Author Topic: Any Suggestions for new Flat Screen (Read 1003 times)

Sloehand · « **on:** June 04, 2007, 01:33:34 PM »

My time-honored, originally refurbished, 10+ year old, 19" NEC MultiSync monitor is just starting to give up the ghost... finally!

I've been waiting for this so I could justify getting a bigger, flat screen monitor. So before it bites the big one completely, I need to get some recommendations on quality monitors to buy. I stress quality.

So my question is, within the parameters of $1000 or less (I might be able to scratch up a bit more and go a touch higher if I get real, superlative consensus on a particular model), and a minimum size of 21", but preferably in the 24" range --

(1) what is the best technology for flat screen (haven't been keeping up, but know some new stuff is out),

(2) and what would you recommend as the best make/model for gaming I.e.. resolution, brightness, contrast ratio, grey-to-grey response time, etc.

Thanx

HomeBoy · « **Reply #1 on:** June 04, 2007, 02:27:43 PM »

I would recommend a Sony (Dell, HP, etc) Trinitron P1110 21" CRT. You can check craigslist.org in your area. Chances are you can find one for practically nothing. I just bought one for $35 to replace my Viewsonic 19" and I love it. It runs AH beautifully at 1800x1440.

Sloehand · « **Reply #2 on:** June 04, 2007, 03:53:23 PM »

OK, my bad. When I said "flat screen" I was referring to non-CRT's. I purposely didn't state LCD monitors as I believe there are new or hybrid technologies out there now and didn't want to inadvertently limit the range of options.

However, maybe it would have been better to have used the term "LCD Flat Screen Monitor". I don't want a space hogging CRT any more. lol

One reason I've waited this long to shop for one is when I last looked, the greater majority were fine for business or photos, but were not fast enough in refresh rate to eliminate blurring. I believe that is no longer the situation and there are a number of suitable gaming models out there. I'm just hoping the get several good, proven suggestions to research.

wabbit · « **Reply #3 on:** June 05, 2007, 10:13:05 AM »

Since you're talking about spending some bucks, try these two from Acer;

ACER 24" AL2416WBSD WIDESCREEN 1920X1200 1000:1 5MS VGA DVI (Silver) $514.94 at Mwave

or

ACER 26" AL2616WD 1920X1200 800:1 5MS VGA DVI WIDESCREEN (Silver) $531.00 at Mwave

I just bought a 22'' Acer, about 2 months ago and I'm very happy with it. It has no built-in speakers, but the built-in speakers usually aren't much good anyways. Make sure it runs at or below 5ms. The 22'' Acer had great reviews and I got it for $235.00, ($254.00 with S&H). Do a review/opinion search online for both units and see what people say. You might find 'em cheaper at newegg or one of the other online retailers.

Personally, I don't trust sony products as the support isn't very good these days, (IMHO as a tech). I've had a 17'' Acer Flat screen for two years and it's been great.

Good Luck!

Wabbit

TequilaChaser · « **Reply #4 on:** June 05, 2007, 10:22:06 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by HomeBoy
I would recommend a Trinitron P1110 21" CRT.

Homeboy, although these CRT monitors are monsters, the majority of the online players do not know or understand the difference between these "IT Pro" monitors verses ya regular 17",19", 21" flat screen CRT monitor.......

Skuzzy does know though, and he has even posted on these boards about it....

I still have mine as a backup, I just could not take the heat it produces during the summer months..( and the power it consumed )

MrRiplEy[H] · « **Reply #5 on:** June 06, 2007, 01:19:30 AM »

I would walk softly and carry a big stick around Acer brand - just to keep the bugs away.

Sloehand · « **Reply #6 on:** June 06, 2007, 03:04:34 AM »

Still looking for more models to consider, that people may have actual, recent experience with.

Ghosth · « **Reply #7 on:** June 06, 2007, 08:35:40 AM »

Sloehand, dunno about you. But when I give up on the CRT monitors I'm going straight to a medium sized plasma.

Just take a couple weeks researching, you'll find out what is solid and whats not.

The Fugitive · « **Reply #8 on:** June 06, 2007, 09:02:55 AM »

I have THIS ONE I had a 21 inch CRT before this and it was to the point it was taking almost a minute for it to light up. Found the LG at Best Buy on sale for $220. Screen size is almost the same as the 21 inch CRT. Picture is crisp and sharp, no blurring in quick movments, no ghosting, nothing. I'm very happy with it.

