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steve666 · Oct 20, 2009, 01:15 PM

Hi all, can anyone recommend a Monitor to me?
I really don't want to go over 20", and it can't have a shiny finish (I hate glare). Would also prefer it not be widescreen but I know that will be almost impossible unless it has crappy video quality.
Thanks

driven · Oct 24, 2009, 07:22 PM

I too am looking for a monitor suggestion. I'd like 24" with a good refresh rate and good contrast. I'm looking at a few Dell and Samsung displays now. I wouldn't mind a 27", but I can't find one with a resolution greater than a 24" (what's the point?)

CharlesS · Oct 25, 2009, 02:45 AM

HP LP2475w 24-inch Widescreen LCD Monitor overview - HP Large Enterprise Business products

Dell UltraSharp™ U2410 Monitor with PremierColor technology

driven · Oct 25, 2009, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by CharlesS

HP LP2475w 24-inch Widescreen LCD Monitor overview - HP Large Enterprise Business products

Dell UltraSharp™ U2410 Monitor with PremierColor technology

Both somewhat pricey, but I'm assuming they earn their premium price-tags. Neither one appears to have LED backlighting though. Thank you for the suggestions.
.

CharlesS · Oct 25, 2009, 03:48 PM

Those monitors have those premium price-points because they use IPS panels, similar to Apple’s displays. They don’t have LED backlights, but they’re also not glossy, and they’re significantly cheaper to boot. They also both have DisplayPort inputs, which means you can connect them to Apple’s current machines without a bulky MDP->DVI adapter.

driven · Oct 25, 2009, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Those monitors have those premium price-points because they use IPS panels, similar to Apple’s displays. They don’t have LED backlights, but they’re also not glossy, and they’re significantly cheaper to boot. They also both have DisplayPort inputs, which means you can connect them to Apple’s current machines without a bulky MDP->DVI adapter.

Very nice. I'm thinking the HP might be the better of the two. I'll check them both out.

CharlesS · Oct 25, 2009, 04:27 PM

Oh, forgot to mention: to connect a Mac to the DisplayPort connector on one of these, you’ll need a MDP->DP cable, which you can get for under $5 at Monoprice.

driven · Oct 25, 2009, 11:02 PM

Actually I was going to use this on my Dell Latitude E6400. (Since my MBP was stolen.) I have a full displayport output on here, not the mini version. (So I should be OK)

driven · 01:39 AM

Any thoughts on this display compared with the Dell 2410 above?

Dell UltraSharp 2408WFP

Edit: (Never mind ... I don't think the 2408 is an IPS panel)

CharlesS · Oct 27, 2009, 05:01 AM

I’ve got one of those — I bought it before the U2410 came out (and before I became aware of the HP LP2475w). It’s not an IPS panel, it’s a PVA — but it’s still fine as far as panels go. I wouldn’t expect it to be as color-accurate or have quite as large a viewing angle as an IPS, but it will still be completely out of your average TN panel displays’ league in both respects, and it still has DisplayPort, which is always nice.

Since the other displays aren’t really that much more expensive than the 2408wfp, though, I’d probably look at one of them first if I were buying a monitor today.

driven · Oct 27, 2009, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by CharlesS

I’ve got one of those — I bought it before the U2410 came out (and before I became aware of the HP LP2475w). It’s not an IPS panel, it’s a PVA — but it’s still fine as far as panels go. I wouldn’t expect it to be as color-accurate or have quite as large a viewing angle as an IPS, but it will still be completely out of your average TN panel displays’ league in both respects, and it still has DisplayPort, which is always nice.

Since the other displays aren’t really that much more expensive than the 2408wfp, though, I’d probably look at one of them first if I were buying a monitor today.

Well... the 2408wfp is on sale this week for $449. That's a $150 difference over the 2410. I'm wondering if the IPS panel is worth that extra $150. I wish I could go and see/feel them both.

CharlesS · Oct 27, 2009, 12:06 PM

Your call. Again, I’ve got a 2408wfp, and I’m happy with it. I can tell the difference between an IPS though — the viewing angle’s not quiiiiiite as perfect as an IPS, although it’s still extremely good compared to most monitors out there.

driven · Oct 27, 2009, 12:09 PM

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Your call. Again, I’ve got a 2408wfp, and I’m happy with it. I can tell the difference between an IPS though — the viewing angle’s not quiiiiiite as perfect as an IPS, although it’s still extremely good compared to most monitors out there.

Thanks.

I'm really leaning toward just spending the extra and getting something I really want. My eyes aren't getting younger. I've generally lived by the philosophy "always get the best you can afford and you'll rarely be disappointed." That often conflicts with my frugal (cheapskate) nature.

Thank you for the advice and the feedback. It is most appreciated.