15" LCD options - not beige - for around $350

[subhuman]

My mom needs an LCD for her computer since her 'office' is now under the stairs, and space is limited. I did a search here on the forums and didn't come up with too many options - she doesn't game, mostly just basic word processing, email, internet (some flash-based games here & there). She's currently using an old Creative TNT 16meg AGP card with analog connectors.

1. Looks are important to her - nothing beige if possible - futuristic but not cheesy is good.
2. Price should be around the $300-350 mark
3. 1024x768 native would be ideal
4. DVI input a plus, but she'll use analog for now
5. Viewing angle is more important than response time, but 40ms or lower would be prefered.

Not all points need to be met, but the more criteria it meets, the better.


A few options I am considering
* mwave - BATESIAS 15" CL-150V TFT LCD MONITOR 1024X 768 W/SPEAKER BUNDLE WITH ATI RADEON VE 32MB DDR VGA CARD Detail Specs - couldn't find anything on Batesias from the net, and it looks to have a low contrast ratio - $345
* mwave - CORNEA 15"/15V MP503 .29 1024X768 75HZ TFT-LCD (Black) $356.90
* mwave - SYLVANIA 15"/15V SF150 .29 1024X768 85HZ LCD (Silver/Black) Detail Specs $367.28
* mwave - NEC 15"/15V LCD1550V-BK .30 1024X768 LCD 75HZ MULTISYNC (Black) (NO STOCK - Estimate arrival on 4/3/02) - $378 (over price limit a bit tho and viewing angle seems small)

Also list "your choice" for a 15" LCD regardless of my criteria... Thanks for input.

 

[subhuman]

Nobody has opinions on 15" LCDs...?

I'm going to go read the Toms Hardware round up once again, then. Still looking for your ideas.

http://www6.tomshardware.com/display/02q1/020322/index.html <- links to the first set of LCDs... 20 total...


Edit: All right, I think I'm going for the Batesias from mWave, it's Silver $319 and looks to have good specs. I'll probably order in the next few days.

Runner ups: KDS's 15" monitor (but its beige), the CTX 15" (beige too), and the cheap new Sony 15" (but still more than the Batesias and not as good specs.. very nice looking though!) Neither KDS/CTX look as nice as the Batesias and the specs seem better on the Batesias, even though I could find very little on the web about them. Feel free to talk me into something different but do it quickly.

 

[pookieguy]

definately go with a samsung. A 150S is a great 15" LCD.

 

[subhuman]

Hmm, still stuck. Thanks for the samsung suggestion, that lead to a little more research.
The KDS is definitely out. The viewing angle is too small.

* CTX PV520 is decent, and not beige, so bonus there. Tom's gave it decent comments.
* Cornea MP503 seems decent as well, like the looks, and Toms gave it decent comments as well.
* Hansol H530 - while looking up Samsung I noticed this one used a Samsung panel. Simple design and excellent specs. Out of stock at newegg, but considering it.
* Batesias still looks like a good option. From the pictures though, I can't tell, nice color & shape but maybe cheap looking?

 

[pookieguy]

Samsung is going to give you the best picture quality. by far...

The 150S is a very nice looking monitor also.
It's design is stylish and I believe I've seen it in the following colors:

Black/Silver
Black/Black

--

 

[pookieguy]

By the way...
The KDS Rad-5 is terrible. (In my opnion)

I don't understand why this LCD got excellent reviews, both editorial and customer.
I bought it and returned it immediately.

 

[subhuman]

Yeah I agree KDS is definitely not looking good after closer inspection (I mentioned that above as well)

After further research, I'm absolutely going for either the Silver or Black Samsung. Thanks for the advice. I'll post after I get it and have played with it a bit.

 

[pookieguy]

no prob.
I'm waiting on a Samsung LCD myself. But it's STILL unavailable.
The 171P

But I'm getting alittle impatient and even though I have a DVI video card, the 170S looks mighty tempting. (17" version)

--

 

[minendo]

KDS Rad-5. It is a silverish color, but they also make several other colors and models. Take a look at their site.

 

[minendo]

<< By the way...
The KDS Rad-5 is terrible. (In my opnion)

I don't understand why this LCD got excellent reviews, both editorial and customer.
I bought it and returned it immediately. >>


What did you find wrong with the KDS? I have it and I love it. It does everything I need done. Works great for both everyday tasks and games.

 

[subhuman]

So... story's not over... I stopped by my local CostCo, and saw a Sylvania, Silver w/ Black Base, SF150 15" LCD:
specs here

I know it's no Samsung, but the Sylvania SF150 is only $339 (no shipping, drive and pick it up), I'm seriously considering it. Anyone have anything to say about it?

The main thing is I'm having trouble getting a BLACK or SILVER Samsung 151 for under $450 shipped. Maybe someone has a reputable vendor that actually has the Samsung in stock? PM or email or respond with a link if so. Thanks!

 

[subhuman]

Samsung 151S-Black ordered for $410 including shipping. Will post more when I finally get it, it was out of stock everywhere for awhile. Decided against the Costco LCD, my mom thought the two tone color was ugly

 

[merlocka]

The Hercules Prophetview is the coolest *looking* LCD, not sure how good the image quality is. I thought they were around $350.


oops - edit - they be like $500

 

[stephpar]

hey 'pookieguy' ...is that Samsung you have a 150s or a 151s? I've seen the 150s recently at Costco, but i can't find any information about the LCD or the specs it has. I can't find it on any of the samsung websites, or in reviews anywhere. Could you please post some info about this lcd and your thoughts on it...either here or in a private message. I really like the look of this LCD, but i hate the idea of buying one without even knowing the brightness/contrast or response time.

Thanks dude...

Steph


...and if anyone else knows about the Samsung 150s...please post too.

 

[subhuman]

Samsung 151S Black - quick notes:

It looks totally awesome, nice black casing, nice simple slightly slopped back, good stand. Wider bezel on the left and right edges (take note if you plan on having 2 side by side).

Next to a new Compaq EVO laptop, the Samsung put it to shame - much brigher, way better contrast, less ghosting when moving windows around against a dark background.

When compared to a 22" Sony CRT, you can see the Samsung has *some* ghosting, but I think it would be totally fine for even some light FPS games and such. This is a really, really nice LCD, the best I've seen (I saw the ones at CostCo (is it just me or do the Sony LCDs... well they don't seem specatular besides looks), and Office Depot (they had a decent samsung there) and all the usual places around town...)

Good viewing angle on the 151S, but it's better to not be "above" or "below" it but right in front. Off to one side, you still get a decent picture, even if the colors aren't quite as accurate. Overall, I'm very happy with this.

Going to bring it up to my parent's house and hook it up for my mom for mother's day. We'll see how she likes it.