Computer Gurus: Monitors

[GA Russell]

My monitor stopped working after eight years or so, and I am now at the library studying what is available.

Which do you recommend, an LCD or an LED?

Edited April 26, 2013 by GA Russell

[Kevin Bresnahan]

There is currently no such thing as an "LED" monitor. Currently labeled LED monitors are LCD displays with LEDs used as a backlight instead of CCFL (where FL stands for fluorescent). For a computer monitor... well maybe even for a TV, LED backlighting is not the panacea that the manufacturers are making out to be. There is a high chance of "flashlighting", which is when the edge LED cause brightness in the corners on dark scenes.

Either LCD or LED will work fine. For computer monitors, I currently stick with Dell Ultrasharp or Samsung monitors. LG will work well too.

[Jazzmoose]

I just went through this last year; you're going to be very happy with your new monitor, if your old one was as old as my old one!

[Dave Garrett]

Another vote for Samsung monitors. I replaced an old 19" CRT a couple of years ago with a 23" Samsung LCD. DVDs and Blu-rays look great on it, as do YouTube 720p/1080p videos at fullscreen, and for standard use it's likewise flawless.

23-24" is the sweet spot between cost and size - you should be able to get a nice one for less than $150.

[GA Russell]

Thanks very much for your comments, guys!

Does everyone agree that 24" is a good size? Since I don't plan on buying a monitor very often, I was wondering if I should get something even bigger.

[mjzee]

Thanks very much for your comments, guys!

Does everyone agree that 24" is a good size? Since I don't plan on buying a monitor very often, I was wondering if I should get something even bigger.

Depends what you need it for. I actually like two monitors side by side - it lends to a great workflow. But if that's not your thing, 24" is a great size; I have that on my iMac. Keep in mind that monitors are measured diagonally, but the height and width measurements are important too (is it more boxy or more widescreen).

[Blue Train]

Thanks very much for your comments, guys!

Does everyone agree that 24" is a good size? Since I don't plan on buying a monitor very often, I was wondering if I should get something even bigger.

Depends what you need it for. I actually like two monitors side by side - it lends to a great workflow. But if that's not your thing, 24" is a great size; I have that on my iMac. Keep in mind that monitors are measured diagonally, but the height and width measurements are important too (is it more boxy or more widescreen).

I also use two monitors that are 27 and 30.

Check the Dell Ultrasharp line.

Edited April 28, 2013 by Blue Train

[alocispepraluger102]

i vote for ultrasharp, as well.

[GA Russell]

OK, I will look at the Ultrasharp.

I was originally thinking about buying from amazon or newegg, but it occurred to me that two weeks ago I was given a ten-week free membership with BJ's, and they sell computers and monitors.

BJ's has four Samsung monitors, but they are 22". The price is typically $139.

[Blue Train]

OK, I will look at the Ultrasharp.

They have several 24". Some that won awards. It really depends on who much you want to spend.

http://www.dell.com/Learn/us/en/19/campaigns/dell-ultrasharpmonitors?c=us&l=en&s=bsd

[GA Russell]

I just took a quick look, and the UltraSharps seem to be going for $300 and up. I think that's more than I want to go for. I'll have to think about it.

[Blue Train]

I just took a quick look, and the UltraSharps seem to be going for $300 and up. I think that's more than I want to go for. I'll have to think about it.

Using this site http://www.thefind.com/

.which is really good...I found this site. Never used them, but they list a 24 Ultrasharp under $204. It doesn't mention if they're new or refurbished.

http://www.serverfuture.info/

[JSngry]

Dell monitors might be pricier than you'd like, but they'll last damn near forever and give you a good picture while doing so.

That might be just as true of other monitors, but I'll vouch for it to be true for Dells.

If you're like me, you look at some kind of monitor in some form or fashion more hours a day than you sleep, so get something good. A few more $ up front more than pays for itself over the life of the device, in both quality of product and quality of life.

[Blue Train]

Dell monitors might be pricier than you'd like, but they'll last damn near forever and give you a good picture while doing so.

That might be just as true of other monitors, but I'll vouch for it to be true for Dells.

If you're like me, you look at some kind of monitor in some form or fashion more hours a day than you sleep, so get something good. A few more $ up front more than pays for itself over the life of the device, in both quality of product and quality of life.

Also on the wear on your eyes.

[Chuck Nessa]

Now that Jim is a monitor, you should probably take his advise.

[JSngry]

I gotcher Monitor right here, baby!

http://www.monitorbeacon.net/sounds/Monitor_Beacon.mp3

[GA Russell]

Thanks! I've got to study my finances for the month of May, which will be tight; but my preference is to buy quality and keep it until it dies. My car is an '87 Camry with 285,000 on it!

[GA Russell]

I just took a quick look, and the UltraSharps seem to be going for $300 and up. I think that's more than I want to go for. I'll have to think about it.

Using this site http://www.thefind.com/

.which is really good...I found this site. Never used them, but they list a 24 Ultrasharp under $204. It doesn't mention if they're new or refurbished.

http://www.serverfuture.info/

Blue Train, what is the "Ex. Tax" listed at the ServerFuture website? It consistently doubles the price of the monitors. Is that a VAT that Americans don't have to pay?

It looks like my budget won't allow me to go much higher than $200.

[alocispepraluger102]

this checks better on visual tests than any monitor i've owned, unfortunately my daughter agreed, taking mine, and now i have a dell. this acer has better color and is brighter.

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/124774/Acer-S230HL-23-Widescreen-LED-Monitor/?Channel=Google&mr:trackingCode=2F7DC23D-8123-E211-8AE9-001517B1882A&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=23172982676&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=38922496556&cm_mmc=Mercent-_-Googlepla-_-Technology+Monitors_Projectors-_-124774#firstTab

[GA Russell]

Thanks again everyone for your suggestions! This is what I decided on.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005LN1JEC/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

As you can see, it was $68 (24%) off, and thus fit my budget.

[JSngry]

Enjoy!

[alocispepraluger102]

Thanks again everyone for your suggestions! This is what I decided on.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005LN1JEC/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

As you can see, it was $68 (24%) off, and thus fit my budget.

probably the last monitor you'll ever need. their stands are fabulous, too!!!!!

[GA Russell]

Thanks for the moral support! It should arrive Wednesday.

After I hook it up to make sure that everything is OK, I will need to dicker with the ISPs to see who will give me a good bargain.

[Blue Train]

 

I just took a quick look, and the UltraSharps seem to be going for $300 and up. I think that's more than I want to go for. I'll have to think about it.

Using this site http://www.thefind.com/

.which is really good...I found this site. Never used them, but they list a 24 Ultrasharp under $204. It doesn't mention if they're new or refurbished.

http://www.serverfuture.info/ Blue Train, what is the "Ex. Tax" listed at the ServerFuture website? It consistently doubles the price of the monitors. Is that a VAT that Americans don't have to pay?

It looks like my budget won't allow me to go much higher than $200.

Sorry, I missed this. Yes, and no you wouldn't had to pay.

Thanks again everyone for your suggestions! This is what I decided on.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005LN1JEC/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

As you can see, it was $68 (24%) off, and thus fit my budget.

Congratulations.