will also be using Linux. I do a bit of web programming (i.e. spending a few hours in a text editor).

I've been happy with NEC in the past (owned three previously), but I don't have any qualms going with another brand.

Any suggestions will be greatly appriciated.

 

[harrkev]

I have the Mitsubishi, and I like it very much. It handles 1600 x 1200 with ease (one of my requirements). It will even go up to something like 1800x1400 or something like that (I can't remember) It also has software which lets you adjust the monitor using your mouse. No need to go poking those little buttons. However, this software is Windows only (linux need not apply). It has lots of options to adjust the geometry, so you can get it almost perfect. In short, I am happy.

On the down side: I just built my system, and I also got an nVidia 5900XT vid card. I do not know if the fault is the monitor, the vid card drivers, or WinXP, but my system will happily let me set the refresh rate to over 100Hz, which is beyond the limits of the monitor. So if you are not careful, it is easily possible to set your system to run in a mode that the monitor cannot handle. This is clearly some sort of driver issue, and I do not know whose fault it is.

I cannot comment on the Samsung, however. But just comparing the specs, the Samsung appears to be sharper, but the Mitsubishi has a better maximum resolution. Also, one is black, and one is white, if that matters.

PS: Anybody got any ideas on how to fix my driver issue? I even tried downloading the drivers for the monitor from Mitsubishi's web site.

 

[xboxist]

Go with the NEC/MITSUBISHI. Aperture grill monitors look better to me than the ones that arent (like that Samsung). Plus it's a dark color, and that looks way better than beige to me.

 

[w0lf42]

I noticed that there are two similar MITSUBISHI models the FE991SB ($239.00 + $35.00 s/h) and the DP930SB ($284.00 + $35.00 s/h). The only concern I have with the MITSUBISHI is the comments about blurry text.

FE991SB:
1280 x 1024 @ 50 to 89 Hz
0.25-0.27mm

DP930SB:
supports higher resolutions and refresh rates (i.e. 1280 x 1024 @ 50 to 102 Hz)
0.24mm

Thoughts?

 

[Bucksnort]

I have the 930 and I can tell you you will not see sharper text than it has. Anyone with blurry text either has a crap video card and running at a resolution too high for it or they have superbrite mode switched on. also, I would definately buy from Dell due to their free shipping and very good return policy, much better than newegg for a monitor buyer. 930 is different in several ways, the lower dp and it uses the patented 1 gun mitsubishi u-nx gun for tighter focus and it has a truly flat tube, the samsung and 991 has a flat plane of glass over a slightly curved tube. 930 has the diamondtron nf tube which is a total true flat tube. You get what you pay for.

 

[xboxist]

Hey... nice head's up - thanks. It's like $294 at Dell, shipped. Will probably get this since I'm looking for a decent one too.

 

[w0lf42]

Thanks for all of the input. I ordered from Dell (10% off and free shipping beats Newegg [deal ends today]).
link

I just ordered the NEC/MITSUBISHI DP930SB-BK Diamond Pro 930SB 19-inch Black CRT Monitor for $287.96 shipped.

 

[Childs]

Wow, 1920 x 1440 pixels @ 73 Hz. Its a HD monitor! Not that I would use that res on a 19", but thats pretty impressive.

 

[Slacker]

I too may be shopping for a monitor soon but will likely get a flat panel.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: Slacker
I too may be shopping for a monitor soon but will likely get a flat panel.

I'm with ya brother. I really need a new monitor but I really don't want to shell out 5-600 bucks for one.

I might just get that dell.

 

[xboxist]

I just bought it. Very highly-rated. Probably the best 19", period. Then the price jumps into the mid-$500's range for two more inches. I just can't justify it. My total at Dell.com was $305.24 w/shipping and tax. Very good deal. Thanks for the heads-up, guys.

 

[CraigRT]

I'd buy this...

eBay link

I have a 900IFT and it's awesome... infact, I am thinking about getting this and putting both matching 900IFTs on my desk

great deal IMO!

 

[Bucksnort]

Originally posted by: w0lf42
Thanks for all of the input. I ordered from Dell (10% off and free shipping beats Newegg [deal ends today]).
link

I just ordered the NEC/MITSUBISHI DP930SB-BK Diamond Pro 930SB 19-inch Black CRT Monitor for $287.96 shipped.

Nice choice, u are going to be blown away. Don't forget to dl the 930 .inf file and naviset from nec. Naviset will install a generic NEC monitor .inf file. I then installed the actual .inf for the 930. NEC\Mitsubishi

 

[gotincon]

I just bought the 930 at Dell, and Ill be damned, this is the best monitor I have ever owned.

I had to replace my aging samsung monitor, which was decent, but not great (even in its early years).

I have noticed that most samsung consumer electronics have lots of features, but usually arent the best at doing what the basic unit should do. (I.e., their cell phones have a lot of features, but it drops more calls than a sanyo) I found the same to be true with their monitors. If saving 90$ is important to you by all means go ahead, but just the fact that text is sharper than my 2001FP at 1600 x 1200 and it has no SDE and true blacks, makes me love this monitor. I have two 2001FP's, and IMHO, they look like crap next to this monitor. Best 300$ I've spent on my computer in a long time.

