LCD Computer Monitor advice needed

[Charlie175]

I'm running the same Samsung as Stew paired with a Sony 22" and they perform very well (I use them for CAD).
The rest of my work PC's are all Dells as is the home, they do well also. I prefer the Samsung to all.

 

[RancherSam]

well, this used to be cheaper( about 200 bucks), but it's a good 22" monitor for not a lot of money. brand is v7 and you can pick it up at walmart.

Walmart.com: V7 22" Widescreen LCD Monitor: Computers

 

[mjncad]

Eddie:

I had a 20" Viewsonic CRT monitor for about 12-years before it finally died. If Viewsonic had a 30" when I was replacement shopping, I more than likely would have gone with them again. I ended up with a Dell 30" and so far, so good. Dell just came out with a new 30" that made the cost of mine look like a bargain. I don't know what is different; but good grief they jacked up the price.

When I was specing out 20" monitors for CADD work in the late 80's through mid 90's; it was common for a good quality (Viewsonic, Hitachi, NEC) monitor to cost $2k. I'm glad I have the BIG monitor now as it makes doing CADD work, especially 3D much easier.

Another poster did offer good advice to make sure your video card can drive whatever new monitor you buy. I had to buy a new video card when I got the LCD and my 5-year old PC's video card technology that was touted as the future is now obsolete. I just barely got a card at a reasonable price. The problem is that it's aimed at gamers, so my CADD and graphic software overwhelms it from time to time.

 

[EddieWalker]

We looked at Walmart, but didn't see anything that cought our eye. I don't remember V7, but its been awhile. We're still using out old 17in flat screen for now. The LG was our favorite in picture quality by a pretty good margin, but they were all sold out the last time I went to pick one up.

Eddie

 

[Timber]

I just bought a 22 inch Dell myself. I do like the HP monitors but they are kinda pricey. The 24 inch monitors are out now too but you need to be sure that your PC is capable of the resolution you need to run them. I buy a monitor with the idea that it doesn't matter what PC I use it with because it is a separate entity.They kinda move onto the next computer or it will become part of a duel monitor setup

 

[mjncad]

Paying the HP price wouldn't bother me if it was the rugged HP quality of old; but now HP and Sony think they can still charge premium prices for inferior merchandise that isn't worthy of either name.

 

[EddieWalker]

Paying the HP price wouldn't bother me if it was the rugged HP quality of old; but now HP and Sony think they can still charge premium prices for inferior merchandise that isn't worthy of either name.

I can sure relate to that statement. Both brands have become worthless in quality and value. I won't buy either of them again, and it's been years since my last mistake purchase of a HP product. It just fall apart after a few months!!!!!!

Eddie

 

[mwb]

Before purchasing your new monitor make sure that your computer can handle widescreen. If your motherboard video cannot output widescreen format then your picture will look like crap. You can buy a separate video card to add the capability but in my experience it is a PITA. You can get a regular "square" monitor but they actually cost more than the widescreens.

If you have any doubt I would suggest you either take the computer to a store and try it there (let their geeks set if for you ) or you might have to return it if your 'puter can't handle it.

I think you can tell what formats your computer can output by looking at the available settings in your control panel; widescreen resolution should be there.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[LMTC]

I can sure relate to that statement. Both brands have become worthless in quality and value. I won't buy either of them again, and it's been years since my last mistake purchase of a HP product. It just fall apart after a few months!!!!!!

Eddie

I must be lucky....I have three HPs in the office, two on my desk, all between 24-30 months old. The two on my desk are on probably 100 hours each week, the other probably 30-40 hours. I have added RAM, and replaced a couple of fans, and replaced one optical drive. That's it. I also have an HP laptop, seldom used, 30 months old, no problems. My worst problems have been with so called custom built machines I had made locally. Did that twice, two different small businesses in the area, both were wretched experiences.

 

[texasjohn]

Eddie... my opinion:

If you have access to a FRY's Electronics, I'd get one from there... warranty, etc. is good and you can see many different make side by side. Thus, your eyes can tell you what you need to know.. beyond what specs can do.

I'd not get too hung up on brand....if you can wait until thanksgiving, Fry's always has a sale the day after.. will have an LCD on sale for $$$$$ off.

I concur, viewsonic has bee superb for me.

Use native mode resolution ONLY on a LCD screen.... makes all the difference in fuzzy vs. sharp...

Final thought... I set up all my computers to use multiple monitors... even the laptop. two for the laptop, 4 for desktop.

having lots of desktop real estate via multiple displays is worth FAR MORE than you may think.

It's a way to continue to use displays of various sizes, mix LCD's and analog displays.... etc.... me, the only LCD I have is on my laptop... I'm still using analogs elsewhere that people are throwing away..17 inches and better... lots of desktop inches for no $$.