[Retired] The LCD Thread

[imported_Steggy]

Oops.. I fixed the issues there. I didn't put HDCP under HDMI because it wasn't there on the spec sheet, but I'm never sure across which digital inputs HDCP is active. I go by what I can. I did not pick up on the fact that it was 1080p. In this case the BenQ E2200HD would also be a good recommend. But, do you know what scaling options the ViewSonic has? The BenQ exceeds in this area. I have also heard good things about an ASUS 22" 1080p. I should probably investigate these more than I currently am. That resolution seems so dense but I guess for gaming it's fine. I recommend the L220X for general use mainly because of its PVA panel but it also has high density. The 1080 monitors may have good scaling due to pixel density.

I do not know all of the scaling options on it now, but i placed an order on it today, so I'll look into it when it arrives. I've heard good things about the asus vh222h and i think the vx226h if i recall as well. There are a lot of choices for both 16:10 and 16:9 monitors, but for console gaming and tv watching, i would think you'd want to exclusively use 16:9 so you wouldn't spend money on wasted real estate with 16:10. But yea, I basically research displays exclusively for console gaming purposes. I've got my own lil version of one of these threads and someone linked me to yours a while ago haha. btw, you might want to add this link for the 2260 for recommended settings someone made at mlg. It was made using some of DV's advice, but the settings seem sound. http://www.mlgpro.com/forum/showthread.php?t=243192

 

[kalrith]

Originally posted by: Raibaru
Hey guys,
I read some of the last couple pages and the suggestions. Still a bit up in the air with what I want. Figured I'd make another "what would you buy" type of response.

I currently do a lot of graphic design work, web design, and just really getting into digital photography. I also do a lot of gaming, but it's mostly WoW (which won't make a difference). But I want a monitor that is nice for gaming too. I have an Aquos tv in my room, but I some times like to watch tv and console (xbox360) at the same time. But ultimately I want it for PC gaming and graphic design type work.

I also have a budget of about $350ish. I could go up to as much as $450, but not sure I want to. I am also shooting for the 22-24" range for monitors. A USB port or 5 would be nice as well but not needed. A webcam is not needed at all. Built in speakers aren't needed, but I only have a crap pair of altec so it wouldn't hurt (and probably just as good if not better then these).

Can't think of anything else.

The one that I saw mentioned a lot, was cheap, and seemed to meet my criteria was the Dell 2209WA. Would have been nice to have a 1080p one though just so if I did use it for console gaming.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks guys!

You say you want 1080p. Does that mean you specifically want 1920x1080 resolution, or would 1920x1200 suffice? I'm not sure of any 1920x1080 non-TN panels, which I would stay away from for your graphic design. I just bought a Dell 2408FPW last week for $396 after tax and shipping, and I think it might fit your requirements well. The color accuracy is very good even without hardware calibration. Its resolution is 1920x1200, so it could display 1080p in full resolution with black bars at the top and bottom. The one negative might be input lag, but the new revision of the monitor seems to be on par with a lot of IPS monitors. I haven't noticed any, but I haven't played any first-person shooters yet.

I will say that the $396 price ($374 before tax) was the lowest I've ever seen, so you might have to wait a bit to find it for that price again. I also ordered it off of the EPP site and used DPA (basically Dell's credit card) in order to get the price lower.

 

[Raibaru]

1920x1200 is fine too. I don't know what EPP stands for, but I was looking for that monitor on their website and it was 599 which was well above what I found reasonable. There is no real rush. I just upgraded my photoshop and the new layout they have with the docking panels is forcing me into a widescreen monitor. Just making sure my new monitor is something I can live with for awhile.

 

[kalrith]

EPP is their employee purchase program found at www.dell.com/epp. It's supposed to be for specific schools and businesses, but I don't think they really verify information. I used the member ID from my alma mater, where I graduated two years ago, and it worked fine. You can just choose from one of the categories to check out the prices. PM me if you want more details on how to checkout through the program.

