I am about to acquire a G4 but I am not at all confident with the monitor comments and reviews found thus far. (I live in a rural area and the nearest computer store is over two hours away). I am considering only 19 inch monitors under $700. Most of my work involves hypertexts and other multimedia forms of fiction. I do not use the computer for games and only occasionally for DVD playback. Sharpness of text and image is paramount.

Well. I am considering three monitors based on reputation alone: the Sony CPD-E400, the Mitsubishi Diamond Pro 900u, and the Princeton AGF-900. The Sony has received sparkling reviews from users but 'professional' sites such as MacWorld have been very luke-warm toward it. The Mitsubishi has garnered superior praise from professional sites across the web, but users have complained extensively of its poor geometry and problems with convergence. And the Princeton, well, I cannot seem to unearth the slightest information about this machine.

I have previously used a Sony 17 inch monitor and found it very satisfactory. But I am desperate for either a thorough comparison of these monitors or a decisive review of one of them. Short of that I would gladly accept any thoughtful comments from the many lucid people who thumb through this forum.

I am open to any suggestions, including those that plump for another brand. Thank you for any help you can provide.

[tonymac]

Most of the criticisms of Sony displays tend to be that they are overpriced. However, the Trinitron display is the sharpest you can get. Any display over 17" has a potential problem with geometry and convergence. For the money, I'd go with the Mitsubishi Diamond Pro, since it's basically the same as a Trinitron and quite a bit cheaper. The Princeton's are OK for a budget choice, but you may find them to be softer (not as sharp) as the Sony and Mitsubishi displays. You may want to make sure that the retailer you buy from offers at least a 30 day money back guarantee.

[Misha]

A buddy of mine has the Mitsu... it's a very sweet display. I think he got it for about $500 from MicroCenter.

I haven't seen the others, though, so I have no basis for comarison.

Good sirs! Thank you for your prompt responses. Since you also have not seen the other monitors, Misha, you can well understand my plight. Tonymac I am taking to heart your opinion of the sharpness of the Trinitron and the softness of the Princeton. You are quite right, I think, to recommend a retailer with a money-back guarantee.

I was hoping to sift through a few more responses but I am encouraged by your good advice. I have heard that the Mitsubishi has something like a black matte border along the margins of the screen, so I am leaning perilously close to falling toward the Sony . . .

KDS has a 19" display with the same FD Trinitron tube as the Sony. It goes for about $400 at Macoutlet.com, and you can get it at onvia.com, too (they have buyer reviews--it got the highest).

At $400, this is the cheapest 19" Trinitron I've ever found.



------------------

Don't forget the LaCie 19" electron Blue. Its a beautiful color and it comes with a hood. LaCie uses Mitsu Diamondtron CRT. It runs for about $665, and it's worth it. I just got one for my G4