CRT Monitors: Dell P1130 vs. IBM P260

[Kaadg]

Anybody favor one over the other?

http://www.azatek.com/details.asp?iid=524

http://www.azatek.com/details.asp?iid=483

My guess is that I would be happy with either one.

The p1130 is much more popular, but the p260 has a DVI input and is little cheaper.

If anybody out there owns the p260 does the DVI make a difference?

Also: this appears to be a good deal from a trusted distributor ( I live only about 20 miles away). Are there any better deals out there?

Kaad_g

 

[Boogak]

Can't comment on the Dell, but I love my P260. DVI makes no difference as far as I can tell, but it is nice to have the ability to toggle between the two inputs (I use the 2nd connection for when I'm building a spare PC or fixing a 2nd PC).

 

[kylebisme]

Originally posted by: Kaadg


If anybody out there owns the p260 does the DVI make a difference?

I think it just uses the anolog part of the DVI-i connector, at least the cable that came with it has DVI on one end and standard VGA on the other.

 

[kef7]

I'm in agreement with Boogak , love my P260 as well and the 2 inputs are very handy. Only downside is it hogs up my desk.

 

[Kaadg]

Yep, they are both BIG, but I have the room. I have been leaning towards the P260 and figure that's what I'll buy.

Thanks,

Kaad_g

 

[yhelothar]

P1130 is a generation ahead of the P260. P275 should be the IBM equivalent to the P1130. I'd personally fork out a bit more cash to get the P275, so you still get IBM's top notch warranty.

 

[Kaadg]

Thanks for your input virtualgames0. I'll be buying refurbished so it will be a 6 month exchange warranty regardless of the monitor I buy.

I certainly wouldn't be against paying more for better quality. Looking at the specs, the P275 is capable of slightly higher resolution and scan rates, but in the real world wouldn't I most likely run them both at "about" 1600x1200 (give or take) and the same refresh rate? Given that information wouldn't my images look the same on both?

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Kaad_g

 

[Mackie2k]

I had the P1130 for about 4 years, great monitor, but you can't run 1600x1200 at above 60hz......

So I'd get another one for sure.

If that resolution is important for you

 

[Kaadg]

No, I picked that resolution as an example only. I currently have a Daewoo 17in, so almost any 21in would be a big move up for me.

I'm not extremely critical, but I do want to get the most for my money. There are a variety of models from many sources in the 21in range, and a great majority of them can be had for under $300.

Like anything else, there is a sweet spot in the Price/Quality of monitors, and as you move up in price the quality only slightly improves ( you could double in price but the picture quality would not be double!).

..."you can't run 1600x1200 at above 60hz..."

I'm a little surprised at that. According to the specs the "recommended" Resolution/Refresh Rate is 1600x1200 at 85HZ. Perhaps I am not reading that spec correctly.

If there are better deals out there I'm open to suggestions.

Kaad_g

 

[yhelothar]

Originally posted by: Kaadg
Thanks for your input virtualgames0. I'll be buying refurbished so it will be a 6 month exchange warranty regardless of the monitor I buy.

I certainly wouldn't be against paying more for better quality. Looking at the specs, the P275 is capable of slightly higher resolution and scan rates, but in the real world wouldn't I most likely run them both at "about" 1600x1200 (give or take) and the same refresh rate? Given that information wouldn't my images look the same on both?

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Kaad_g

The thing is, with azatek's 6 month exchange warranty, you'd be paying $40 shipping to ship it back, and you'd have to drive down to the shipping place to haul it there. It's a lot of work. With IBM's service, they pay for all the shipping, and fedex comes to your house to pick it up. A replacement is shipped to you ASAP via 2nd day air. I think the extra bones is worth it for that kind of service, especially when you're buying a refurb(which is a hit or miss).

And yes, both of them will run 1600x1200 at well above 85Hz. The P1130 can do it at 109Hz, and the P260 can do it at 100Hz. It'll be blurry when you crank up the refresh rate though, due to the limited video bandwidth.
I've used the Dell P1110(same as P260), and the P275(same as P1130). The P1110 gets progressively more blurry at 12% brightness. The P275 stays sharp all the way up to 50% brightness for the new one and 30% for the refurb.

 

[alexandernevsky]

The second connection on the p260 is DVI-A (A for Analog) if that matters to you.

I'm thinking of getting the C220P (IBM's newer version of the p275). Anyone seen it?

 

[Kaadg]

Well, I'm learning more as I go. Just looked at an 1130 in action this morning. The person using it can't stand the lines from the Aperture Grille. Not sure if it would bother me or not. It seems the Aperture Grille is very common when moving up in size and quality in CRT monitors.

Still need more more research.

Kaad_g

 

[yhelothar]

Here's a good article to help you learn about CRTs

 

[Kaadg]

Good information, thanks virtualgames0

Kaad_g