[eightoeight]

I'm currently using a 17" CRT and I'm looking to get a new monitor to go with a G5. I'm wondering what people think of 15" LCD's. Even the 15" LCD's are kind of expensive. I want to get the Samsung 172T, but I'd have to get the mid-ranged G5 or come up with some extra cash...

[SwarmyCurve]

If you are going to go with the mega-computer G5, I would hate to think of using a small monitor.

I would try to get a nice 17" or larger LCD. 15" is too small for a desktop, especially when its an extremely capable modern desktop. (I use a 15" on my powerbook, but with a desktop I would try to go larger)

[Graymalkin]

The concern you ought to have regarding the screen size is not the physical dimensions but the resolution. A 15" LCD is going to be driven at 1024x768 pixels. Do you run at a higher resolution on your CRT monitor? If you do getting used to the lower resolution might be difficult. Window arrangements that work fine at 1152x864 or 1280x1024 will not work at 1024x768. When my Powerbook is on my desk I run at 1280x1024 on my 19" SyncMaster. Safari windows fit in fine with a minimized iTunes window and a Terminal off to one side. It is fairly trivial to switch between any open programs. When I'm away from my monitor I'm stuck at my Powerbook's 1024x768. Even with an external mouse switching between windows in the same app or different apps can be a pain so command-` and command-Tab get used far more often than when I'm at my desk.

I really like LCD monitors and suggest them where appropriate for people. If you want an LCD save up for a 17" or 18" after you've got your G5. An old CRT might ruin the asthetic for a couple months but I think you might be much happier with a larger monitor. A 15" LCD will give you as much screen area as your 17" CRT but likely a lower resolution. A 17" or 18" LCD will run at 1280x1024 or maybe even 1400x1050 or 1600x1200. I prefer XGA (1024x768 and above) resolutions for running OSX. Anything below 1280 makes me feel a little cramped and above 1600 makes me strain to read small text far too much. A decent sized LCD with a good resolution like 1280 will be pretty easy on your eyes and look pretty awesome to boot.

[OreoCookie]

Save your money for a 17" LCD or larger. Don't buy the second best, just because you can't afford something else.

[Mastrap]

Agreed.

I use a 15" Sony with my 12" PB. Monitor spanning means that I have a fair amount of space. But for a single desktop monitor 17" really is the minimum.

[X-Ray]

I'd go ahead and get the biggest, baddest computer that you can afford - you'll appreciate it later when you don't have to upgrade so soon. Since monitors are quite a bit cheaper than a computer, why don't you use your present monitor with the G5 then save up for a 17 incher. That's what I'd do. Just my tuppence worth (an ex-brit !) ....

[mark9939]

Originally posted by X-Ray:
I'd go ahead and get the biggest, baddest computer that you can afford - you'll appreciate it later when you don't have to upgrade so soon. Since monitors are quite a bit cheaper than a computer, why don't you use your present monitor with the G5 then save up for a 17 incher. That's what I'd do. Just my tuppence worth (an ex-brit !) ....

Buy a new 15", and use your old CRT, too, for a dual monitor setup. You'll like your top end G5 more than you will your monitor.

[bwahahax]

I bought a 172T, and I'd seriously reconsider going smaller.
It's a awesome monitor. It's so bright I set the brightness to 0 when I first set it up, and haven't touched it since.
It's also great cause you can connect one computer using DVI and another using VGA and switch between them with the press of a button.

The price of the 172T has been going down steadily. I'd wait and see how much it is by the time you get your G5. You might be surprised.

[eightoeight]

Thanks for your opinions. I think the Samsung 172T would match the G5, it being somewhat silver. Hopefully I can somehow get one...if not I think I might be getting a 19" CRT.