2nd Monitor: Low Vision/Linux Recommendations

[Eyeless Blond]

So, I got some cash for the holidays, and figured on buying a 2nd monitor for my home system, for extra screen real estate, watching movies while computing, etc. Technically I have about $400 to spend, but I have other things I want to do with the money as well so unless something really compelling comes up I'd like to stay under $200-250.

Currently I have a 2209WA, which I love because I have relatively low vision (partial albinism, 20/80 - 20/100, for people familiar with those kinds of measurements). Therein lies the problem: I have to get relatively close to my primary screen (~12-18 inches, even less sometimes), so the angles tend to screw me up with cheaper TN panels. I don't think this'll be as much of an issue with the 2nd monitor, but it could be, which is making me lean toward another IPS panel. The 16x10 aspect ratio is nice too; it makes things less ridiculous-looking if I tilt the screen to portrait.

I also find myself looking at LED-backlit screens. Power considerations aside, I am finding it annoying that I practically have to put on sunscreen every time I turn on my monitor, due to the CCFLs and how close my face is to the screen. This'll only get worse with a second monitor. Are there any LED-backlit eIPS screens, preferably ones that don't require lottery winnings to afford?

 

[blanketyblank]

Let me know if you find one. I'd be very interested in this too. The only one I know about that have LED and IPS is the apple cinema displays, but those are pretty pricy. They may have others now though.

 

[Eyeless Blond]

Hm, doesn't look like it, at least not that I can see. Looks like we'll have to wait into 2010-11 to see a decent number of LED-eIPS monitors to choose from... if ever. There doesn't seem to be a lot of competition in between the el-cheapo TN crowd and the ultra-expensive sRGB/AdobeRGB graphics professional crowd. Really the only choice in my price range is another 2209WA, like the one I've already got, which means I'm stuck waiting around for Dell to have a good sale so I can get another bite at that apple (got this one for ~220 bucks about a year or so ago). Of course it's not an LED, which means with my viewing distance I'm going to need SPF 30 sunscreen every time I sit down in front of them.

Maybe I'll just buy a new mattress with this money and see what comes out around income tax refund time.

 

[wwswimming]

do you benefit from a monitor with bigger pixels ?

i use a 720P television, 26". it runs at 1360x768 resolution and the pixels are about .45 mm, about 50% bigger than a 19 inch monitor with large pixels (typical 19" 1280 x 1024 monitor has .30 mm pixels; 24" 1600 x 1200 monitor has about .27 mm pixels).

anyway, i'm pretty sure you can get the 26" size (or 25" or 24", whatever looks good at the store.)

if you buy a monitor, i think it's important to see it in person before buying it. it's really hard to judge from specs & reviews. i bought a 32" Samsung 1080p that was highly decorated & recommended - and ended up having to sell it because i couldn't use it. WAY too glossy - for me.

in about 1996 i met a Kurdish guy who had albinism. he had been helping the Americans in Iraq & got airlifted out to San Diego. he was basically a refugee - Saddam was pissed at him for "helping the Americans". & brilliant with computers - i gave him a 486DX100 and a Pentium 120 i had laying around. i noticed he sat closer to the monitor than i did.

 

[gary_hendricks]

Couple of points I'd make:

1) Using 720P televisions make sense. The large 1360x768 resolution and the pixels will blow away any 19" inch monitor - many of my friends have this setup.

2) Always check that the brand is a good one. I don't personally like unknown Taiwanese brands for monitors - go for Samsung, NEC or better names. Monitors are worth the money.

3) Check the actual monitor to see if you like it. Besides the specs, you need to see if you like the colors, the look and overall feel of the thing.

 

[Eyeless Blond]

Hm. Found a Dell G2410 online for $260. Not sure if I want to pull the trigger though; is that a good deal?

I like the idea of an LED display; CCFLs are giving me a sunburn in the middle of the night. How do you suppose an LED-based TN display would hold up to my CCFL-based e-IPS 2209WA?

 

[Eyeless Blond]

Re: 720P LCD TVs: yeah, those might work, though they generally seem to cost more than an equal-size monitor. Do the HD tuners and such account for that difference in price? I'm not sure if pixel size would bother me at all; I can't see the individual pixels in a monitor until I get right up to it