Gateway 21" Widescreen Flat-Panel LCD Monitor

[Dorkenstein]

Does anyone own one of these? How do they stack up to a Dell? I would have gone for a Dell but they only go on sale once in a while. Are there any good alternatives in the 20 inch range? Thanks.

 

[Zap Brannigan]

I just bought one today. Looks amazing! I'm getting a slight whine buzzing type sound from the monitor so I'm going ot exchange it for another one at besbuy tomorrow. Damn shame too because I ran dead pixel tester and not one bad pixel! THe one on display at th store was'nt making any sounds like this so I know they're not all defective which is good.

 

[Tig Ol Bitties]

I went through 2 of them, DVI connection blowing out on both, but several owners are happy with theirs, but I find them just as problematic as the dells. Google is your search friend if you want more info from owners, but you should read this if you want to learn more on what owners have said on those gateways:

http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=960883&page=52&pp=20

BTW, Im not the only one with the DVI blowing out...so I got pissed and ending up getting a Samsung 204B 20.1" 1600x1200, not widescreen or HDCP compliant, but I love it and its been very reliable. The new NEC MultiSync® LCD20WGX2 20.1" Widescreen LCD Monitor is probably the BEST widescreen lcd out right now for the low 20" size and its an s-ips panel. Wish I had waited long enough to get this one instead but Im quite happy with what I got, which was cheaper as well.

 

[shock311]

I recently picked up this monitor and so far so good. Looks great, no dead pixels, no problem with the DVI connection yet. I've only played Half Life 2 and COD2 on it and they look great. The buttons on the side are annoying but it makes it look clean which is a decent trade off. Anywho, I bought mine off Staples using a 50 off 500 coupon I got off ebay. I'd recommend getting that if you decide to purchase.

 

[Zap Brannigan]

Shock, can I safely assume that your monitor has no high pitched kind of whine to it while it's turned on? Glad you have no dead pixels too! Sounds like it's not littery odds on that with these monitors which is also good news.

 

[Navid]

The buzz is a known problem. I can only hear mine if I put my ear next to the monitor. I don't under normal use conditions. So, I don't mind.
The buzz is a function of the brightness. If you increase the brightness, the buzz volume decreases. If you go as high as 85%, it will go away completely. But, that is too bright for some.

The monitor does not operate at 75Hz at its native resolution even though what is stated on the web site may be taken to suggest that way. See this on line 4 of the table.
According to the compatibility chart that can be accessed on their site as well as in the user's guide, the monitor operates at 60Hz at native resolution only.
I have no problem with that.

Some people have forced the monitor to operate at 75Hz and busted the DVI output port.

The monitor does not come with a DVI cable. But, there are places you can find to get one for a reasonable price if you search for them.

I have no experience with any Dell.

I had a Sony CRT. I got a Viewsonic VX924. I was not happy with its colors. I returned it. I got this one and I am very happy with everything.

 

[Zap Brannigan]

Uh Oh, I have my resolution at 75 Hz DVI, so far it's running fine though.

 

[Zap Brannigan]

Now are you referring to the brightness set on the monitor itself as in accessing it through the control panel by hand by way of buttons on the side of the lcd?

 

[Pr0phetX]

i have 2. The best monitors that I'VE ever owned.

 

[justlnluck]

I would buy this monitor, but hearing that the buzz is probably a design flaw is keeping me away. I'm not sure I could tolerate keeping the brightness above 85.

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: Zap Brannigan
Uh Oh, I have my resolution at 75 Hz DVI, so far it's running fine though.

I wouldn't if I were you!
Look at page 24 of your manual (Video modes).

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: Zap Brannigan
Now are you referring to the brightness set on the monitor itself as in accessing it through the control panel by hand by way of buttons on the side of the lcd?

Yes.
But, if it is so loud that you can notice it even sitting back, I would exchange it. I cannot hear mine and I have the brightness set to 10%.

 

[Zap Brannigan]

Ok, I'll exchange it then because I can hear it sitting back. Thanks for the info man!

 

[Zap Brannigan]

Hope I get one with no dead pixels again minus the noise!

 

[Zap Brannigan]

I noticed the video resolutions in the book and saw that 60hz was for naitive resolution. I'm still att 75 and so far so good.

 

[Zap Brannigan]

Well I set it back to 60, everything seems to be running the same but it's a little late to run any extensive tests.

 

[Pr0phetX]

yeah the buzzing is only on some units. One of mine was perfect, and the other is going out on rma tommorrow

 

[Zap Brannigan]

Well I exchanged the monitor for a new one, this one is not quite as loud with the buzzing but still noticiable. The one on display at the store has zero buzzing noise so tomorrow I venture out once again! Third one will probably be a charm!

 

[justlnluck]

I look forward to your impressions of the third monitor. It's shame that the Gateway's suffer from this.

 

[Pr0phetX]

Ok i just got my 3rd monitor..............My actual 3rd monitor (2 in dual setup + 1) Havent hooked it up since my both of my rigs are in pieces, so ill have to wait til next week. But my first monitor is abosolutly perfect. No buzzing whatso ever. And the 2nd one did buzz when i first got it. Now its as silent as the other. And i have the brightness setting on both at 90.

Im assuming if their were any problems with any of the monitors before shouldnt be present in the monitor. It even has a diff box than the first 2.

 

[SunnyD]

I'm happy with mine!

 

[justlnluck]

Prophet, try lowering the brightness below 85. I read many people reporting buzzing if they lower the brightness below 85. And it supposedly gets louder the lower the brightness. Also, where did you order your monitor from? What are the manufacturing dates? Maybe this "second" monitor was built more recently than the other two since it came in a different box?

 

[oMeSSiaHo]

We sell one where I work and although it looks good on paper make sure you go look at it first. It may just be our display but the colors seem off, like there is a blue tint to it. I've tried everything (even using the crappy Magitune software" but it wont go away. Another little anoying thing is that the screen dosent lock into place. You can rotate 180 degrees but it dosent lock into place when you want it straight. Every time I walk by it its always a little crooked. I'm glad I went with my Dell 2005 over the gateway. The gateway is a bit bigger, has more features and automatically rotates the screen with the monitor but it bothers me that I and our TV people cant get the colors right. It could be that our display is just bad but again I would go to the store if you can to look at it.

 

[Pr0phetX]

Originally posted by: justlnluck
Prophet, try lowering the brightness below 85. I read many people reporting buzzing if they lower the brightness below 85. And it supposedly gets louder the lower the brightness. Also, where did you order your monitor from? What are the manufacturing dates? Maybe this "second" monitor was built more recently than the other two since it came in a different box?

You know what that might be the truth. Dec 2005 is the manufacture date on the problematic one.

By the way if anyone is interested i have my new one for sale in the forums.

 

[justlnluck]

What is the date for the good one with the new packaging?