The monitor goes on sale every few weeks, so just check out some deals websites for when it does. If you need to buy a monitor very soon, then this might not work for you.

I just checked the EPP site, and if you use Dell DPA, the price is $436.58 + tax with free shipping, or about $62 more than it was last week.

 

[chilledinsanity]

Well I decided to lower my size standards and bought the Dell 2209WA. Compared to the HP LP2745w (which I returned), it's like night and day. The colors aren't quite as good as my old CRT, but I feel like with enough calibration they could be. On the LP2475W NO amount of calibrating would ever have fixed the color problems it had with reds and light greens, it was ludicrous. Response time for the 2209WA is about as good as I can expect for an LCD. The input lag is still noticeable coming from a CRT, but not as apparent as the LP2475W. The right side of the monitor is slightly darker than the rest, but it's not as extreme as what I saw on the 2475W. The interpolation options are not as thorough on the 2209WA, but that's something that's better to let the videocard handle anyway (if you have an Nvidia one). Considering the price and that it's an IPS panel, I'd say it's a pretty good transition for coming from a CRT.

 

[glamdring1]

Hello, I've started looking at LCD screeens and while I understand that TN screens have their issues, and I've heard a lot of people bashing them, but I'm wondering if they're good enough for what I want an lcd screen for. I'm mostly going to be using it as a tv, i.e. watching movies and playing some console games. vertical viewing area doesn't bother me too much as long as it's not going to make a serious difference if I'm sitting straight up or slouching. Horizontal viewing area matters somewhat more, but all I really ask is that if I have 3-4 people sitting on a long couch, they can all see the picture without it looking like total crap. Another thing I haven't heard a whole lot about is standard definition on lcd monitors. Is it going to look terrible if I hook up a PS2 or DVD player? Sharpness is of some concern to me(mostly for reading text). I mostly want to make My budget is kinda limited and I'd really like something that has both old and new connection options, so I guess my bottom line is, is it worth it for me to get an lcd screen at all if I can't get an ips of some description? This is the monitor I was looking at specifically if anyone has any comments on it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824005120

 

[cerebrus]

Want to thank xtknight for putting this thread together.

I do some gaming on the side FPS and RTS, with editing of photos. Thinking of a 24" display, cannot decide between the HP LP2475w or Dell 2408WFP. I should be able to borrow a Spyder3Pro for calibration. Reading the posts in the thread, it seems to boil down more to a personal preference between these two displays. I should be able to get both around the same price. Any suggestions?

 

[arcarsenal]

Originally posted by: cerebrus
Want to thank xtknight for putting this thread together.

I do some gaming on the side FPS and RTS, with editing of photos. Thinking of a 24" display, cannot decide between the HP LP2475w or Dell 2408WFP. I should be able to borrow a Spyder3Pro for calibration. Reading the posts in the thread, it seems to boil down more to a personal preference between these two displays. I should be able to get both around the same price. Any suggestions?

I think xt would recommend the HP2475w as it is H-IPS, and it comes above the dell in all areas (multimedia, print target media processing) etc.

I would go for the HP2475w personally!

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Raibaru
Hey guys,
I read some of the last couple pages and the suggestions. Still a bit up in the air with what I want. Figured I'd make another "what would you buy" type of response.

I currently do a lot of graphic design work, web design, and just really getting into digital photography. I also do a lot of gaming, but it's mostly WoW (which won't make a difference). But I want a monitor that is nice for gaming too. I have an Aquos tv in my room, but I some times like to watch tv and console (xbox360) at the same time. But ultimately I want it for PC gaming and graphic design type work.

I also have a budget of about $350ish. I could go up to as much as $450, but not sure I want to. I am also shooting for the 22-24" range for monitors. A USB port or 5 would be nice as well but not needed. A webcam is not needed at all. Built in speakers aren't needed, but I only have a crap pair of altec so it wouldn't hurt (and probably just as good if not better then these).

Can't think of anything else.

The one that I saw mentioned a lot, was cheap, and seemed to meet my criteria was the Dell 2209WA. Would have been nice to have a 1080p one though just so if I did use it for console gaming.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks guys!

