About to purchase an LCD... a few questions first

[m3avrck]

Hi guys!

So I'm definetly thinking of purchasing an LCD very soon and have a few questions. Well the first one, is which LCD to get? My top choices are the Dell 1800FP or the Hitachi CML174.

However, I'm also looking to get either of these for $400 or less, with deals and such. Now one thing that just struck my fancy is that you can get a refurbished Hitachi CML174 for $299 at Monitors Direct, which is an amazing deal. And since most refurbished items are simply returns, this could be an awesome route.

Also, what ever happened to the Dell 1702FP? I was going to buy that but lately I haven't been able to find it anywhere.

So should I wait for a deal on the Dell 1800FP or go with the Hitachi for really cheap? Any help/advice/comments are welcome. Thanks.

 

[Gunbuster]

I would assume a good amount of refurbs are returned panels with stuck or dead pixels

 

[m3avrck]

True that is a good point and one I didn't really address and that was why I sort of hesistated with a refurbed LCD. Maybe I should just wait for the $380 deal on the 1800? I'm assuming one is coming up...

 

[BeauJangles]

I just purchased a Hitachi from Monitorsdirect and it should be here in a few days. I'll let you know what I think of the display, but i think that gunbuster is probably correct in saying that it isn't a good idea to go refurb on an LCD, unless you can be garaunteed that there won't be dead pixels. Otherwise, I would steer clear of them.

As for 1800 vs Hitachi, I would say go Hitachi if you plan on playing games, simply put the Hitachi has 16 ms response time, meaning you can go to about 60 FPS before seeing any ghosting. According to people that own the screen on this forum, it is also a beautiful looking display. If you don't play games, the extra inch may be nice.

 

[Chadder007]

Check the Hot deals forum out....Dell is having a sale on most Planar model LCD's including the 17 inch with 16ms reponse time.

Edit: In fact here you go.... Planar 17 inch for $418

 

[m3avrck]

Well I don't play games, but I do watch a decent amount of movies. Basically I wouldn't mind either one, I'm just trying to see which one I can get cheaper, although the bigger 18" would be nice.

 

[grant2]

Originally posted by: BlinderBomber
simply put the Hitachi has 16 ms response time, meaning you can go to about 60 FPS before seeing any ghosting. According to people that own the screen on this forum, it is also a beautiful looking display. If you don't play games, the extra inch may be nice.

ghosting is independent of FPS, 60fps just happens to be the max # of frames the LCD can display, so if your video card is driving at 120fps you're losing half of them.

 

[KristopherKubicki]

You wont really be able to tell the difference between a 25ms monitor and a 16ms monitor if you are just watching movies. Check out the Samsung 172T also.

 

[andyfasthands]

Kristopher, it seems like i've been backing all of your latest posts. I would definitely recommend the Samsung 172t, if only for style points!! but in your case, you do not seem to want to spend more than $400 and the 172t stands firm above $550 (also only 25ms response).

 

[KristopherKubicki]

What can I say, Im actually almost caught up in reviews for once!