Choosing a 17" LCD display

[McCoy Pauley]

I'm looking at the following three displays (all 17", at least 16 ms response time, and with DVI inputs, which were my basic criteria in looking for a display):

ViewSonic VG710b -- $329

SONY SDM-S74/B -- $349

SAMSUNG SyncMaster 710T-Black -- $439

I want something that's going to have as little ghosting as possible when gaming, and in general look good. I don't care about the speakers on the ViewSonic, or that the Samsung pivots. In general, I'm more concerned about price/performance than just the price, but I wouldn't want to spend more than $439. These monitors all have pretty good reviews on Newegg, but the only one I can find a comprehensive review for is the Samsung, which got a rave review from Tom's Hardware Guide. I like the sound of the Samsung, but I wonder if it's really worth the extra $100 over the other two, and if one of the less expensive displays isn't a better option (or perhaps some 4th display I'm not considering). On the other hand, I haven't used an LCD made by any of these companies, so I'm only going by what I've read about the brands in general. Anyone have any experience with any of these, or any other relevant advice?

 

[Trizzay]

Hey man. You might want to check out a couple of threads already going about 17 inch lcd's that are somewhere in here. I just ordered the Viewsonic VP171B-2 today, because it is an 8ms panel that just came out recently. I also looked at that Sony you have listed, but decided against it because it doesn't have height adjustment or pivot I believe. I've heard nothing but great things about the Samsung 710T, but I just didn't think it was worth the higher price over the Viewsonic.

You can check out my thread which also has a recent review of the Viewsonic I ended up purchasing: http://forums.anandtech.com/me...486995&STARTPAGE=1

 

[McCoy Pauley]

Thanks for the heads up. I noticed that thread, and it's funny because I was actually set on buying the ViewSonic VP171B at newegg until they went out of stock sometime yesterday. Not having any really familiarity with any of these brands, it seems like people have good things to say about all the ViewSonics, so I suppose that's the direction in which I'm leaning. I guess you'll find out next week whether Dell came through with the 8ms or not. I'll keep any eye on your thread.

 

[Jeffyboy]

I would pick the samsung personally ;-) Even Benq has new 8 ms panels out... and should be around the same price. Of course all that matters is you see it perform and you like it.

Jeff

 

[McCoy Pauley]

The Samsung just seems too expensive in comparison to the Sony and ViewSonic, and also in comparison to the price Dell is offering on what appears to be the 8 ms version of the ViewSonic VP171B. If I can keep the price closer to $350, I'd prefer to do that.

Trizzay, from your thread, it sounds like you're reasonably confident that the version Dell is offering is, in fact, 8 ms, right?

 

[fstime]

Go with the viewsonic, they are all good monitors, i'd just go for the cheapest one.

 

[xtknight]

The response time ratings tend to vary depending on the manufacturer. You're best off just waiting for an LCD round-up that actually tests the response time. I like my Samsung 710T ("12ms.") but that's just me I don't know why it's still so expensive though.

 

[Trizzay]

Originally posted by: McCoy Pauley
Trizzay, from your thread, it sounds like you're reasonably confident that the version Dell is offering is, in fact, 8 ms, right?

I wouldn't say confident...more like cautiously optimistic. If money is not an object, then go for the 710T, because it is a proven performer. If you can hold off for a little while before purchasing, then I can let you know whether or not I got the 8ms version. If so, I think it's a steal for $348. The bad news though, is that I think Dell's sale ends tomorrow.

Hey xtNight - Did you know that you have the model # for your monitor wrong in your sig?

 

[Yossairian]

I was in the same pickle, and ended up going with the Samsung 710T. If you don't care about DVI you can look for the 712N model. Its the same panel, but an analog only interface, and a "basic" stand ( can't rotate the screen ). If you shop around a bit more, you can find the 710T for about $380 and the 712N for $250 to $350 AR's. Sony and Viewsonic make very nice screens as well, so the good news is you cant really go wrong..

 

[McCoy Pauley]

Originally posted by: Trizzay
I wouldn't say confident...more like cautiously optimistic. If money is not an object, then go for the 710T, because it is a proven performer. If you can hold off for a little while before purchasing, then I can let you know whether or not I got the 8ms version. If so, I think it's a steal for $348. The bad news though, is that I think Dell's sale ends tomorrow.

After some consideration, I ended up ordering the ViewSonic from Dell, since it was the monitor I had originally settled on before Newegg ran out of stock, and it turns out that Dell has it for less than Newegg. If it turns out to be the VP171B-2, then that's a nice bonus, but for $385 after tax and shipping (and California's $8 environmental fee) the price still seems pretty good even if it's just the 16ms.