Opinions wanted: How is this Dell 17" flat panel

[ngp]

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=320-3997

I'm looking for a 17" flat panel, primarily for working with spreadsheets, word processing, etc. and browsing the net. No major game playing other than when my nephew plays some kids stuff online (PBSKids, etc.) and other CD based kids games. Nothing that has incredible graphics or anything. I will be doing some camcorder video editing and work with digital photographs.

This appears to be a good deal for $254. Is the contrast ratio of 450:1 good?


From their website:
"The Dell™ E173FP 17" Flat Panel LCD Color Monitor is designed for a wide variety of users ranging from the home to corporate or financial trading environments. It utilizes a 17" Active Matrix TFT LCD that displays brilliant text and graphics with a maximum resolution up to 1280x1024 pixels. This monitor has wide viewing angles, which allow you to view the screen from various positions without compromising image quality. With a contrast ratio of 450:1, it generates sharp, crisp lines and images, while its fast response time provides superior clarity for moving images. Those who require exceptional quality and reliability will appreciate the value that Dell™ E173FP provides.

Diagonal Size: 17"
Display Type: Flat Panel Display/TFT Active Matrix
Features: Anti-glare with hard-coating 3H, Thin bezel design, Small footprint, Lightweight
Image Max H-View Angle: 140° (typical)
Image Max V-View Angle: 120° (typical)
Compliant Standards: VESA®
Connectivity Technology: Cable
Device Type: LCD Monitor
Dimensions (WxDxH) / Weight: 14.9" x 5.5" x 15.9" / 11.74 lbs
Dot Pitch: 0.264 mm Pixel Pitch
Image Brightness: 250 cd/m2 (typical)
Image Contrast Ratio: 450:1
Max Operating Temperature: 95° F
Max Resolution: 1280x1024 Pixels
Max Sync Rate (V x H): 75 Hz x 80 kHz
Min Operating Temperature: 41° F
Port(s) Total ( Free ) / Connector Type: 1 x 15-Pin D-Sub
Power: 100 - 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz"

[ngp]

I just found this review on Epinions that appears to give some good insight... http://www.epinions.com/content_158814670468

However, any additional feedback is definitely welcome!

Thanks in advance.

[fumanstan]

On any LCD purchase i'd recommend spending the extra money to get one with DVI.

[ngp]

Originally posted by fumanstan
On any LCD purchase i'd recommend spending the extra money to get one with DVI.

That's a good point but I'm justing trying to get something low-cost but decent since this is really going to be for my nephew and is more of a secondary PC.

[belboz]

I use one of these monitors every day. It's a decent, but not great display. For any LCD with a higher resolution, you'd really want DVI, but at 1280x1024, this unit can synch well enough that it's as sharp as anything using DVI.

Its image is excellent from straight on. Brightness is good, contrast is acceptable, and its refresh seems to be adequate (though I haven't played any games on it). Most of the other LCD's I use on a regular basis are higher end units (Viewsonic vp171b, Dell 2001FP) and the only obvious difference between those and this one in terms of image quality is in its narrower viewing angles. Compared to other units in its price range, though, the E173FP is about par on that point.

Other than that, it share's the same faults as other low cost LCD's in that it only has a tilt adjustment and only accepts one RGB input. The controls seem fine, though I don't futz much with LCD controls. Unlike CRT's, aside from brightness and contrast, you don't really need to adjust them much.

Also, FWIW, the power supply is a laptop style brick with one of the thick PC power cables that plugs into the wall and then a long thinner cable that plugs into the display. Don't know if that matters to you, but some people prefer the units where the power supply is built into the monitor body.

[ngp]

Belboz, thanks for the input. That's a good point about the power supply...does it get hot like a laptop power supply? Again, this being one for my nephew, I never know what may be around it...plastic, paper, etc....just worried if it gets too hot, am I risking a fire.

[X]

Originally posted by belboz
IFor any LCD with a higher resolution, you'd really want DVI, but at 1280x1024... I would not get a 17" monitor due to its native resolution being 1280x1024. I think that's too high for its size. It's right for a 19" monitor. I would prefer a 15" at 1024x768.

[belboz]

I think Dell did recall a bunch of their power bricks for their laptops recently, but AFAIK, none for LCDs were included in the recall. I haven't noticed the brick of the E173FP ever getting much warmer than room temperature.

As for 17" LCD displays in general, I have no problem with their fine dot pitch. I would never run a 17" CRT at 1280x1024, because they're blurrier and smaller; but I find 17" LCD's to be pretty comfortable to use as long as they're DVI or can synch well to the RGB signal. The only thing that sort of bugs me is the 5:4 aspect ratio. When you scale things from one of the more common 4:3 resolutions, things get a bit skewed.

[mapson]

Man, that's eerie, I was just thinking about this lcd this morning, nice price for a 17".

[ngp]

Cool, thanks for all the input gang. I may go for this...it seems like a good price for what it is.

Thanks again!

[pdutta2000]

I have 2 of these and can say that they are very high quality monitors. Not the best in the business but for $250 you won't find better.

[j123vt_99]

any good coupons floating around for this one?

[j123vt_99]

for those looking at this, there is a good deal from our friends at FW to get this down to $234

Dell Home is carrying this 17" LCD Monitor for $339.00

Also search for "A0160060" to add this 8-in-1 USB Digital Media Reader/Writer to your shopping cart for $15.45

During checkout, apply $30 off $350+ coupon code "V920P7X6X539LS" on it
There is a $10 Mail-In Rebate on card reader until 12/31/2004

Shipping cost on this order will be $6.50
Your Final Price: $339 + $15.45 - $84.75 - $1.55 - $30 - $10 = $234.66 + Free Shipping