Yes, the 2209WA is a good idea because it's eIPS. The LP2065 is another possible option, although I would gravitate towards the 2209WA due to the panel. I think that you want yours to be IPS since you're doing graphics design and that should take precedence over anything else like integrated speakers or 1080p. You can still watch 1080p content downscaled on the Dell (I think, as long as it supports inputting consoles which can be researched).

 

[arcarsenal]

Xt,

I've been looking at some cheaper options, as in Australia there is very limited range of non-TN under $500. Use will be general, (multimedia, movies, occasional games, limited office as I have a notebook).

Dell 2209WA, $395
As for the dell I've come across these reviews,
"Very good"
http://www.prad.de/en/monitore...ell-2209wa-part15.html
"warn against using this monitor for games & movies in a pitch black room" -
http://www.lcdreviewz.com/review_Dell_2209WA
Also another good review -
http://www.erodov.com/forums/d...09wa-review/18048.html

I also noticed the Asus PW201 for $339
In this xbits labs review, they stated that "this is a rather mediocre model in its real parameters, being obviously inferior to the Dell 200WP7, Philips 2007WEB, and Samsung 215TW" http://www.xbitlabs.com/articl...0inch-4_26.html#sect0

However, BEHardware state that it would be in their favourites with the NECW20GX & Samsung 215tw & Viewsonic VX2025WM if it wasn't for the glossy panel
http://www.behardware.com/arti...d-20-5-6-8-16-ms.html

Prad also name it in their buyer's guide Nov, 2008, in their 20" top gaming monitors, and in their 20" bang-for-buck monitors - though there is now review to be found
http://www.prad.de/en/monitore...ers-guide/price20.html
http://www.prad.de/en/monitore...ers-guide/gamer20.html

I've also thought about these second hand models that I've found, though I am bit weary of paying the price without a warranty.
Samsung 215TW ($150~$200 2nd hand)
HP L2335 ($249 2nd hand)
NEC 20WGX2Pro

Do you think the dell is the sweet-spot, bang-for-buck purchase, being the only IPS around that price?

 

[MoFuzz]

Decided on the Benq G2400WD and have been very pleased so far with it. Only thing is that I can't seem to get 1920x1080 to display properly in 1:1 mode from my PC using DVI.

Both the Xbox 360 and PS3 both correctly put black bars on the top and bottom when I use the HDMI port, but the display coming from the PC just looks wrong. It is only displaying the image in the very center of the screen, and it is squished on both the left and right sides.

Does anyone have experience with this monitor and using the display at 1920x1080 using DVI?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: glamdring1
Hello, I've started looking at LCD screeens and while I understand that TN screens have their issues, and I've heard a lot of people bashing them, but I'm wondering if they're good enough for what I want an lcd screen for. I'm mostly going to be using it as a tv, i.e. watching movies and playing some console games. vertical viewing area doesn't bother me too much as long as it's not going to make a serious difference if I'm sitting straight up or slouching. Horizontal viewing area matters somewhat more, but all I really ask is that if I have 3-4 people sitting on a long couch, they can all see the picture without it looking like total crap. Another thing I haven't heard a whole lot about is standard definition on lcd monitors. Is it going to look terrible if I hook up a PS2 or DVD player? Sharpness is of some concern to me(mostly for reading text). I mostly want to make My budget is kinda limited and I'd really like something that has both old and new connection options, so I guess my bottom line is, is it worth it for me to get an lcd screen at all if I can't get an ips of some description? This is the monitor I was looking at specifically if anyone has any comments on it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824005120

Yes, I think a TN will do fine for your purposes. I have had no experience with the particular one you're referring to, but I do know that the BenQ E2200HD and E2400HD are good LCDs that you should check out. They're good with consoles because they're true 1080p. Standard def should look fine and there might be options to blur it a little to smooth it out. The BenQs do not have analog or digital TV tuners, however.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: cerebrus
Want to thank xtknight for putting this thread together.

