What's the best LCD monitor to get for my needs?

[antdude]

Hello.

Since I am having a hard time finding new CRT monitors and I think my monitor is about to die with its blurry and shimmering wavy lines
(probably using the wrong terms), I might as well look into LCD
monitors. What are the best brands and models to get that meet my needs:

1. Monitor's width (not screen) must be within 17" due to my tiny desk space and room.
2. Colors must be good even with VGA connection connected an old two-ports Belkin OmniCube KVM (PS/2 and VGA connections). The colors should be good as CRT monitors. I know DVI is good for this, but I would have to buy a new KVM (PS/2 and DVI) and video cables. From what I saw, they're expensive!
3. Native screen resolution must be at least 1280x1024 pixels or higher.
4. Must have fast redraw since I play games (mostly action), watch
videos (e.g., TV, DVDs, HDTV recordings). Another reason why
5. Screens look still good with non-native resolutions like 800x600
pixels and text mode (console -- like DOS and Linux). Yes, I do use low ones for testings, checking out graphic demos (http://www.pout.net), MAME, etc.
6. Lasts a long time.
7. Available to see/sample and buy in local retail stores in Los
Angeles, CA. Best Buy, Fry's Electronics, Costco, Circuit City, Target,
etc. are available to look.

I will be watching http://www.salescircular.com/ca/computer/mnitrp.shtml
often to see any good deals, but I don't know which ones to look into and get.

Thank you in advance.

 

[antdude]

Thanks for the quick response. I am about to go out to search for a monitor. 😉

1. ViewSonic VP2030b is too big: 18.4" x 15.9" x 12.4" ... Like I said in my original post in this thread, the physical monitor's width must fit under 17.0". 19" diagonal screen barely fits from what I researched so far.

2. How about those 6-bit? I read that 16.2 million colors thing. Is that noticeable on VGA? DVI won't happen for a few years or so. More colors would be nice.

3. I have seen 17" LCD monitors with 1280x1024 too! What's the deal? Are pixels bigger with 19" size?

4. Interesting. How about the lowest speed. So far, I saw a 19" Samsung SyncMaster 931BF that can 2ms. That's low! I hope it's true too. I have a 8 ms LCD monitor at work, and haven't noticed these ghostings/blur but then I don't play games at work.

I hope local retail stores have those models for me to sample before buying.

5. I *AM* willing have to black borders as long I don't get ugly picture and fuzzy texts/drawings. I used to have an old Pentium 90 laptop/notebook that did this. It was fine. I hated the newer ones and desktops with LCD monitors that stretched. Ugh! How can I check for this? I haven't seen any specifications that mention this feature.

7. Yeah, I always like to sample/demo stuff before buying. I can do online orderings from that if they are a lot cheaper. The key part is sampling/demoing. I want to see/touch things with my own eyes.

Also, I forgot to mention this but noticed it during my research. I need a monitor that lets me adjust physically (rotate and tilt). I don't look at monitors (CRT and LCD) straight. I usually rotate the monitor about 5 degrees to the right and 5 degrees up.

I also noticed lots of these monitors use software based. I don't use Windows all the time because I use Linux/Debian too. I hope this is not a serious problem. I prefer monitor buttons.

 

[antdude]

I noticed you said Samsung 930BF. What do you think of this one (newer model?):

19" Samsung SyncMaster 931BF = $269.99 (Best Buy)
2 ms
1280x1024
16.2 million colors
700/2000(?):1 contrast ratio
Height: 16.8" with stand (14.1" without); Width: 16.6"; Depth: 8.6" with stand (2.4" without)
Simple stand (not adjustable) [will have to figure out to deal with this part]
VGA and DVI
30~81 horizontal; 56-75 vertical

Web site: http://www.samsung.com/nz/products/monitors/tft/931bf.asp
Detailed review: http://www.xyzcomputing.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=883

 

[antdude]

I noticed you said Samsung 930BF. What do you think of this one (newer model?):

19" Samsung SyncMaster 931BF = $269.99 (Best Buy)
2 ms
1280x1024
16.2 million colors
700/2000(?):1 contrast ratio
Height: 16.8" with stand (14.1" without); Width: 16.6"; Depth: 8.6" with stand (2.4" without)
Simple stand (not adjustable) [will have to figure out to deal with this part]
VGA and DVI
30~81 horizontal; 56-75 vertical

Web site: http://www.samsung.com/nz/products/monitors/tft/931bf.asp
Detailed review: http://www.xyzcomputing.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=883

OK, I just got back from Best Buy and ended up with this model. I hope it is the best choice to get that I researched. I am going to test it on my other desk before moving my CRT monitor to ensure no dead pixels and other stuff.

 

[antdude]

I noticed you said Samsung 930BF. What do you think of this one (newer model?):

19" Samsung SyncMaster 931BF = $269.99 (Best Buy)
2 ms
1280x1024
16.2 million colors
700/2000(?):1 contrast ratio
Height: 16.8" with stand (14.1" without); Width: 16.6"; Depth: 8.6" with stand (2.4" without)
Simple stand (not adjustable) [will have to figure out to deal with this part]
VGA and DVI
30~81 horizontal; 56-75 vertical

Web site: http://www.samsung.com/nz/products/monitors/tft/931bf.asp
Detailed review: http://www.xyzcomputing.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=883

OK, I just got back from Best Buy and ended up with this model. I hope it is the best choice to get that I researched. I am going to test it on my other desk before moving my CRT monitor to ensure no dead pixels and other stuff.This monitor isn't too bad for a 19" LCD. Still bummed about the the color not being bright. Maybe DVI can fix that if I were to switch from VGA setup. The controls are sure weird on the bottom. I keep pressing the wrong buttons. Samsung needs to fix that usability issue. Good thing MagicTuner is way easier. I wonder if there's a program for Linux too.

 

[rexter]

Check the BenQ LCD monitor. And here's the review.
Now I can't remember which of the smaller model has the good review. I'll get back to you on that.

 

[antdude]

Check the BenQ LCD monitor. And here's the review.

I never heard of this brand and never saw them in local stores. Where are they at?

I doubt I will get one because I already got a Samsung SyncMaster 931BF.

 

[rexter]

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=19235&vpn=FP241W&manufacture=BENQ

 

[rexter]

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=19235&vpn=FP241W&manufacture=BENQ

 

[antdude]

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=19235&vpn=FP241W&manufacture=BENQ

I mean a store that have it as a demo that I could see in person. The problem with most online orders is that I can't see them.

 

[rexter]

Newegg is in California but I think it's only online store. and I don't know if Wallmart, Bestbuy, Circuit City carries them.

 

[antdude]

Newegg is in California but I think it's only online store. and I don't know if Wallmart, Bestbuy, Circuit City carries them.

Yeah, I never saw this brand in them so far. Oh well, thanks though!

 

[rexter]

I understand how you feel. I don't purchase product online anymore.
I like to see what I'm buying before I give them my money. Fortunately I'm close to where to buy the unit.

 

[antdude]

I understand how you feel. I don't purchase product online anymore.
I like to see what I'm buying before I give them my money. Fortunately I'm close to where to buy the unit.

Where is that and what store?

 

[rexter]

Sorry, I had to go last night, wife called for me to sleep.

Anyway TigerDirect in Canada. 15 minutes (or so) drive from my place.

 

[antdude]

Sorry, I had to go last night, wife called for me to sleep.

Anyway TigerDirect in Canada. 15 minutes (or so) drive from my place.

No worries.