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tightsocks · Jan 5, 2007, 08:01 PM

I just noticed post about a Samsung monitor that claims that it is not Mac compatible via DVI.

Is this really the case?
I thought DVI was plug-and-play...

See the review near the bottom of the page, titled "Not good for Mac"
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Custo...Review.do#tabs

While we are here, any additional recommendations for a 20"+ monitor (under $375) are appreciated

mduell · 08:47 PM

I'd guess the commenter at BestBuy is an idiot since he talks about needing software. DVI is DVI, you can use any DVI monitor with your DVI equipped Mac.

That said, I'd buy the Dell E207something... $289 list, DVI-only, probably some rebate or discount going around.

edit: Make that $279 list - Dell E207WFP 20-inch Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor
They also have E207WFP refurbs for $249 (43 in stock) and 2007FPW refurbs for $289 (more input options).

tightsocks · Jan 5, 2007, 09:49 PM

Originally Posted by mduell

I'd guess the commenter at BestBuy is an idiot since he talks about needing software. DVI is DVI, you can use any DVI monitor with your DVI equipped Mac.

Yeah, that;s what I figured, however, I have seen other posts that mention adjusting various DVI settings via Windows only Samsung software. But, I assume that if I need to adjust the resolution for example, that it will show-up in the System Preferences-Displays prefpane.

That said, I'd buy the Dell E207something... $289 list, DVI-only, probably some rebate or discount going around.

I actually went to the Dell kiosk at the local mall today specifically to see their monitors in person. All they had was the 2007FPW and the guy was absolutely clueless about it- and acted like it was a chore to bring-up a web site so I could get a sense of it's size in relation to a typical browser window - it kinda turned me off on Dell - even though they do seem to be popular monitors...
I really wanted to see the E207WFP in person because I'm worried about the lack of height adjustment...

edit: Make that $279 list - Dell E207WFP 20-inch Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor
They also have E207WFP refurbs for $249 (43 in stock) and 2007FPW refurbs for $289 (more input options).

The specs for the 2007FPW say it's response time is 16ms - I thought most monitors are around 8ms or less (or are those low numbers ALWAYS grey to grey and Dell is just being honest?)

mduell · Jan 5, 2007, 10:38 PM

If the monitor has no buttons, they may use some software on Windows machines to change the setting (brightness? contrast? I forget which become irrelevant with DVI).

IIRC nobody has a panel that's below 15ms using the most difficult test (B-W-B or W-B-W I forget); ever since LCDs hit 16ms it seems like it's just a numbers game with the lower response times. I'm not sure how Dell measures response time, or that it's consistent from product to product.

Goldfinger · Jan 6, 2007, 09:34 AM

I don't think that Samsung has an S-IPS panel so I'd stay clear of that. The dell 2007 does have an S-IPS panel IIRC. Which is WAY better than a TN panel.

OreoCookie · Jan 6, 2007, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by mduell

IIRC nobody has a panel that's below 15ms using the most difficult test (B-W-B or W-B-W I forget); ever since LCDs hit 16ms it seems like it's just a numbers game with the lower response times.

LG has a display (L1970HR) that needs only 7 ms (rise + fall!) for a grey-grey switch (as in measured in a review, not taken from the specs page) -- which is slower than a simple B-W-B/W-B-W switch.

However, the downside are the colors. Faster doesn't always equal to better, it depends on what you want to do.

@OP
Apple cooks only with water, i. e. it uses the same DVI connectors you can find on any PC graphics card.

tightsocks · Jan 6, 2007, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by Goldfinger

I don't think that Samsung has an S-IPS panel so I'd stay clear of that. The dell 2007 does have an S-IPS panel IIRC. Which is WAY better than a TN panel.

Looks like the Dell E207wfp uses TN according to www.flatpanels.dk

So, in terms of panel type that Dell may not be any better than the Samsung.

The Dell 2007wfp is probably the winner here, but I'm not sure that I like its silver and black stand, plus it is approaching $400 in price once tax is added...