I do some gaming on the side FPS and RTS, with editing of photos. Thinking of a 24" display, cannot decide between the HP LP2475w or Dell 2408WFP. I should be able to borrow a Spyder3Pro for calibration. Reading the posts in the thread, it seems to boil down more to a personal preference between these two displays. I should be able to get both around the same price. Any suggestions?

arcarsenal hit the nail on the head..

Just remember with the HP you run the risk of dealing with some uniformity issues but it might be worth it. I mean if it's real bad you can exchange it. Both monitors are very high gamut.

Originally posted by: arcarsenal
Xt,

I've been looking at some cheaper options, as in Australia there is very limited range of non-TN under $500. Use will be general, (multimedia, movies, occasional games, limited office as I have a notebook).

Dell 2209WA, $395
As for the dell I've come across these reviews,
"Very good"
http://www.prad.de/en/monitore...ell-2209wa-part15.html
"warn against using this monitor for games & movies in a pitch black room" -
http://www.lcdreviewz.com/review_Dell_2209WA
Also another good review -
http://www.erodov.com/forums/d...09wa-review/18048.html

I also noticed the Asus PW201 for $339
In this xbits labs review, they stated that "this is a rather mediocre model in its real parameters, being obviously inferior to the Dell 200WP7, Philips 2007WEB, and Samsung 215TW" http://www.xbitlabs.com/articl...0inch-4_26.html#sect0

However, BEHardware state that it would be in their favourites with the NECW20GX & Samsung 215tw & Viewsonic VX2025WM if it wasn't for the glossy panel
http://www.behardware.com/arti...d-20-5-6-8-16-ms.html

Prad also name it in their buyer's guide Nov, 2008, in their 20" top gaming monitors, and in their 20" bang-for-buck monitors - though there is now review to be found
http://www.prad.de/en/monitore...ers-guide/price20.html
http://www.prad.de/en/monitore...ers-guide/gamer20.html

I've also thought about these second hand models that I've found, though I am bit weary of paying the price without a warranty.
Samsung 215TW ($150~$200 2nd hand)
HP L2335 ($249 2nd hand)
NEC 20WGX2Pro

Do you think the dell is the sweet-spot, bang-for-buck purchase, being the only IPS around that price?

The NEC 20WGX2Pro and 215TW are very good monitors, but the Dell 2209WA is certainly a good cheaper choice. I wouldn't bother with the other less commonly known LCDs, although the HP L2335 looks quite enticing. The only thing I'd be worried about with the HP is response time. Some of the lesser known IPSes might not have as good of a response time. And you might want to buy new, so I say go with the 2209WA or 20WGX2Pro depending on how budget allows. My NEC has had a lot of problems at the top and it has a very ugly pattern due to a problem with a heat coating. It looks like spilled water at the top. So I might go with the Dell to save money and avoid that issue. (I think they may have fixed it with the NECs, I don't know) They're both IPS screens. I almost forgot the NEC 20WGX2Pro was still selling new in other countries (it is?)

 

[arcarsenal]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: arcarsenal
Xt,

I've been looking at some cheaper options, as in Australia there is very limited range of non-TN under $500. Use will be general, (multimedia, movies, occasional games, limited office as I have a notebook).

Dell 2209WA, $395
As for the dell I've come across these reviews,
"Very good"
http://www.prad.de/en/monitore...ell-2209wa-part15.html
"warn against using this monitor for games & movies in a pitch black room" -
http://www.lcdreviewz.com/review_Dell_2209WA
Also another good review -
http://www.erodov.com/forums/d...09wa-review/18048.html

I also noticed the Asus PW201 for $339
In this xbits labs review, they stated that "this is a rather mediocre model in its real parameters, being obviously inferior to the Dell 200WP7, Philips 2007WEB, and Samsung 215TW" http://www.xbitlabs.com/articl...0inch-4_26.html#sect0

However, BEHardware state that it would be in their favourites with the NECW20GX & Samsung 215tw & Viewsonic VX2025WM if it wasn't for the glossy panel
http://www.behardware.com/arti...d-20-5-6-8-16-ms.html

