Which LCD Monitor?

[Kalistan]

I am caught between getting a kickass 15inch lcd and a decent 17inch lcd...

The two contenders are Eizo L365 and the Optoma 17 inch lcd monitor.

The Eizo has DVI/and analog connection...is a dvi connection that much more noticeably better
than an analog nowadays...anyway, you know that Eizo is top of the line...but it's 15inch.

The Optoma is 17inch and has some pretty good stats...400:1 contrast ratio and 250cd/cm brightness,
and it's 17 inch.

If anyone knows about either of these monitors or my question about dvi/analog, please post.

I forgot...I want to use this for 2d games, a couple 3d, and a lot of internet and typing.

 

[epod]

Planar PV174 17.4 has a 400:1 contrast ration and 250 brightness. It also has a rise + fall at 25ms (15 up 10 down I believe)

Has DVI and Analog in and built in speakers and a USB Hub.

$600.

 

[Kalistan]

I can get this other one for about 500$...Can the Planar be bought for any less than that?
I wish I had the money (even just a 100), but I'm in college and my monitor went bad and
so I'm in a bind. What do you think about the difference between dvi and analog input...is it noticeable?

 

[mfavin]

Yes, you can tell the difference between analog and DVI. The text is sharper. It's not dramatically different, but worth it. You can set all fonts to absolute minimum and still read them- each pixel is 100% absolutely clear, because the signal is pure digital. If you already have a DVI video card, it's worth the extra money to get a DVI monitor. Keep in mind you will probably keep that monitor for 3-5 years, and analog will be completely gone in another year or two (though there will always be a legacy converter option.) So it's better to pony up for a DVI capable monitor now instead of later.

I also recommend Planar. Whichever LCD you get, make sure it has a full 3 year warranty, including for the backlight. A lot of LCDs only have a 1 year warranty on the backlight. Planar also offers an express swap if your monitor goes bad, at no extra charge- they will send you a replacement immediately (2 day air) before you even have to return your bad/problem monitor.

I've had the Planar 18.1" for 3 months now and still regularly think how great it is over the CRT/analog crap I used for 15+ years.

 

[Bozo Galora]

uh, favin, did you have any bad pixels on that Planar - if so how many?

 

[flashsim]

Where can i get the Planar PV174 for $600 ??

 

[kendogg]

<< Where can i get the Planar PV174 for $600 ?? >>



I believe it was a dell.com deal.. search it on hotdeals forum

 

[Kalistan]

Thanks for your replies...I think I am going to go with the eizo. I don't have money for the planar,
But the eizo is really going to look good anyway.

 

[Wolfram]

Are LCD monitors good for gaming, or is a CRT better?
How does the Planar do with gaming?
Thanks!