Should I go Widescreen or Standard 4:3?

[ad_ept]

I am choosing between these two monitors, which are almost identical but for the fact that one is widescreen (and has a 2000:1 contrast ratio) and the other is not:

Samsung 19" LCD Syncmaster 931BW TCO03, 1440x900, 2 ms, 2000:1


Samsung 19" LCD Syncmaster 931BF TCO-99 Black 1280x1024, 2ms, VGA/DVI

As I have said, the widescreen one has a higher contrast ratio, and is actually a bit cheaper.I will be using this on a geforce 6600GT for a bit of gaming (mostly just Pro Evolution Soccer 6) watching movies and just general internet use.
Do you guys reckon I should go for the widescreen or stick with the normal 4:3?Would gaming look OK on the widescreen one?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[stefx]

It's a matter of personal taste. Visit a friend who has a widescreen and play on it a bit, to see if you like the aspect ratio.

 

[coletruman]

i was in the same boat, i chose the 931bw over any of other types/brands great for gaming and has a good down-scaling ability for most things

 

[MajorYoohoo]

My jump from CRT was straight to the 2005fpw widescreen panel, and I have never regretted a second of that decision. I was able to use the 2001fp for a while, so I knew what I would be losing...but as previously stated, it is a personal preference.

 

[Wonderwill]

I'd say it depends on the ratio your movies will mainly be. I edit mainly 4:3 video, so I got a 4:3 19" LCD.

 

[ad_ept]

Thanks for your help everyone.I think I am leaning towards the 931BW.
A further question though- am I right in thinking that neither of these monitors comes with a DVI cable?
That is what I am led to believe.Seems incredibly stupid to me.

 

[antdude]

2000:1 is dynamic. Actual one is 700:1. 2000 is just a trick to make people buy it. I found this out for my 931BF monitor yesterday.

 

[antdude]

Thanks for your help everyone.I think I am leaning towards the 931BW.
A further question though- am I right in thinking that neither of these monitors comes with a DVI cable?
That is what I am led to believe.Seems incredibly stupid to me.

My 931BF didn't come with it. The manuals didn't say the monitor comes with a DVI cable (sold separately).

 

[ad_ept]

OK thanks.I definitely want to use DVI.I notice that DVI cables aren't very cheap, unless I buy one on ebay.Presumably the cheaper they are, the lower quality- will I notice the difference if I buy a cheap one?Is there a "sweet spot" in terms of price which I should be spending to make sure I get a good cable?

 

[Wonderwill]

OK thanks.I definitely want to use DVI.I notice that DVI cables aren't very cheap, unless I buy one on ebay.Presumably the cheaper they are, the lower quality- will I notice the difference if I buy a cheap one?Is there a "sweet spot" in terms of price which I should be spending to make sure I get a good cable?

I have one that was about $30 and it seems perfect. I don't know how low you can go, though.

 

[ad_ept]

Hopefully $30 doesn't translate to £30 here in the UK, as it often does!

Another question:

The 931BF's native resolution is 1280x1024 @75Hz, while the 931BW's is 1440x900 @60Hz.Now I understand with LCDs refresh rate isn't as noticeable as with CRTs, but will I notice the difference if I get the 931BW and am at 60Hz all the time?With my current CRT I am at 85Hz and, since I spend a lot of time staring at my monitor (esp reading on it) I wouldn't go lower with a CRT.60Hz on a CRT is horrible and very tiring on the eyes-will it be no problem on the 931BW, or would the 75Hz of the 931BF be better?

 

[antdude]

Hopefully $30 doesn't translate to £30 here in the UK, as it often does!

Another question:

The 931BF's native resolution is 1280x1024 @75Hz, while the 931BW's is 1440x900 @60Hz.Now I understand with LCDs refresh rate isn't as noticeable as with CRTs, but will I notice the difference if I get the 931BW and am at 60Hz all the time?With my current CRT I am at 85Hz and, since I spend a lot of time staring at my monitor (esp reading on it) I wouldn't go lower with a CRT.60Hz on a CRT is horrible and very tiring on the eyes-will it be no problem on the 931BW, or would the 75Hz of the 931BF be better?

I had no problems with 60hz on my 931BF monitor. I also can't stand anything under 70hz with CRT monitors. I did try 75hz for the LCD monitor. It moves my screen, but I don't see anything else different. 60hz should be fine for LCD monitors.

 

[dopat]

Hopefully $30 doesn't translate to £30 here in the UK, as it often does!

Another question:

The 931BF's native resolution is 1280x1024 @75Hz, while the 931BW's is 1440x900 @60Hz.Now I understand with LCDs refresh rate isn't as noticeable as with CRTs, but will I notice the difference if I get the 931BW and am at 60Hz all the time?With my current CRT I am at 85Hz and, since I spend a lot of time staring at my monitor (esp reading on it) I wouldn't go lower with a CRT.60Hz on a CRT is horrible and very tiring on the eyes-will it be no problem on the 931BW, or would the 75Hz of the 931BF be better?

I had no problems with 60hz on my 931BF monitor. I also can't stand anything under 70hz with CRT monitors. I did try 75hz for the LCD monitor. It moves my screen, but I don't see anything else different. 60hz should be fine for LCD monitors.

I agree, Hz should have no eye straining effect with an LCD
the image stays the same with LCD where as on a CRT is is constantly being refreshed, hence a 85 Hz refresh rate or whatev

anything below 75 Hz CRT is killer