Prad also name it in their buyer's guide Nov, 2008, in their 20" top gaming monitors, and in their 20" bang-for-buck monitors - though there is now review to be found
http://www.prad.de/en/monitore...ers-guide/price20.html
http://www.prad.de/en/monitore...ers-guide/gamer20.html

I've also thought about these second hand models that I've found, though I am bit weary of paying the price without a warranty.
Samsung 215TW ($150~$200 2nd hand)
HP L2335 ($249 2nd hand)
NEC 20WGX2Pro

Do you think the dell is the sweet-spot, bang-for-buck purchase, being the only IPS around that price?

The NEC 20WGX2Pro and 215TW are very good monitors, but the Dell 2209WA is certainly a good cheaper choice. I wouldn't bother with the other less commonly known LCDs, although the HP L2335 looks quite enticing. The only thing I'd be worried about with the HP is response time. Some of the lesser known IPSes might not have as good of a response time. And you might want to buy new, so I say go with the 2209WA or 20WGX2Pro depending on how budget allows. My NEC has had a lot of problems at the top and it has a very ugly pattern due to a problem with a heat coating. It looks like spilled water at the top. So I might go with the Dell to save money and avoid that issue. (I think they may have fixed it with the NECs, I don't know) They're both IPS screens. I almost forgot the NEC 20WGX2Pro was still selling new in other countries (it is?)

Sorry! I was a bit unclear there.. The NEC 20WGX2Pro is selling at auction (2nd hand) - I just didn't know the price due, it's currently $188.

I agree, the HP looks a bit slow on paper at least.

Do you think it's worth the risk to go 2nd hand? I mean, both the 215tw & nec would be a maximum of 3 yrs old (due to release date). How long do these puppies last?

As for the Dell 2209WA, I'm annoyed because they were $319 a few weeks back - before I was looking, and now back up to $395. One side of me says that I don't miss out on this monitor (as it's not even listed in the mainstream section if that's a hint) and another side of me is wondering whether 23"-24" e-IPS (and LED?) screens will be out soon, in a similar price range. I wonder if they'll even be affordable in my country, too. Or if the global recession might slow demand for them?

Before I'm going to do anything, I might see if my uncle (who works at HP), can get me any deals on the HP LP2475w. I would honestly prefer 1920x1200 but I can't justify the $350 price hike for only 12.5% more working space.

 

[Winterpool]

ArcArsenal, 12.5 per cent more work space -- is that between 1920x1200 and 1920x1080, or 1680x1050? The difference between 1920x1200 and the latter is 30.6 per cent. I'm currently using the Dell 2209WA and should definitely appreciate the greater area of a 24-inch 1920x1200. The HP LP2475w is about $505 on Provantage right now...

Reading the comments for the recent review of the BenQ MVA monitor, I notice someone observed a Dell 2410WA e-IPS on the Dell monitor Wikipedia entry. A Google search obtained only two hits -- one of which was the AnandTech comment! Does anyone have any more concrete information? Is this an actual forthcoming model?

If the 2410WA is an e-IPS panel, it's also a bit confusing, since the LG preview suggested we'd be seeing a 23-inch 1920x1080 e-IPS display.

 

[Kalessian]

It looks like the guy who posted that 2410WA info to the wiki page has a history of vandalizing pages and posting nonsense.

Look what he posted here: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/inde...f=prev&oldid=256781159

Although he has had some useful contributions, too, so maybe more than one person is using his IP. None of his other edits seem to be tech-related so I'm not sure how reliable that info is.

 

[Winterpool]

Originally posted by: Kalessian
It looks like the guy who posted that 2410WA info to the wiki page has a history of vandalizing pages and posting nonsense.

Aw, shucks!

 

[Josh7289]

xt,

Are you planning on modifying your recommendations soon regarding the BenQ G2400WD and Samsung 2493HM, since they have both been listed as 'deactivated items' on Newegg for a while now?

