New monitor

spoodie · Post by **spoodie** » July 27th, 2010, 16:01

My old secondary monitor has finally died, RIP VX912. I've tried some home surgery but I couldn't fix it. Although I am proud to say I didn't make it worse.

So I'm planning on buying a new main monitor and relegating my current cheapo main. Any suggestions for a 24", 1920x1200, £150-£250?

Thompy · Post by **Thompy** » July 27th, 2010, 16:04

Haven't done any research in the market for years, but Dell are probably still one of the best for bang for buck. Reviews on their monitors tend to go up and down though even within the same range. Check em out.

spoodie · Post by **spoodie** » July 27th, 2010, 16:11

Where's a good place to go for reviews? I'm out of touch and don't really want to rely on the comments on Ebuyer, etc.

Post by **Dr. kitteny berk** » July 27th, 2010, 16:12

I'm using a Samsung SM2443BW as my main screen, it's not quite as good as my dell 2005fpw colour replication wise, but it's a damn good screen, does all I need it to.

Post by **HereComesPete** » July 27th, 2010, 16:19

There's not many around that'll do that resolution without being at the top end of your suggested budget.

There's a Samsung at Ebuyer. It has good reviews on multiple websites, just a bit cheaper on ebuyer.

Thompy · Post by **Thompy** » July 27th, 2010, 16:31

Just realised you are after 1920x1200, which is 16:10. Thought that was kind of on the way out with the advent of HD standardisation, and everything is sticking to 16:9?

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productli ... y=priceAsc

All 1920x1080 till you get to the 2 most expensive which are out of your price range.

16:10 is a better ratio for computer monitors though imo

spoodie · Post by **spoodie** » July 27th, 2010, 16:43

I only put 1920x1200 because that's what I have now. I'm just after a good quality 24" monitor really.

I even had a look at 3D and while it's getting affordable I still don't see much point.

Stoat · Post by **Stoat** » July 27th, 2010, 17:08

I'm very happy with my Iiyama from Overclockers. I don't remember where I sought reviews; I think I just settled on a model to investigate and googled around for common complaints.

Post by **FatherJack** » July 27th, 2010, 18:06

From my experience with reliabilty, I'd rate manufacturers in this order:

Iijama
Samsung
Dell
Acer
BenQ
Asus

But some of the Samsungs I've had have had some wierd issues with being really slow to switch resolution/not recognising a signal on boot-up. Chiefly the ones with the big centre circle power buttons and clear perspex outer shell that looked like their TVs.

spoodie · Post by **spoodie** » July 30th, 2010, 9:54

Thanks for the advice everyone, I've been having a look at my options, of which there are too many. But as Dell seem to be very well respect in the world of monitors I'm looking at this one: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/159815

The numbers are impressive and I love the design (this is obviously very important). What do you think?

How did Dell get to be well respect in the world of monitors? Presumably they don't manufacture their own display panels.

Post by **FatherJack** » July 30th, 2010, 10:10

They've used Sony, Samsung and PhillipsLG in the past, but I think that one's a BenQ, which is where most of their new ones come from.

Davius · Post by **Davius** » July 30th, 2010, 10:42

I'm using the same monitor as berk, the samsung sync master T240, Been brilliant so far, thinking of getting another for second monitor.

spoodie · Post by **spoodie** » July 30th, 2010, 10:54

Unfortunately the Samsung SM2443BW seems to be a discontinued product now.

Post by **HereComesPete** » July 30th, 2010, 10:55

That'll be a great screen for games, but if it's predominantly movies/tattyshop etc then I'd recommend looking at spva type panels, they cost a bit more but they offer far better colour/contrast.

TN can't do full 16.7 million colour stuff and use dithering to fudge it. The colour/contrast is never quite right and they just can't do black properly.

I don't care that much myself so if I had the money I'd probably just buy that one you linked. But if you fancy treating yourself to a super swanky picture on your new screen I thought it worth mentioning.

Lee · Post by **Lee** » July 30th, 2010, 16:09

Basically, get this: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showprodu ... 25&subcat=

It's significantly better than the other Dell you linked to. It has an IPS panel which are pretty much the best you can get in terms of colours and viewing angles.

The other Dell has a TN panel, which as Pete says have terrible colours and some of the worst viewing angles around, you'll see colours change even while sitting directly in front of it if you move your head slightly.

spoodie · Post by **spoodie** » July 31st, 2010, 11:49

Well, that's what I like: Someone telling me what I should buy. I was still trying to work out which of the 6 types of display is best for me.

This one looks very nice. I can deal with it being 1 inch smaller if the tech is that much better.

spoodie · Post by **spoodie** » August 3rd, 2010, 16:31

New monitor is lovely, thanks for the advice d00dz. It's made a big difference to the output from my macbook, even though I'm using VGA. It looked awful on the old monitor.

friznit · Post by **friznit** » August 3rd, 2010, 17:48