Help me buy a monitor

LurkerDan · 11-12-03, 05:08 PM

At some point, I am going to need to buy a monitor for the new pc. I am looking for a hot deal, of course, and know to check out FW and here for deals (any other places?), but I need to know how to identify a hot deal when I get one.

I don't do much/any gaming, but I do plan on watching DVD's on the monitor, so it needs to be good enough to do that fairly well.

I want at least a 19" monitor (a CRT, whatever that means) or at least a 17" LCD.

What sort of stats/specs should I be looking at? Are there brands to look for, ones to avoid? Are there good sites to look at for reviews? What is a good deal pricewise? I see all sorts of deals, but I don't know how to differentiate one 19" CRT from another, or one LCD from another.

Any info is much appreciated...

sararekuforever · 11-12-03, 06:15 PM

This is my problem to. One CRT on my other system died and I need a new monitor, but I do not want to waste 50 to 150 on a new CRT. Anyone have a link to a decent 15 or 17 inch LCD for my main system, that is at least 200 and not more than 300

namja · 11-12-03, 07:25 PM

The only periodic hot deal that I know of is the Dell UltraSharp LCD monitors. They go on a BIG sale about once every other month. The Dell 18" UltraSharp, normally $550, can be had for around $400 (after % off sale and coupon). The Dell 19" UltraSharp can be had for about $475, normally $679.

I'd definitely get an LCD. Much easier on the eyes, takes up less desk space, easier to move, uses less energy, etc.

LurkerDan · 11-13-03, 10:59 AM

Thanks for the info, namja.

But what I'm really looking for is info on how to differentiate between monitors, i.e. if I see a monitor with a relatively cheap price, how do I assess whether it's a good deal? Are there certain numbers I should be looking for (DPI? Refresh rate? These are 2 things I have seen)? Are there good brands and bad ones? Sites to look for reviews of specific models?

D.Pham4GLTE (>60GB) · 11-13-03, 10:57 PM

i'd second the dell monitors. good quality at a good price. i watch dvds on my dell 1901fp, and it looks fine. the price is not the only concern, it depends on the specs, and more importantly, the quality of the monitor.

11-12-03, 05:08 PM	#1
LurkerDan DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: The People's Republic of Boulder Posts: 17,063	Help me buy a monitor At some point, I am going to need to buy a monitor for the new pc. I am looking for a hot deal, of course, and know to check out FW and here for deals (any other places?), but I need to know how to identify a hot deal when I get one. I don't do much/any gaming, but I do plan on watching DVD's on the monitor, so it needs to be good enough to do that fairly well. I want at least a 19" monitor (a CRT, whatever that means) or at least a 17" LCD. What sort of stats/specs should I be looking at? Are there brands to look for, ones to avoid? Are there good sites to look at for reviews? What is a good deal pricewise? I see all sorts of deals, but I don't know how to differentiate one 19" CRT from another, or one LCD from another. Any info is much appreciated... __________________ "I have dictionary facts to support me." - art "we get paid for butt time" - mosquitobite "It felt much more comfortable when I was trying them on. No sharp edge poking my skin." - Buford T. Pusser

11-12-03, 07:25 PM	#3
namja Stealth Moderator Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: High Definition Posts: 24,791	The only periodic hot deal that I know of is the Dell UltraSharp LCD monitors. They go on a BIG sale about once every other month. The Dell 18" UltraSharp, normally $550, can be had for around $400 (after % off sale and coupon). The Dell 19" UltraSharp can be had for about $475, normally $679. I'd definitely get an LCD. Much easier on the eyes, takes up less desk space, easier to move, uses less energy, etc. __________________ life in high definition

11-13-03, 10:59 AM	#4
LurkerDan DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: The People's Republic of Boulder Posts: 17,063	Thanks for the info, namja. But what I'm really looking for is info on how to differentiate between monitors, i.e. if I see a monitor with a relatively cheap price, how do I assess whether it's a good deal? Are there certain numbers I should be looking for (DPI? Refresh rate? These are 2 things I have seen)? Are there good brands and bad ones? Sites to look for reviews of specific models? __________________ "I have dictionary facts to support me." - art "we get paid for butt time" - mosquitobite "It felt much more comfortable when I was trying them on. No sharp edge poking my skin." - Buford T. Pusser

11-13-03, 10:57 PM	#5
D.Pham4GLTE (>60GB) DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Stick out your tongue! Posts: 36,591	i'd second the dell monitors. good quality at a good price. i watch dvds on my dell 1901fp, and it looks fine. the price is not the only concern, it depends on the specs, and more importantly, the quality of the monitor. __________________ abrg: *whine whine* suprmallet: *why so serious?*

11-12-03, 06:15 PM	#2
sararekuforever Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 783	This is my problem to. One CRT on my other system died and I need a new monitor, but I do not want to waste 50 to 150 on a new CRT. Anyone have a link to a decent 15 or 17 inch LCD for my main system, that is at least 200 and not more than 300