I mean, it's probably a good idea to keep them in your list until they're basically nowhere to be found at all, but it looks like they've been discontinued so I don't know how long that will last...

And it's really disappointing that all the low input lag 1920 x 1200 monitors seem to be disappearing now. I really don't want a 1080p computer monitor (mostly because it's not possible to fit 1600 x 1200 onto a 1080p panel).

 

[Crono]

Just ordered Dell 2209WA based on info from this thread and reviews online. Hope the monitor comes before the estimated ship time of 3-5 Weeks (ouch). Thanks for the info, xtknight!

 

[SeanFL]

looking for some help on selecting a new 20-22 inch monitor.

The panel will be used to read email and scripts in a recording studio. If buying locally (Sams or Costco), the choices are between:

Samsung 2233sw $179
Samsung 2033sw $149
Acer H233H 23" $179

There are also panels from AOC, LG, and Viewsonic, but I didn't see enough reviews on amazon or newegg (for what either would be worth) to make a call.

Our of all of them, the Acer gets the most stars at both places.

Any opinions? I'd like to stay around $200 or so.

Thanks for any guidance.

Sean

 

[hittman305]

Samsung 206 BW. Not a big boi, ive had it around 2 years, looks great, its digital, and you can get it under 200 buks im pretty sure now. i mean..all these numbers of this and that..just look at the screen. if it looks good, it looks good. end of story.

 

[1ManArmY]

so is the Hanns-G HG 281DPB Black 27.5 3 ms LCD pure crap for gaming and surfing the net? I would occasionally want to watch Blurays or HD-DVD on it every now and then. Would the 19 X 12 cause issues displaying blurays?

Looking to upgrade from Samsung 21.6 LCD to 24+ (500 budget)
Suggestions please

 

[kalrith]

Originally posted by: 1ManArmY
so is the Hanns-G HG 281DPB Black 27.5 3 ms LCD pure crap for gaming and surfing the net? I would occasionally want to watch Blurays or HD-DVD on it every now and then. Would the 19 X 12 cause issues displaying blurays?

It's a TN panel, which isn't totally awful for gaming and surfing. However, the reviews for that monitor show that it's not a very good TN panel, and its size means that the limited viewing angles will come into play even if you're seated directly in front of it.

19 x 12 is fine for blu-ray, but this monitor doesn't do 1:1 pixel mapping. If you have a blu-ray player in your computer, then your computer can do the scaling, and it will display as it's supposed to. However, if you connect an external blu-ray player to this monitor, then it will vertically stretch the image, taking the 1080 vertical pixels of blu-ray and stretching it to the 1200 vertical pixels of the monitor.

I'm sure others will have some good recommendations for you. I recently picked up the Dell 2408WFP for $374 + tax and think it's an awesome monitor for that price. If it gets back down to that price again, you might want to consider it.

 

[1ManArmY]

Originally posted by: kalrith

Originally posted by: 1ManArmY
so is the Hanns-G HG 281DPB Black 27.5 3 ms LCD pure crap for gaming and surfing the net? I would occasionally want to watch Blurays or HD-DVD on it every now and then. Would the 19 X 12 cause issues displaying blurays?

It's a TN panel, which isn't totally awful for gaming and surfing. However, the reviews for that monitor show that it's not a very good TN panel, and its size means that the limited viewing angles will come into play even if you're seated directly in front of it.

19 x 12 is fine for blu-ray, but this monitor doesn't do 1:1 pixel mapping. If you have a blu-ray player in your computer, then your computer can do the scaling, and it will display as it's supposed to. However, if you connect an external blu-ray player to this monitor, then it will vertically stretch the image, taking the 1080 vertical pixels of blu-ray and stretching it to the 1200 vertical pixels of the monitor.

I'm sure others will have some good recommendations for you. I recently picked up the Dell 2408WFP for $374 + tax and think it's an awesome monitor for that price. If it gets back down to that price again, you might want to consider it.

thanks for your reply, how about this Samsung T260?