Masherbrum · « **Reply #9 on:** June 06, 2007, 09:29:13 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by The Fugitive
I have THIS ONE I had a 21 inch CRT before this and it was to the point it was taking almost a minute for it to light up. Found the LG at Best Buy on sale for $220. Screen size is almost the same as the 21 inch CRT. Picture is crisp and sharp, no blurring in quick movments, no ghosting, nothing. I'm very happy with it.

I have the previous model 1932 of this monitor. Same thing, no stutters, ghosting, etc. The space saved is worth the switch alone. I use DVI and have noticed more detail and better graphics in every game I play except AH2.

lengro · « **Reply #10 on:** June 06, 2007, 10:32:59 AM »

Not a big issue, but remember that AH2 gets cropped in the top and buttom of the image on a widescreen.

It affects how much of the instrument panel is visible at the button. This can be resolved by moving the pilots head position further back.

It also affects the visibilty of a high plane infront of you - you have to switch earlier to the forward/up view to see him.

In other words, with AH2 a widescreen does not give more horizontal field of view, instead it crops top and button.

The native aspect ratio is 5:4 as in for example 1280:1024

wabbit · « **Reply #11 on:** June 06, 2007, 10:55:55 AM »

Yeah, lengro, has a point about the widescreens. Before I bought mine, I tested Aces High on a client's widescreen. After about an hour's flight time, it wasn't a problem. I quickly got used to having to look down for some instruments, on some aircraft.

Most likely, you'll get used to having to look down sooner then you think. One nice improvement, I noticed, was it was easier to read my instruments on the widescreen. No more squinting these tired old eyes. I like that.

All-in-all I like my widescreen. It's been great. If you do a review/opinion search on Acer products, you'll find their products have a great reputation.

Check out different brands, by doing the review/opinion search and you should have no trouble picking the one you want to go with.

Wabbit

lengro · « **Reply #12 on:** June 06, 2007, 12:09:13 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Ghosth
Sloehand, dunno about you. But when I give up on the CRT monitors I'm going straight to a medium sized plasma.

Ghosth, just a heads up:
pixel-size on a big plasma tends to be pretty large due to plasma's relative low resolution. Sitting to close and the planes will look like they are built with LEGO-blocks...

TequilaChaser · « **Reply #13 on:** June 06, 2007, 12:53:28 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by The Fugitive
I have THIS ONE Screen size is almost the same as the 21 inch CRT.

yep, the upside is a 19" LCD is very close to being same actual screen size as a 21" CRT...

that looks like a great LCD monitor you got there Fugitive. even like the 3 yr warranty ( and the 3000:1 contrast )

I am using a DELL 19" Ultrasharp LCD.......with no problems at all. I have had it for over a year now and love it. ( besides I got it from my HVAC Sales Qaward points, didn't cost me not 1 penny at all

)

DELL 19" LCD Monitor model: UltraSharp 1908FP

edit: am using it with an AMD Athlon 2800XP processor/Asus MB/ (2) 160/120 gig SATA HD's in RAID 1 setup / ATI Radeon X800 256 meg vid AGP slot ( cat 4.12 driver )/ 1 gig Mem DDR1 PC3200 / Antec Truepower 550 watt PSU

my framerate is maxed at 70 majority of the time, using preload textures, skins and high res pack at 1280 x 1024 screen res........using DVI cable......

( I was told DVI is limited to either 70 or 75 mhz, to where as if you use your analog hookup you can get a higher refresh rate over DVI, not sure how true that is )

good luck in your search, Sloehand

Sloehand · « **Reply #14 on:** June 06, 2007, 02:05:51 PM »

Have found the new Benq FP241VW Gamer monitor. Supposedly built just for gamers, but it has like 6 different pushbutton modes for video, standard, 2 game, etc.
Appears top of the line and so far has rav reviews. It even as hide away hooks at the top to hang headphones and webcam. The only thing it doesn't have height or pivot adjustment, only tilt. Priced $770 at Newegg. I'm real tempted, but will look some more first.

Specs:
Panel: Active Matrix, TFT LCD
Screen Size: 24"
Widescreen: Yes
Display Type: WUXGA
Native Res: 1920 x 1200
Viewing Angle: 178°(H) / 178°(V)
Pixel Pitch: 0.27mm
Display Colors: 16.7 Million
Brightness: 500 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
Response Time: 16 ms (6 ms GTG)
Horizontal Refresh Rate: 30kHz - 81kHz
Vertical Refresh Rate: 50Hz - 76Hz
Input Video Compatibility: Analog RGB, Digital, S-Video, Composite, Component, HDMI
Connectors: D-Sub, S-Video, Composite, Component, RCA
D-Sub 1
DVI 1 (HDCP)
Video: S-Video, Composite Video, Component Video
HDMI: Yes (HDCP)
USB 2.0: USB ports x2