Widescreen LCD Monitors or 4:3? Which to buy?

[pollenpaul]

I have a few questions. I am building a new PC, mostly for gaming, but a midrange PC (entry level Core 2 Duo or X2, still deciding), and I'm looking to have complete system with monitor for no more than $1200. I was looking at widescreen monitors from Acer and Viewsonic basically. First I would like suggestions, for both Widescreen and regular aspect. Second I notice that a lot of the resolutions for Widescreen monitors are not standard resolutions listed with most video cards. Is that a problem? Would I be better off just getting a regular aspect LCD monitor. Any input would be great, I just want to be able to make an educated decision.

Thanks,

Paul

 

[darkstar782]

If you are planning on gaming or watching films you are better off with a high end CRT imho...

For instance, This is well in your price range

 

[pollenpaul]

I'm really going to pass on CRT, plus I'd like to stay around $200 instead of $400, thanks.

 

[bumfish]

At any price point you'll probably get a better-quality non-widescreen than widescreen because widescreen commands a premium. There are good w/s monitors out there though.

Not all games support w/s resolutions so if there's a game that you like, check whether it supports w/s. Any modern video card will support w/s resolutions for your Windows desktop but some games only have fixed lists of res's that you can choose.

Personally I'd go for w/s because it's a much more natural aspect - after all, your eyes are widescreen. With 4:3 you tend not to take in everything on the screen at once.

Here in the UK several places are selling 19" w/s monitors for 120 UKP, which is about 70 USD. At that price they don't have DVI inputs but I know two people who've bought them and they're both very happy with them.

Regards

 

[pollenpaul]

Thanks for the info, I've read really good reviews of the Viewsonic 1912, and it only retails for $200 here in the states and has DVI. My friend bought a same price point Acer without DVI and it still looks great.

Thanks,

Paul