So do I REALLY want to buy an LCD monitor?

[htismaqe]

Right now I've got a Dell 19" CRT. It's a hair under 18" viewable (diagonal).

I'm looking through the LCD monitors at NewEgg and have noticed a couple of things:

All of the LCD's only support up to 24-bit color. I guess the difference between 65 million colors and 16.5 million colors is probably negligible...

All of the LCD's have a max resolution of 1280x1024 or lower SXGA. This to me seems like a sticking point. Even though the CRT viewable is almost an inch smaller than a 19" LCD, I'm running 1600x1200 resolution on the CRT, making the effective viewable desktop space MUCH larger than the LCD would be capable of at 1280x1024.

Can anybody comment on this? I really want one, but I don't want to give up on image quality just to save desk space...

[Saulbadguy]

If you buy a larger LCD, you can get one that supports 1600x1200.

I have an LCD, and I'll never go back to a CRT. Much easier on the eyes, and the "auto image-adjustment" is awesome. No more fiddling with the controls to fill the screen.

[Phobia]

I've always wanted to do dual 17" LCDs. For the money, I think it's a better value.

[Pants]

My friend has a decent LCD and I must say, it's quite nice. I'd got with an LCD if I had the money to buy a new screen. Just MO.

[Miles]

CRTs are more accurate at color and all that, but like Saul said, LCD's are much easier on your eyes. I would never consider switching back to CRT.

[htismaqe]

This is the one I'm looking at.

It's comparable with many of the more expensive units in the main thing I'm worried about - 16ms response time.

The one thing I don't understand is the view angle...I'm assuming that it indicates the angle to your face at which the screen looks best, so as close to 180 degrees as possible is best.

Most are 160-170, this one is 130.

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=24-014-063&depa=1

[nmt1]

This is the one I'm looking at.

It's comparable with many of the more expensive units in the main thing I'm worried about - 16ms response time.

The one thing I don't understand is the view angle...I'm assuming that it indicates the angle to your face at which the screen looks best, so as close to 180 degrees as possible is best.

Most are 160-170, this one is 130.

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=24-014-063&depa=1

The extra room on my desktop alone is enough to make me switch. That and I'm sick of lugging around 80lb monitors.

[Saulbadguy]

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=50999292&pfp=hpf3

[htismaqe]

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=50999292&pfp=hpf3

Thanks, but:

1) I don't like CompUSA.

2) I don't see the response time listed anywhere.

This is the one I'm looking at now:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-112-160&depa=1

[Saulbadguy]

I've never bought anything from COMPUSA, so I don't know.

Response time will only be important if you play games, IMO.

I have a Dell 1800FP. Here are the specs:
# Pixel pitch: 0.2805
# Viewing angle: 160 degrees total (horizontal/vertical)
# Contrast ratio: 350:1
# Response time: 30 milliseconds
# Brightness: 250 cd/m2

Response time of 30 MS, but I get NO ghosting or artifacting when playing first person shooters.

[Otter]

I don't view anything under (or over depending how you look it) 1024x768 so I can't comment on that but I can add:

Just purchased the below model from NewEgg and the image beats out anything I've seen so far, including CRT. No dead pixels and absolutly no ghosting during gaming (that was the biggest seller for me).

When I first set it up I had both the LCD and CRT next to one another the difference was night and day. I was wondering how the hell I put up with the CRT for so long. Sold it for $25 bucks 3 days later.

Anyway, here's the model feel free to ask any questions, I can test it or look it up before I post.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-006-077&depa=0

Oh, the desk space you save is amazing and when you do have to move it you can lift it up with one hand as opposed to "is my back gonna go out on the steps".

[htismaqe]

I'm definitely going to use it for gaming - 16ms or below is an absolute must.

I'm looking at the Spectre because it has S-video/Component inputs and I intend to use it with my PS2 and XBox.

[Saulbadguy]

Like I said, the Dell 1800FP I have has no ghosting or artifacting when playing FPS's.

I'd read reviews, and not always go by the listed response time.

[htismaqe]

Like I said, the Dell 1800FP I have has no ghosting or artifacting when playing FPS's.

I'd read reviews, and not always go by the listed response time.

I read the reviews and lend them alot more weight than the raw specs.

But 30ms response time just ain't gonna cut it - my M-in-L has a Dell with 30ms response time and it ghosts when watching movies...

[KC Jones]

I read the reviews and lend them alot more weight than the raw specs.

But 30ms response time just ain't gonna cut it - my M-in-L has a Dell with 30ms response time and it ghosts when watching movies...

The way I see it LCD screens are all about desk space and eye strain. If you want the same performance that you get out of a nice flat screen CRT, be prepared to spend a lot of money.

[Saulbadguy]

I read the reviews and lend them alot more weight than the raw specs.

But 30ms response time just ain't gonna cut it - my M-in-L has a Dell with 30ms response time and it ghosts when watching movies...
Well, thats odd. I don't have any ghosting with my 1800fp. In the reviews, thats what I hear as well. :shrug:

[htismaqe]

The way I see it LCD screens are all about desk space and eye strain. If you want the same performance that you get out of a nice flat screen CRT, be prepared to spend a lot of money.

Money really isn't an object...I don't want to spend $1000, but I want something that compares favorably the 19" Dell CRT I have now.