I think I might hold out for deal on a HP or Dell or wait for Black Friday price drops? No big rush as I plan on picking up a next gen GFX card when they come out so it can better handle the high resolutions with the 24+ LCD.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: arcarsenal

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: arcarsenal
Xt,

I've been looking at some cheaper options, as in Australia there is very limited range of non-TN under $500. Use will be general, (multimedia, movies, occasional games, limited office as I have a notebook).

Dell 2209WA, $395
As for the dell I've come across these reviews,
"Very good"
http://www.prad.de/en/monitore...ell-2209wa-part15.html
"warn against using this monitor for games & movies in a pitch black room" -
http://www.lcdreviewz.com/review_Dell_2209WA
Also another good review -
http://www.erodov.com/forums/d...09wa-review/18048.html

I also noticed the Asus PW201 for $339
In this xbits labs review, they stated that "this is a rather mediocre model in its real parameters, being obviously inferior to the Dell 200WP7, Philips 2007WEB, and Samsung 215TW" http://www.xbitlabs.com/articl...0inch-4_26.html#sect0

However, BEHardware state that it would be in their favourites with the NECW20GX & Samsung 215tw & Viewsonic VX2025WM if it wasn't for the glossy panel
http://www.behardware.com/arti...d-20-5-6-8-16-ms.html

Prad also name it in their buyer's guide Nov, 2008, in their 20" top gaming monitors, and in their 20" bang-for-buck monitors - though there is now review to be found
http://www.prad.de/en/monitore...ers-guide/price20.html
http://www.prad.de/en/monitore...ers-guide/gamer20.html

I've also thought about these second hand models that I've found, though I am bit weary of paying the price without a warranty.
Samsung 215TW ($150~$200 2nd hand)
HP L2335 ($249 2nd hand)
NEC 20WGX2Pro

Do you think the dell is the sweet-spot, bang-for-buck purchase, being the only IPS around that price?

The NEC 20WGX2Pro and 215TW are very good monitors, but the Dell 2209WA is certainly a good cheaper choice. I wouldn't bother with the other less commonly known LCDs, although the HP L2335 looks quite enticing. The only thing I'd be worried about with the HP is response time. Some of the lesser known IPSes might not have as good of a response time. And you might want to buy new, so I say go with the 2209WA or 20WGX2Pro depending on how budget allows. My NEC has had a lot of problems at the top and it has a very ugly pattern due to a problem with a heat coating. It looks like spilled water at the top. So I might go with the Dell to save money and avoid that issue. (I think they may have fixed it with the NECs, I don't know) They're both IPS screens. I almost forgot the NEC 20WGX2Pro was still selling new in other countries (it is?)

Sorry! I was a bit unclear there.. The NEC 20WGX2Pro is selling at auction (2nd hand) - I just didn't know the price due, it's currently $188.

I agree, the HP looks a bit slow on paper at least.

Do you think it's worth the risk to go 2nd hand? I mean, both the 215tw & nec would be a maximum of 3 yrs old (due to release date). How long do these puppies last?

Worth it? Not really. I mean, they don't last forever (backlights can go out) and the ones you end up with might have problems.

As for the Dell 2209WA, I'm annoyed because they were $319 a few weeks back - before I was looking, and now back up to $395. One side of me says that I don't miss out on this monitor (as it's not even listed in the mainstream section if that's a hint) and another side of me is wondering whether 23"-24" e-IPS (and LED?) screens will be out soon, in a similar price range. I wonder if they'll even be affordable in my country, too. Or if the global recession might slow demand for them?

23-24" eIPS LED monitors for $400? Don't count on that....

I would go for the 2209WA now even though it's a bit more pricey. I mean, it's a pretty good LCD. $320 was REALLY cheap for it and $400 is GOOD for it.

Before I'm going to do anything, I might see if my uncle (who works at HP), can get me any deals on the HP LP2475w. I would honestly prefer 1920x1200 but I can't justify the $350 price hike for only 12.5% more working space.

Yeah the LP2475w might be worth the extra...