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Yose · Oct 4, 2003, 08:54 PM

So as of today I closed a deal on my powerbook and within the week I want to buy a G5. I've priced out a G5 1.8 sans superdrive with the radeon 9600 pro and it's totally within my budget.

The catch is the monitor, I sold my 22" screen when I passed along my old G4 to my uncles studio and am now torn with what sort of screen to get. Apple's 20" LCD is obviously a good choice and I can put it under applecare when I buy the new box, but, what about Formac's 2010, or offerings from Samsung, NEC, Song and Lacie?

What is going to get me the most bang for my buck and since I'm really spoiled by this widescreen on my PB is it much of a shock going back to a traditional 4:3 ratio screen?

Too many choices...

striker100 · Oct 4, 2003, 09:00 PM

Get the Apple 20" Cinema Display, it truly a beauty and as you mentioned you can include it under AppleCare when you get your G5.

I've read a few comparison reviews between the Formac and the Apple and no matter what the specs say the majority have preferred the Apple display.

The Formac casing is also somewhat flimsy from what I've read.

kenty · Oct 4, 2003, 09:50 PM

The only thing the apple monitors have going for them is that theye are widescreen. They have a poor contrast ratio (350:1).

Hydra · Oct 4, 2003, 10:11 PM

Originally posted by kenty:
The only thing the apple monitors have going for them is that theye are widescreen. They have a poor contrast ratio (350:1).

If you stare at the display statistics all day that might be a problem but if you stare at your 20" CD all day you'll only see goodness. LCD's are like buying a television, you should let your own eyes make the final choice. Other things the 20" CD has going for it is excellent color rendition (for a LCD) and excellent backlight uniformity (many many LCD have bright spots in the corners or in the middle). The view angle which is one of the most important specs to look at is also excellent on the 20" and the color shift across the whole viewing angle range is also very good. Contrast ratio is not something to be ignored but the 20" is far form poor in this regard.

-Jerry C.

chrisutley · Oct 6, 2003, 10:03 PM

I agree regarding the contrast ratio, you must see the display for yourself. The 20" ACD is clearly the best display Apple has ever released, it's super bright and the colors incredible. It makes my TiBook and 17" ACD look TERRIBLE side by side, I know that's not exactly stiff competition for a 1200 USD display, but still...