Also, samsung rates its dot pitch horizontally, which to me is deceptive. Its actually larger than the 930's .24 pitch.

I think the eye strain that I saved from ridding myself of my old samsung monitor was worth it. This thing does 1600x1200 @ 85hz, so at least to my eyes, I feel that this is less strain than my 2001FP's. Mostly in part because a CRT does not have a screen door effect, which I find quite obtrusive on LCD's.

 

[Looney]

I had the same Samsung years ago... and got rid of it about 2 years ago. It was a decent monitor, but far from the best. I would go for the NEC or perhaps ditch CRT all together and get an LCD. If you're coding and using a text editor a lot, your eyes will thank you.

 

[ponyo]

Originally posted by: gotincon
I just bought the 930 at Dell, and Ill be damned, this is the best monitor I have ever owned.

If saving 90$ is important to you by all means go ahead, but just the fact that text is sharper than my 2001FP at 1600 x 1200 and it has no SDE and true blacks, makes me love this monitor. I have two 2001FP's, and IMHO, they look like crap next to this monitor. Best 300$ I've spent on my computer in a long time.

This thing does 1600x1200 @ 85hz, so at least to my eyes, I feel that this is less strain than my 2001FP's. Mostly in part because a CRT does not have a screen door effect, which I find quite obtrusive on LCD's.

Sharper text than 2001FP at 1600x1200? I find that very hard to believe.

 

[gotincon]

Well I own two 2001FP's and 1 930SB, I guess if you go out and buy both and set them together, you can make your own comparison.

While they both have the same res, the 2001FP has dead area between pixels, as all LCD's do. This leads to edges looking less sharp, not to mention that the pixel pitch is .255 on the 2001, vs .24 on the CRT.

 

[w0lf42]

My monitor arrived at work today! I'm super excited to hook it up and check it out.

According to PCWorld:

The Mitsubishi Diamond Pro 930SB was the best of the new models we tested this month, delivering crisp text and graphics.

 

[Bucksnort]

Neat, let us know how you like it.

 

[w0lf42]

I just got it set up at home. This monitor is wonderful. Hands down the best I've used.

I did, however, notice an interference with my power supply for my Cambridge SoundWorks DeskTop Theater 5.1 as well as my two power strips on my desk. Once I removed those and installed the monitor drivers and NaviSet Software, I was really pleased.

My main concern was with the 'blurry text'. But it's really sharp.

I'm running at 1200 x 1024 @ 95Hz.

I have heard people claim that you should not run the power through a power strip, is this true? if so, why?

 

[Bucksnort]

Don't know who said that. No way I would run mine not on a surge unit. How do you like your contrast settings? I use 0% brightness and 100% contrast. I just tired the superbrite mode 1 in doom 3 and wow its fantastic. I set mode 1 to 26.4 brightness and mode 2 to 40.1 with contrast 100% on both. Is the geometry perfect or what, hehh.

Here is a chat I had with Mitsubishi before I bought mine just to share with recent 930 purchasers:

Bucksnort: is it ok to clean the screen with windex/ thats what i always used and had no problems
Bucksnort: i checked the bottle and it has no alcohol listed but does have ammonia
Mike McGill: No, do not use Windex. It can break down the anti-glare coating. Ammonia is acidic.
Bucksnort: how bout windex that has vinegar in it instead of ammonia
Mike McGill: Vinegar is acidic as well. Soft dry cloth only. If something is on the screen that will not come off with a dry cloth, then just a water dampened cloth. If more cleaning power is needed, then a diluted solution of mild dishwashing detergent.
Bucksnort: ok, thanks so much. any tips for me in closing?
Mike McGill: The SB modes on the monitors are not meant for continuous use. This is something that many don't realize when getting these monitors. They have specific functions, like viewing images, watching movies, or to brighten up a video game, but should be used for normal day to use on a continuous basis.
Bucksnort: yes, i have seen ppl posting about that, they complain about blurry text , hehh
Mike McGill: Sorry, should not be used on a continuous basis.
Bucksnort: will the sb shorten life of monitor u think?
Mike McGill: If used continuously, yes it can shorten the life of the display.
Bucksnort: heats the monitor up more too i bet
Mike McGill: It does cause additional heat generation because of what the monitor must do to enable the SB mode.
Bucksnort: so if u really wanted to take care of your monitor and make it last, then may be best not to even use sb/
Mike McGill: You can use it, just use for what it is intended for.
Mike McGill: Happy to help.

 

[w0lf42]

Well, not only do I have mine going throught a power surge, it's also hooked via my power back-up unit.

I have my at 100% contrast and 50% brightness. I've played around with the superbrite a bit, but generally just have it off.

BTW, thanks for posting the chat with Mike McGill. Good tips on cleaning and not using superbrite all the time.