I realize there are big differences...my biggest concern is not having to deal with a tremendous amount of ghosting.

[Miles]

I realize there are big differences...my biggest concern is not having to deal with a tremendous amount of ghosting.

I would imagine that any decent newer model wont have a problem with ghosting. Even my 3 year old POS KDS doesnt ghost while watching movies.

[Saulbadguy]

Ok Parker...I didn't know money wasn't an object.

http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.html?i=1918

There is a competely subjective review of the Dell 2001FP. It runs for around 650-700 bucks.

BTW, with ANY LCD, if you use an analog connection, you will see streaking/ghosting. Gotta use DVI.

[KC Jones]

Money really isn't an object...I don't want to spend $1000, but I want something that compares favorably the 19" Dell CRT I have now.

I realize there are big differences...my biggest concern is not having to deal with a tremendous amount of ghosting.

Well, here's one the peanut gallery on newegg raved about:

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=24-116-338&DEPA=1

ViewSonic VP912B 19" LCD Monitor, 12ms -RETAIL

Model# VP912B
Item # N82E16824116338

Specifications:
Panel Type: TFT Active Matrix LCD
Native Resolution: SXGA 1280x1024
Brightness: 400 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio: 450:1
Response Time: 12 ms
View Angle: 160 / 160 (Horizontal / Vertical)
Input Connectors: 2x 15-pin mini D-sub + DVI-D
Dimensions & Weight: 16.4" x 18.1" x 9.4"(WxHxD), 16.5 lbs
Manufacturer's Warranty / Phone No.: Three-year limited warranty on parts, labor and backlight/ 800-688-6688
one review/comment caught my eye:

I am one of those people that would NEVER use a LCD monitor because of the ghosting issues when gaming that LCD's are famous for. But after doing some research I finally took the risk after reading many many reviews about the ViewSonic VP912B 19" LCD Monitor.

Even after reading all the great reviews about the ViewSonic VP912B, I still was very reluctant about buying one (let alone 2, which I did). Let me tell you, WOW! I have a Sony E520 21" CRT monitor that is one of the best CRT's out there... the ViewSonic VP912B LCD has even better image quality then one of the best CRT's made. I compared them side by side and I was amazed. The ViewSonic VP912B is absolutely amazing.

And what about ghosting you ask? Thanks to the ViewSonic's VP912B 12 ms Response Time, (the first of it's kind) there is absolutely none, zero, nada.

So this is for all you CRT fans (me included) that would not take the plunge. The day is here... CRT is dead!

[htismaqe]

Well, here's one the peanut gallery on newegg raved about:

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=24-116-338&DEPA=1

ViewSonic VP912B 19" LCD Monitor, 12ms -RETAIL

Model# VP912B
Item # N82E16824116338

Specifications:
Panel Type: TFT Active Matrix LCD
Native Resolution: SXGA 1280x1024
Brightness: 400 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio: 450:1
Response Time: 12 ms
View Angle: 160 / 160 (Horizontal / Vertical)
Input Connectors: 2x 15-pin mini D-sub + DVI-D
Dimensions & Weight: 16.4" x 18.1" x 9.4"(WxHxD), 16.5 lbs
Manufacturer's Warranty / Phone No.: Three-year limited warranty on parts, labor and backlight/ 800-688-6688
one review/comment caught my eye:

I was looking at this one too. Good monitor. The Spectre was slightly more attractive because of the S-video input (can play XBox or PS2 on it)...

[htismaqe]

Ok Parker...I didn't know money wasn't an object.

http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.html?i=1918

There is a competely subjective review of the Dell 2001FP. It runs for around 650-700 bucks.

BTW, with ANY LCD, if you use an analog connection, you will see streaking/ghosting. Gotta use DVI.

I never considered that it was probably because she's using the VGA connector. She doesn't have DVI, but I do.

I was looking at the 2001FP this morning. I get an MCI discount from Dell, and the 2001 has S-video and component inputs, which I am wanting.

[Dartgod]

I picked this Samsung 712n up before Christmas at Best Buy for $249 after rebates. It doesn't have the video inouts you're looking for, but it does have a nice 12ms response time. I do quite a bit of gaming and I've been very pleased with it. Maybe another Samsung model with the desired inputs would be what you want?

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_techspecs_full.php/masterid=3390951#description

[Saulbadguy]

The 2001FP also has a USB hub built in, which is pretty cool IMO.

[htismaqe]

The 2001FP also has a USB hub built in, which is pretty cool IMO.

Yep. I think that may end up being the one I get.

[cron912]

I never considered that it was probably because she's using the VGA connector. She doesn't have DVI, but I do.

I was looking at the 2001FP this morning. I get an MCI discount from Dell, and the 2001 has S-video and component inputs, which I am wanting.

I don't know what your MCI discount would be, but you might want to check dealnews.com if you don't already know about it. They post sales specials, special discounts with coupons, etc. Right now you can get the 2001FP for $506.75 (or 2005FPW, which is the widescreen) shipped using coupon codes.

- The UltraSharp 2001FP 20.1-inch LCD for $506.75 via coupon codes "40F961WD2MTG0K" and "14?J2KVM?N8J21"
- The UltraSharp 2005FPW 20.1-inch Widescreen LCD for $506.75 via coupon codes "40F961WD2MTG0K" and "14?J2KVM?N8J21"