Tom's Hardware > Forum > Computer Peripherals > Flat Panels/ LCDs > trying to decide on a monitor

trying to decide on a monitor

Forum Computer Peripherals : Flat Panels/ LCDs - trying to decide on a monitor

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I'm trying to decide on a monitor. preferrably a widescreen in the 19-22 inch range. I'll be using it for gaming and movies, and I look to spend $350-$450

here are a few models I'm looking at:

http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Sam [...] __18188474
http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Sam [...] __32830843
http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Sce [...] __28505645
http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__LG_ [...] __18843760
http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Gat [...] __14735157

I also found this one that is fairly cheap, though I think I'd like something with a little higher contrast ratio:
http://www.pricegrabber.com/search [...] d=29033817

I think the Sceptre looks the most appetizing and well rounded, but I'm not familiar with the brand nor am I certain they can live up to those specs. After that I'm probably most interested in the 215TW and Gateway. I wonder if the 226BW can really live up to that 3000:1 ratio, and I can't undersand how it is priced lower than the 215TW. also, would a 160/160 or 170/170 viewing angle be noticeably different from a 178/178?

any help in choosing a monitor is appreciated!
thanks!

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The 3000:1 constrast ratio is pretty much a fake. It is not a true constrast ratio. In fact, a number of LCD specs on the box are pretty much wrong or useless for making a purchasing decision.

Reply to KevinAr18

yeah, I figured that much, thats why I don't trust the sceptre LCD too much - it sounds too good to be true. reviews I've read suggest it is cheaply made too (flimsy stand). but I dunno...

I'm sure the 226BW is a nice monitor, but I doubt it is as good as it claims to be. reviews I've read still suggest the picture quality is still good though, and the response time sounds really good too.

the 215TW and Gateway sound really good, but are pretty expensive...anyway, any help is appreciated :)

Reply to maximus1284

Quote :

yeah, I figured that much, thats why I don't trust the sceptre LCD too much - it sounds too good to be true. reviews I've read suggest it is cheaply made too (flimsy stand). but I dunno...

Oh, that doesn't really have to do with Scepter -- all the manufacturers mislead you that way; though Scepter doesn't have to do it too.

Quote :

I'm sure the 226BW is a nice monitor, but I doubt it is as good as it claims to be. reviews I've read still suggest the picture quality is still good though, and the response time sounds really good too.

the 215TW and Gateway sound really good, but are pretty expensive...anyway, any help is appreciated :)

Don't give up on the Scepter just because of the dynamic contrast. I don't know if it is a good monitor or not; just saying don't rule it out because of that.

BTW, if you are going to pay all that money, you might consider a non TN panel for the better viewing angles. Sometimes the Dell models are non-TN.

Reply to KevinAr18

what do you mean by non-TN?

Reply to maximus1284

btw, I've got to admit I'm beginning to lean toward the Sceptre and Samsung 226BW monitors because of their prices. the sceptre is going for 299.99 after a mail in rebate! AND it has an HDMI plug, which I don't need now but could need in the future. supposedly it can do 1080p, and supposedly the samsung can too but with an HDMI->DVI cable...can anyone confirm this?

Reply to maximus1284
- 0 +

Quote :

btw, I've got to admit I'm beginning to lean toward the Sceptre and Samsung 226BW monitors because of their prices. the sceptre is going for 299.99 after a mail in rebate! AND it has an HDMI plug, which I don't need now but could need in the future. supposedly it can do 1080p, and supposedly the samsung can too but with an HDMI->DVI cable...can anyone confirm this?



Either of those monitors is a solid choice, i would get the samsung though. you can pick it up with a coupon (ebay) for around 340 at circuit city....

Reply to Rookie7

yeah I'm going to get that samsung 226BW, I think its a solid choice and I've read a lot of good things about it. The Sceptre's have a lot of problems, mostly that the DVI input craps out on a lot of models

where can I get that coupon from?

Reply to maximus1284
- 0 +

Buy the coupon from ebay for 2$ and save 10% off your purchase...


http://search.ebay.com/search/sear [...] ity+coupon

Reply to Rookie7
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