Help Me Buy a New Monitor

[ChristieinMB]

I need a second monitor so I am looking for a LCD. I'm thinking 17", or should I go to 19". Can I buy a decent one for less than $300? Home use, no games... What should I look for? What is now a good refresh time? I get tired of shopping for new computer "junk", everyhting changes so fast I can't keep up! Christie

[Arete]

you can definitely get a good 17" LCD for under $300, and I think you might be able to find a 19" one if there is a sale or rebate offer.

Personally, I always check the max resolution, because I like to run at a very high resolution and not all monitors can handle it. But most people don't run at a really high resolution, so that may not be an issue for you. Aside from that, a contrast ratio of at least 400:1, but 500:1 is much better. I don't think that the refresh rate is a factor on LCD monitors... they never seem to give that info anyway. Oh, and you may want to look at the viewing angle if you will ever need to have someone else looking at it with you.

I like Sony and ViewSonic but honestly, we've gotten some great no-name LCD monitors from CompUSA just by going there and seeing which ones we like best. But if there were ever a problem with one of them, I bet that service might be an issue, so if that is important, go with a name you know.

[Laurielee]

I just installed my new monitor this morning at work. its a 17 inch Samsung model 730b, got it at best buy for $338 and a 30$ rebate so thats $308. Its really nice.

Last month I bought a 19" princeton from Costco for about $250 and it didnt work with my computer, the clarity was bad, no matter what I did with the settings. We thought maybe we needed to replace my video card too, but instead someone else in the office needed a new monitor and it worked fine with their computer

I also bought a video card to upgrade with this Samsung model and didnt need it. I just plugged it in and didnt need to change my settings, so I am returning the video card.

Laurie

[masala gal]

I'm not a big fan of LCD monitors, but if I had to buy one I'd choose either Sony or ViewSonic. Sony might be too expensive for your budget, but their picture seems to be much better than the others.

[sneezles]

You should check out Overstock.com I bought 2 for my older sons a year ago Christmas from Overstock (factory re-conditioned) and they both work & are still going strong! I know I paid less than $300 and they were 17"