Choosing Between Monitors

[bryceray1121]

I've narrowed my search down to a couple monitors from newegg, i am open to other suggestions if you have any though.

I use my computer primarily for gaming and webdesign (photoshop, flash, dreamweaver, etc).

My current computer build:
Amd Athon 64x2 3800+
2gb ram
8800 gts 320mb

I'm going to be getting a new computer within the next year so I want to get a monitor that will work well with this computer and look great on a new highend system.

My 3 current choices:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824005124
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009145
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236051

My price range is under $200.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[Hyno]

Unless you are a professional graphic designer, a TN panel should well fit your needs.

So, you created a good shortlist, here are my comments:

- Resolution: LG and Asus are Full Hd, Acer is not
- Connectivity: Only Acer has an HDMI input, the other two not
- Response time: LG and Asus have 2ms response time, Acer 5ms (important for gaming)

If I were you, I'd add a Benq monitor to your shortlist. I have the E2200HD myself and works great so far without any problems. Got HDMI, Full HD 16:9, 2ms response time and cool design. Very much recommended on various tech blogs and portals.

But you might also want to take a look at Benq's newer 22" inch model, the G2220HD. Similar specs but a little cheaper though: http://www.costcentral.com/proddetail/BenQ_G2220HD/G2220HD/BC2142/froogle/

 

[bryceray1121]

I read this about the Benq E2200HD:

Maybe give it a miss if you're a gamer, as you might notice too much blurring.

Here: http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/review/monitors/benq/e2200hd/266498

And i couldn't really find any good specs on it or sellers.

I also researched the G2220HD and it looked ok but it is the most expensive monitor of the bunch and it has a response time of 5ms.

I think my two best bets right now are the LG and Asus. But i do have a question. What exactly is HDMI and what is the advantage of having it?
I see the LG and Asus are full hd so what is the advantage of having an hdmi port. Ultimately, is video quality going to be better on an LG/Asus (with DVI port) or on the non-hd Acer (hdmi port)?

Thanks for your help.

 

[bryceray1121]

- Connectivity: Only Acer has an HDMI input, the other two not
- Response time: LG and Asus have 2ms response time, Acer 5ms (important for gaming)

And i just realized an error:
The Asus has the HDMI port not he Acer.

So do you think the Asus is the best bet?
Its Full HD, HDMI Port, and a 2ms response time.

At newegg its $149 after a mail in rebate, thats a steal isn't it?

Thanks for your assistance.

 

[Hyno]

Sorry for the mistake, you’re right!

To answer your questions:

1. There is no difference in video quality between HDMI and DVI. HDMI combines video and audio signals in one cable, that’s all. However, if you want to play consoles, both the Playstation 3 and the Xbox 360 use HDMI connections.
2. For blurring in general, I think this is kind of subjective and also depends on the testing methods used. In the review link which you posted in terms of blurring they say this for the E2200HD:

…but trails were visible in scrolling text and window moving tests. Movies were handled quite well, though, as motion was not a problem when viewing HD movies and even DVDs.

Which normal monitor user does that? Moving windows quickly? I think a monitor should be tested for what it is targeted at which is watching movies, DVDs and playing games. But not for irrelevant aspects of daily PC use like window moving tests.

Anyway, just my personal opinion.

I haven’t noticed anything so far and I frequently use the BenQ for gaming and watching movies and also normal desktop work and browsing. It works just fantastic.

But still, the Asus sound goods too, at least spec-wise. But don’t always trust the specs, it’s better to have a real experience with the product. And: I normally prefer to not buy the cheapest product. Price-wise I think all the monitors are acceptable, a few bucks more or less doesn’t really make the difference.

 

[bryceray1121]

I know i opened this thread a while ago, but i've decided that a 24'' monitor is the way to go so now i'm trying to decide between two monitors. Opinions?

LG Monitor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824005126

Asus Monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236048

 

[RIOTinYOURcity]

LG baby! Better contrast ratio also nice features.
I've got an 32 inch LG have no complaints other than I should have gotten 1080p instead of 720p.

 

[jaguarskx]

^^^

Has no relevance since different products from the same company can be crap or not. I have nothing against LG though, especially since I bought their 47LH90 HDTV recently.

If you are doing professional web-design, then I recommend you double your budget at minimum to buy to better quality LCD monitor that can produce more accurate colors than a TN panel can.

If you are just learning or playing around with web-design, then a cheap TN panel monitor will suffice.

I bought the Asus VK246H you linked to in December 2008. By far it is the least amount of money I ever spent on an LCD monitor (since 2002), and it also gets used the least as well. Currently 0 - 5 hours per week.

Here's a link to my review:

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/54250-3-asus-vk246h-review-updated

 

[bryceray1121]

What exactly makes the LG better? just a better brand?

I see that the LG appears to have a higher contrast ratio, but i've read that contrast ratio does not mean much anymore. The asus on the other hand has a smaller pixel pitch, so wouldn't that mean the asus would have a better image?

And i'm not exactly sure what a TN panel is. I've looked at more expensive monitors but none seem to be that great. I also plan on using the monitor for gaming so I want a 2ms response time (most high end are 5 or 6ms respond times).