23" at 2048x1152 or 24" at 1900x1080?

[tucansam]

I'd like to replace my existing 22" and 17" LCDs with a pair of higher-resolution models. I am looking at the Samsung 23" in 2048x1152. Average price is $219 each. However, 24" and 24.1" monitors can be had for the same money, or slightly less, and offer 1900x1080 resolution. This is a loss of only 128x72 over the Samsung.

I'm wondering if higher resolution on a smaller screen is better, or lower resolution on a larger screen? I'm looking to maximize screen real estate and wondering about size vs resolution, especially when the numbers are this close.

Thanks.

 

[tucansam]

I guess as an aside, I'd like to know if there are any advantages of using HDMI over DVI to connect the monitors? If I pick up two LCDs with HDMI inputs, are there any video cards on the market that offer two HDMI ports? (Without DVI -> HDMI converters, that is) Is there any benefit?

 

[Hyno]

First, 2048x1152 doesn't offer significantly more pixels than 1920x1200. It's basically 236k-pixels versus 230k-pixels. So, for me this is not the crucial must-buy spec.

For desktop work an advantage would be that you'll be able to put two Word documents next to each other, that could facilitate things a little.

But the 2048x1152 format also comes with some issues in terms of Full HD content. As full hd content is 1920x1080 a monitor with this resolution is a perfect fit, whereas for the larger format in order to fill the screen completely, the image would need to be scaled up in resolution which could result in reduced image quality.

So, personally I'd stick with 22" or 24" 1920x1080. Samsung and other manufacturers has good one's, BenQ has great LCD monitors, too. I, for example, use the E2200HD from Benq.

 

[strangestranger]

No benefit to image quality from using HDMI or DVI.

How are these going to arranged?

I would think that if they are side by side then you might get a loss of image quality near the edges if they are TN based panel's. Depending on the quality some of these differences can be annoying.

 

[tucansam]

What is a "TN-based" panel?

 

[strangestranger]

Ever seen a cheap LCD monitor where moving your head, especially up and down causes the image to change colour?