21" monitor - Sony CPD-G520 vs. Hitachi CM823F

[Muse]

The Hitachi costs a little more, is shadow mask. Sony's a Trinitron. Which would be a better purchase?

 

[TourGuide]

If it were me, I'd go for the Sony. The G520 is one fine display. I bought the E540 for my wife when her Viewsonic went out and now I'm jealous.

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: TourGuide
If it were me, I'd go for the Sony. The G520 is one fine display. I bought the E540 for my wife when her Viewsonic went out and now I'm jealous.

Last week I accompanied my brother's wife to Best Buy. I was buying a HD to help fix up my brother's computer. She was buying a new monitor to be her birthday gift from my brother. She got a Samsung 19" LCD - 191T. They were OOS, so we ordered it online and it arrived Friday. My brother IS jealous! He has a 19" Gateway 910, which I think is sort of a Viewsonic? His monitor is pretty nice, actually and was MUCH better than her previous 17", which she's had for years. I haven't seen the G520, but did see an E540 at Circuit City. It's said to lack controls. It is completely flat screen, I'd say, having inspected it. I don't think I got a chance to see an image on it. I read some real nice things about the Hitachi, however. I believe that Hitachi is one of the VERY FEW companies that actually manufactures CRTs. The Sony is not top of the line, so to speak. They have a couple of 21" monitors that cost 2 times as much. The Hitachi CM823, on the other hand, I think may be their best 21" monitor ?? Hitachi is abandoning their CRT monitor line, however in favor of LCDs. I guess the demand isn't what it used to be. Still, until LCD technology improves, I think a good CRT is the thing if you are doing much in the way of video, DVD, games, which is what this display is being asked to do, at least for openers.

 

[TourGuide]

It probably depends on which Hitachi you're talking about. The specs on the Sony are VERY good, and although you are correct in saying the Sony isn't the top of the line there that doesn't take anything away from the quality. If you want the best display money can buy, then the F540 (Sony) is probably for you. The G520 is a good compromise between price and performance.

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: TourGuide
It probably depends on which Hitachi you're talking about. The specs on the Sony are VERY good, and although you are correct in saying the Sony isn't the top of the line there that doesn't take anything away from the quality. If you want the best display money can buy, then the F540 (Sony) is probably for you. The G520 is a good compromise between price and performance.

Well, just based on the concept of a survey I have to say I've seen a lot more people recommending the G520 than any other 21" display in these forums. I saw one very glowing recommendation for the Hitachi from someone who clearly knew what they were talking about. However, I just read a review of the CM823F at Cadalyst and the reviewer said it was an excellent monitor but he saw some flaws.