19 inch monitors: Sony CPD-G420S vs. Sony HMD-A440 vs. Samsung 955df, etc

[Chang10is]

I've been reading a bunch of reviews on different monitors, and it seems like there isn't a whole lot of agreement on what monitors are the best. Quite a few of the monitors that got the highest ratings on CNet have pretty low customer satisfaction -- around 50-60% in most cases. Sony seems to have the highest user rating (most 19" monitors around 90%), but CNet seems to give their monitors 7's and 8's just like they do with a lot of other ones, including Samsung, Compaq, Cornerstore, and Viewsonic. So what's the deal?

I really liked the Samsung 955df after I read the editorial reviews, but then I saw the user ratings, and they're all over the place. Some people think the monitor has a great picture, others think it's horrible and complain about warping, it not being flat, and all sorts of other problems. A few people have also commented that there seems to be more than 1 version of the monitor out there, pointing to different control buttons (and maybe to different picture quality too?).

Sony has a great reputation for monitors, and I'd jump on one if they didn't cost so much more. I have yet to find a store where I can compare all the monitors that I'm considering side by side, so what do you all know about the Sony CPD-G420S, Sony HMD-A440, and Samsung 955df? Are the Sony's worth the extra cost? And what's the difference between the CPD-G420s and the HMD-A440? The G420S is more expensive, but isn't the tube and the picture quality the same?

 

[SteelyKen]

I have had my G420S for a week, and I couldn't be happier. It has higher resolution and higher refresh rates than the other sony you mentioned, plus dual inputs and speakers. Some people may not need that extra stuff, but it comes in handy being able to run two computers at once. I have my main rig hooked to my surround speakers and my second rig hooked to the Sony speakers, which works great. If you don't need those extras, The G410R is the same picture tube.
By the way, I paid $328 shipped for my monitor from Dell. Combined 15% with a $30 off coupon and got free shipping.

 

[Jittles]

I have the 955DF and it is awesome for what I need. I'm definitely not a power graphic user or somebody who would notice fine details but it works great for crispness while browsing the web and typing essays (college student) and for playing games. Had no idea there were different versions out there though.

 

[jbond04]

Chang10is, I had the exact same problem about a month ago.... Allow me to give you a few pointers:

1. Do NOT listen to CNet's reviews. They really are fairly uninformative, and a lot of the reviews were written about older models of monitors that what is currently available now.

2. Dot pitch is the key. If you are getting an aperture grill monitor (which it sounds like you are), then the smaller the DP, the better. Both the NEC FP955 and Sony G420S have a .24mm DP, which, if I recall correctly, is the smallest available for a 19" monitor.

3. Talk to users of the monitors. IMO, that is the thing that counts. I use my NEC FP955 for just about every use possible. Gaming, CAD drafting, 3D animation and visualization, and office work are all performed regularly on my computer. My roommate has the Sony G420S. Both are excellent monitors, but my monitor has a slightly sharper, clearer picture, and the colors look more even (his are slightly saturated at the high end).

My vote would be for the NEC FP955. It's cheaper than the Sony G420S, and has better image quality (in my opinion, anyway). However, finding a reliable retailer that has the monitor in stock for a good price is far more difficult for the FP955 than the G420S. I bought my monitor from Dell.com for $355 and got free shipping; however, their availability varies widely. I think the NEC FP955 is the best 19" monitor money can buy...I would never hesitate to recommend it.

Hope this helps you out

 

[Aquaman]

I have the 955 DF .......... No complaints I love it.

Cheers,
Aquaman

 

[WebDude]

I'm looking at a Samsung 955DF right now. I've had it for a couple of weeks, and it is a very fine monitor. I would recommend it highly. (I think the "highlight zone" feature is rather worthless, but it doesn't hurt anything not to use it.) I got it in a deal from Dell for under $200 shipped. Samsung lists the dot pitch as "0.20mm (H)". Some people don't like the low refresh rate at high resolutions, but I personally can't imagine using a 19" monitor at 1600x1200 anyway. If you haven't already, check out Anandtech's review of the monitor. That's what led me to buy the monitor, and I've not been disappointed. Review

WebDude

 

[XBoxLPU]

Running a Sony GPD-420 and very pleased with it! . Run at 1600X1200 @ 75hz. I would run @ 85hz but I have to untick hide modes this monitor cannot do... and I just don't feel safe running 85hz.

I only paid $190 shipped, but I bought mine off ebay. If you are willing to take a chance, than you really do get a good deal. I haven't had any problems with the monitor

 

[alkemyst]

IMO anytime a product moves to the higher level in reviews people start buying them...also people start complaining.

Most of these complaints are hilarious, someone buys a .26dp monitor and then complains 'I got screwed there are .24dp monitors and everyone knows smaller is better' or the old 'My trinitron is defective, it has two black lines across the screen...AVOID AVOID AVOID'

They should look up the IP address and time and then find the originating server and locate the moron and put them down. No need for those kinds of genes in our society .

 

[JuicyFruit]

Originally posted by: XBoxLPU
Running a Sony GPD-420 and very pleased with it! . Run at 1600X1200 @ 75hz. I would run @ 85hz but I have to untick hide modes this monitor cannot do... and I just don't feel safe running 85hz.

I only paid $190 shipped, but I bought mine off ebay. If you are willing to take a chance, than you really do get a good deal. I haven't had any problems with the monitor

i think your monitor should be able to run 85hz at 16x12. i have a dell p991 (sony cpd-400?) and it runs 85hz at 16x12 fine. i've ran it at 75hz before and to tell you the truth, i can stare at my monitor a lot longer with it at 85hz.

 

[Lichee]

Originally posted by: JuicyFruit

Originally posted by: XBoxLPU Running a Sony GPD-420 and very pleased with it! . Run at 1600X1200 @ 75hz. I would run @ 85hz but I have to untick hide modes this monitor cannot do... and I just don't feel safe running 85hz. I only paid $190 shipped, but I bought mine off ebay. If you are willing to take a chance, than you really do get a good deal. I haven't had any problems with the monitor

i think your monitor should be able to run 85hz at 16x12. i have a dell p991 (sony cpd-400?) and it runs 85hz at 16x12 fine. i've ran it at 75hz before and to tell you the truth, i can stare at my monitor a lot longer with it at 85hz.

in fact, even sony states the recommended res is 1600x1200x85hz.

http://www.sonystyle.com/home/item.jsp?hierc=9683x76x9704&catid=9708&itemid=10125&telesale=null&hidden=null&cps=null&type=s

my CPD-G400 states it can handle that res and refresh too.

 

[Byte]

I say go for an Envision monitor. They are just awesome, and most people will like it better than samsung and sonys. I got one cuz it was so cheap, plopped it down next to my Sony G400 and Samsung 753DF and got blown away by the color richness. Nothing like it. I don't even care that its refresh rate is lower. At around $200 the 980e (flat ones) are a steal.