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djohnson · 09:34 AM

Well, since my wife graciously has approved of my need to purchase a new Mac, we are getting a mid range tower! However, we are going to wait for the refresh of course but I need some ideas of a siaplay now. I am looking for either a 17" or 19" flat screen, cant go with an Apple display yet... too expensive. What are some good suggestions in the $400 to $600 range?

UPDATE: Ok I will accept the 17" Apple display b/c it is $599 with edu discount... Anything cheaper/better?

dennisuello · Apr 21, 2004, 10:44 AM

ViewSonic VE700 ~$450

The Placid Casual · Apr 21, 2004, 12:45 PM

I have a 17" Apple SD.

I have been pretty impressed, in as much that I have used it a lot and the quality is very good. Reliability wise it has been excellent and never let me down. Colour wise, it is also good.

But, I probably doubt that I will buy another seeing other offering out there.

Current;y after much intensive usage over 3 years, the 17" has:

Screen burn in.

Screen 'yellowing' around the edges.

1 dead pixel.

Is not as bright as the newer displays.

It has had intermittent backlight issues.

If you can spare it, the 20" is a much, much better screen.

I personally may look the way of Samsung for my next screen...

djohnson · Apr 21, 2004, 01:24 PM

Thanks for the replies! Seeing as how the next revision will be out in X months... I may be able to save for the 20" display. Either that of go with a different model. My monitor has lasted since 97 but it has seen better days. Now that college is behind me, I should be able to afford a new computer ever couple of years instead of every 6 years

cmoney · Apr 21, 2004, 01:34 PM

Just got a Sony SDM-HX73/B for $569 after rebate from Circuit City. Great display, no dead pixels. Also has 3 inputs, 2 analog VGA type and 1 DVI digital input. Not too many 17" displays have DVI unless you're willing to spend more. Plus the extra video inputs means I can use it with my PC and Mac and switching is as simple as pushing a button on the screen.

BTW, I too was waiting to buy my G5, but eh, I couldn't wait any longer so I bought my dual 2 ghz last night. Didn't buy a Cinema Display yet though since I want one that matches the computer better.

itai195 · Apr 21, 2004, 01:38 PM

Much as I like my 17" SD, I would not recommend buying an Apple display until they match the 3 year warranties many other vendors include. Plus, buying a DVI display just gives you more flexibility...

djohnson · Apr 21, 2004, 02:57 PM

Originally posted by cmoney:
Just got a Sony SDM-HX73/B for $569 after rebate from Circuit City. Great display, no dead pixels. Also has 3 inputs, 2 analog VGA type and 1 DVI digital input. Not too many 17" displays have DVI unless you're willing to spend more. Plus the extra video inputs means I can use it with my PC and Mac and switching is as simple as pushing a button on the screen.

BTW, I too was waiting to buy my G5, but eh, I couldn't wait any longer so I bought my dual 2 ghz last night. Didn't buy a Cinema Display yet though since I want one that matches the computer better.

Sweet! Unfortunately it will be around the time that the new models come out before we have enough money... I will check out that display this weekend. What resolutions does it handle?

djohnson · Apr 21, 2004, 03:08 PM

Originally posted by itai195:
Much as I like my 17" SD, I would not recommend buying an Apple display until they match the 3 year warranties many other vendors include. Plus, buying a DVI display just gives you more flexibility...

Apple does not have a 3 year warranty? How long is it then?

*runs off to check Apple's website*

itai195 · Apr 21, 2004, 03:28 PM

Originally posted by djohnson:
Apple does not have a 3 year warranty? How long is it then?

*runs off to check Apple's website*

Nope. You can get one covered under a 3 year AppleCare warranty for extra $$$ and only if you bought it at the same time as a PowerBook or PowerMac.

cmoney · Apr 21, 2004, 04:46 PM

Originally posted by djohnson:
Sweet! Unfortunately it will be around the time that the new models come out before we have enough money... I will check out that display this weekend. What resolutions does it handle?

unfortunately like all PC biased 17" or 19" LCDs, it only does 1280x1024. I wanted to get the 20" for the better resolution but with dual display support in the G5, I can get another Sony LCD and have more screen real estate than the 20" and it would still cost less than!

djohnson · Apr 21, 2004, 05:08 PM

Originally posted by cmoney:
unfortunately like all PC biased 17" or 19" LCDs, it only does 1280x1024. I wanted to get the 20" for the better resolution but with dual display support in the G5, I can get another Sony LCD and have more screen real estate than the 20" and it would still cost less than!

Yeah that is what I have noticed too. No reason to worry about the 19" display then. I have a 17" at work and think I will get the same at home. Guess I should pay a visit to CompUSA and Circuit City to check out what models I like. Since I still have a couple of months, I will wait for a good sale on one.