Need help on selecting a new LCD monitor please, 19 or 20 inch

[pattyjamas]

Trying to find a decent LCD monitor for under $500. 19 or 20 inch.
I currently have a 19 inch Sony CRT. My eyes are in decent shape but I
do wear glasses to see the monitor (and for reading) type more clearly.

I use my PC for business and will be doing some gaming. Running Windows
XP with a 256MB dedicated low end Nvidia Geforce 6800 video card. Will
not be playing DVD's or using monitor to watch TV.

I like crisp text and decent graphics. Also like a decent refresh rate
and brightness. Do not care if monitor can be pivoted in landscape or
portrait. DO not need speakers. Want decent color and decent text. Also
a decent viewing angle. Perhaps I ask for too much.

I have gone to many stores and looked at Samsung, LG, ViewSonic, etc..

I am confused by all the reviews I read on Amazon, Epinions, etc..

I looked at many web sites, CNET, PCMAG and so on. Also at:
http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/03/27/the_spring_2006_lcd_collection/page45.html


Appreciate comments as to what might be something decent to look at and
what to avoid. I have read some monitors may sag on their stands after
a few months or might have a line show up across screen in 90 days and
of course other usual issues.

I can handle either DVI or Analog inputs.

Thank you
Patty

 

[Roger Wilkerson]

Patty, you don't say where you live;however, there are tons of good
deals on 19 & 20 inch lcds right now. Probably will even go lower.

As a general rule, you can't go wrong with Samsung or Viewsonic.
You'll notice that most Dell LCD's are really Samsung. Samsung does a
lot of oeming to places like Dell, HP and other noble pc manufacturers.
I'm sure that the other vendors do as well.

I just about a month ago caught a sale from Staples on a 20inch
Viewsonic LCD. It is a little slower than some of the newer
monitors(8ms vs 4ms for some of the newer ones).

Anyway, the 20inch Viewsonic cost me $238 with free fedex shipping.
Guaranteed next day delievery.

NewEgg has the same monitor now for about $250 or so. This model
number is the VG2021m.

Samsung has a very good 20inch for a little over $300.

If you are anywhere near a Costco or Sam's club, you should be able to
get some good prices on 19 & 20 inch models.

I would recommend that you take a good look at the widescreen vs
regular screen models.
I had thought that I wanted a wide screen. However, to me, the 19 & 20
inch wide screen models really did not have as much total viewing area
as the regular 19 & 20 models.

Roger

 

[pattyjamas]

Any thoughts on LG?
I live in North Carolina. I do not like wide screens. I do see pros and
cons about every monitor when I read reviews on Amazon, Epinions, Toms
Hardware, Consumer Reports and so on...

Thank you
Patty