Buying my first LCD, couple of questions.

[Torghn]

I've stuck with trusty CRTs until now (mostly due to great IQ compared to price). But fell its finally time to move on. Before I drop the cash I have a few questions for you Veteran LCD users.

First how important is DVI? Seems LCDs are still a bit cheaper if they use the old D-sub analog connector. Also, newegg shows every LCD as only being replaceable if it has 8 or more dead pixels. I can't think of anything that would be more annoying to get a brand new monitor with a deal pixle or two that I have to live with. How common is this?

I'm currently looking at 17" LCDs in the ~$200 price range so any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[xtknight]

I wouldn't say you need DVI for a 17". But it's certainly a smidge sharper, a nice bonus to using an LCD. Coming from a CRT though it will probably still be clearer and sharper even on a VGA connection.

Well, $200 is a bit cheap, but there are some $250 17" LCDs. I'd recommend the Samsung 740B. Dead pixels? I don't know...I had a couple dead pixels on my old Samsung 17" but they were only noticeable in niche situations, if even those. The fact most people have to use special software to display a blank screen and look for them just shows how hard they are to notice in the first place.

 

[renethx]

Originally posted by: Torghn
newegg shows every LCD as only being replaceable if it has 8 or more dead pixels.

One of the best places to buy LCDs is Buy.com. It offers free shipping, charges no restocking fee whatever the reason for return is for 30 days, and even pays for return shipping in case of defective (if you click "defective", UPS shipping appears instantly; no question asked). NewEgg's dead pixel policy is a joke as compared to Buy.com.

 

[Aonghasan]

If you buy Dell, they have a 21 day no questions asked return policy, so if u have even 1 dead pixel you can return it for a new or your money back. I have bought 2 from dell, the 2005FPW, and the 1704FP. Both were flawless. The 1704 I got for my daughter, it has a 12ms response time so would be good for gaming. I dont notice any ghosting on either monitor.

Neweggs return policy scared me away from purchasing from them, I couldnt imagin staring @ 7 dead pixels.

The 1704 i got on a coupon deal for under $200 fyi.

 

[kmmatney]

I would recommend a 19" LCD over a 17" LCD, with DVI and 8 ms response time. Here is a good one for $239 AR:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824014090

LCDs last a long time, so its better to spend a little more to get something better.
I've purchased many BenQ LCDs for work and never a dead pixel. They are one of very few companies who make their own panels.

If you are a Costco member, they have 19" LCDs for $249 (no rebate), and you can return it for any reason up to 6 months. They also have a nice BenQ 17" LCD with 4 ms response time for $260. I really think that a 19" LCD is much more pleasnt to use than a 17", though.

 

[akugami]

I'd have to agree that the LCD should last you at least 3 years and closer to 5. Spend the extra money and get a good monitor. As stated, Newegg's LCD return policy is a joke compared to Buy.com or Dell. I'd actually recommend getting a Dell 2001FP or a Dell 2005FPW. It's 2x the price of the money you were prepared to spend, but it's very good quality and will last you years. Not to mention Dell has an excellent return policy on their monitors.

Both the Dell 2001FP and Dell 2005FPW has ghosting, but contrary to what some will tell you, the ghosting is very minor and for 99% of the people gaming on them, it's not noticeable during gameplay. If you're sitting to the side and looking for ghosting, of course you will find it on all current monitors, no matter how minor. The question is, do you notice it during gameplay? And for me, it's not noticeable on my 2005FPW.