Dell E196FP 19" Flat Panel for $280 shipped? Good? Better ones available?

[metroplex]

I am looking for a 19" flat panel LCD to replace my 19" CRT that just died (vertical line only).

So far the prices seem to be around $200-$250 for 17" LCDs, and $300-$380 for 19" LCDs, and $450-$550 for 20" LCDs.

Dell has a 25% off deal for their LCDs and that puts their 19" E196FP at the same price as a 17" UltraSharp. The E196FP is not the UltraSharp, the 1905FP is the 19" UltraSharp. I have a 1905FP at work and to be honest I don't see how much "sharper" it can be compared to any other quality LCD.

Does anyone know if the E196FP is a piece of crap or should I go with it?
I'd prefer to stick to a quality LCD screen even if it means paying a bit more. I don't want to nickel and dime it and get a cheaper model that is less durable.

Thanks in advance

 

[xtknight]

I'd recommend the Samsung 940B for ~$350. The 1905FP is also a great monitor though. If you want to spend more you can pick up the ViewSonic VP930b for $450. It's pretty decent, but the black level might not be as good as on the 1905FP or 940B. The VP930b will generally have a much wider range of accurate colors than the 940B though. Should be the same as the 1905FP colors-wise, maybe better.

Yeah, no LCD is sharper than the other, at least on DVI (though some still do have sharpness adjustments on DVI.)

I don't know about the Dell E196FP but my guess is it's below the 940B in quality.

So essentially:

1. ViewSonic VP930b (or Samsung 970P if you really push your budget)
2. Dell 1905FP
3. Samsung 940B

In terms of overall display quality I think. But I still believe the 940B is an awesome monitor. That's just a relative scale.

 

[metroplex]

The E196FP is originally $350 but Dell has a 25% off sale right now. I'll check out the 940B, but I really want to keep it below $300. I don't have a DVI capable video card, but I am using the DVI interface at work. I see zero difference between the analog and DVI display (comparing a Viewsonic 15" analog to a Dell 1905FP w/ DVI) other than maybe response time.

 

[xtknight]

Well response time won't matter between the DVI and VGA.. The E196FP looks decent for the price.

 

[metroplex]

I'm trying to find some reviews of the E196FP but have so far come up empty. We only use Dell equipment at work and seeing how much abuse they can take and keep on ticking, I'm somewhat confident it won't be a lemon.

 

[kmmatney]

I'd recommend an LCD with a DVI connection. LCDs last a long time, and your next video card will no doubt have DVI. The 1905FP LCDs often get below $300 in price if you wait. My office is a little odd in that we do not get Dell LCDs, we get BenQ, and never have any issues with them. This prompted me to buy the LCD that I have. Its now replaced by this one:

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

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: kmmatney
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824014090

I'd say that's my final recommendation as well. :thumbsup:

 

[theShark]

I've used the E196FP...its decent for the price. The colours weren't great...almost cartoonish esp the green. Playing Q3 had slight ghosting...almost just a blur but acceptable to me.

 

[pm]

It's now $240 at Dell. They have a 25% off on it.

 

[deeznuts]

And you can save even more than that too, PM.

metro, you have a PM.

 

[emhoga]

How can you save even more deez? I'm interested...PM me please >.<