Budget monitor for graphics & gaming

[thevalenzetti]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for a monitor to hook up to my laptop (desktop computer in the future). I've been doing research but I seem to have run into a lot of uncertainties, so I wanted a second opinion. I did read the sticky in this subforum for recommendations and the ones listed all look nice but... I'm poor 🙁

I'm looking for:
- 23 or 24 inch
- Matte screen, NO glossy
- LED backlit
- Uses: Gaming, graphic design (prints, photography, web), multimedia [2ms response time ideal, colors important]
- Resolution: the standard. whatever it is - 1920x1080?
- <$250, ideally <$200 even

Yup, I'm on quite a budget here, and I know I can't really get any genuinely good monitors for graphic design work and the such. But a decent one will do, as long as I can calibrate to my best ability. I just discovered how IPS panels are important, but they seem to be out of my price range.

I've been eyeing this popular monitor, the Asus VH236H for $130 on the cheapest site.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824236059

I'm not sure if this is even decent for graphic design. Is calibration sufficient enough for this type of monitor? I also have seen much praise for the Dell Ultrasharp U2410 but it is way too expensive for me! Could someone help me out and offer some suggestions? Thanks much!

 

[digitaldurandal]

If color is import for you then you want to avoid TN panels. LED backlit monitors are over priced for what you get at this time in my opinion. If the u2410 is too expensive for you then you are going to have to make multiple compromises on your wants here.

I see you sacrificing color and LED backlit to get what you want.

The Asus is likely a decent monitor but will sacrifice both of the aforementioned frills. Check digitalversus.com for reviews of monitors.

 

[blanketyblank]

Staples usually has good deals on monitors since they pay for the recycling tax and they usually have $30 off 150 coupons. For graphics design which needs better color accuracy though I think you'll have to spend outside of the $150 range.
It's a bit outside of your budget, but cheaper than the Dell 24" monitors.
http://www.amazon.com/NEC-EA231WMi-B...8700350&amp;sr=8-1

I forgot to mention it is ips.

 

[postmortemIA]

you can't have it all and not pay much. as others said, if you want graphic design, then you are looking at > $250, otherwise you can pick one of these cheap 'n' popular TN monitors

 

[Grg83]

I just picked up a refurbished Dell U2311H 23" IPS panel for $245 shipped.

Matte screen and 1920x1080 resolution.
New ones are actually on sale right now for $250 before tax and shipping I believe.
It's a wonderful monitor, and considering its price, I believe it's a fantastic deal.

 

[fuzzymath10]

Was gonna say, U2311H would be perfect and here in Canada they were $239 recently.

I have the 21.5" version. It's not the best IPS monitor out there, but I have it next to a pretty normal LCD (E2010H) and the difference is noticeable.

 

[Concillian]

Anything less than the U2211h or u2311h is going to be TN. LED backlight + TN + low price = low quality. My experience with LED backlight in that price range is that they bleed like CRAZY and are absolutely terrible. TN is not very good either.

I got my wife a TN monitor, while I have IPS screens. She looks at pictures on her monitor and asks why they look so much better on my monitors. My wife is clueless about this kind of stuff... yes, it's really that noticeable.

Stick with your laptop screen until you can get an IPS monitor. You will use it for like 5+ years. wait until you can get an extra $50-100 to do it right, or you'll be cursing your decision for years to come.