LCD 22"-24" Monitor Recommendation Requested

[guptasa1]

Okay, exploring my various options - decided to go with a widescreen LCD monitor, either 22" or 24" (can't decide between the two, but have a 19" CRT now so don't want to go smaller than 22" widescreen). I do a lot of office work, but I also do a fair bit of gaming. Here are the ones I'm considering, and I'd love some feedback:

1.) Dell Ultrasharp 2407 24" LCD - $674.00
* Really like the built-in card reader on this thing, and I've seen lesser Dell LCD's in person and have been impressed! Great reputation on this thing, and I've had great experiences with Dell support/service. Really leaning towards it. Higher response time (16 ms, 6ms avg. g2g) than 22" models, so not as good for gaming?

2.) Viewsonic WX2245wm 22" LCD - $389.99
* Again, like the built-in card reader, but don't need the iPod dock (no iPod). Also, don't need the built-in speakers. Little smaller but also cheaper. 5 ms response time, so maybe better gaming performance?

3.) BenQ FP241W 24" LCD - $729.99
* Good looking model, but again higher response time (16 ms, 6ms avg. g2g) than 22" models, so not as good for gaming? Not at all familiar with the BenQ brand, though they seem to have a good reputation. No frills (card reader), but it does go vertical, which I guess would be nice, though not sure I'd use it much.

Of these models, what do you think and why? I'd be open to other suggestions as well!

 

[TheRyuu]

22 and 24 in. monitors are 2 different catagories. One is a big 1680x1050 monitor and the other is a 1900x1200 (IIRC) monitor.

Depends on what you want. Can your video card power a 1900x1200 monitor?
As you can see the prices also differ with size.
I'd say go for the Dell if you can.
The higher response time is shouldn't be a problem though.

 

[Ataraxia]

My vote goes for the $296 Dell E228 22 inch monitor. I can't say for sure how well it performs for gaming (supposedly it has 5ms response time), but for everything else it should be grand for the price you pay.

 

[BernardP]

With all the new 24-inchers coming soon to the market, waiting is also an option, as competition is going to heat up in that category. The Inquirer predicts that 24-inch monitors will be below $ 500 before the end of the year.

If you have to buy now, 22-inch is the sweet spot for price/size. I would not pay one dollar more for a Viewsonic though. The latest models from LG (L226WT) and Samsung (226BW) seems to be a cut above the rest.

You can go to http://hardforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=78

to read about many specific monitors... and confuse you completely :evil:

Also, have a look at this new site dedicated only to 24-inch LCD monitors:

http://lcd24.asp2.cz/

 

[Xerin7]

After spending a lot of time looking at 22", 24", and 30" monitors I placed my order today on the Dell 2407. I think it offers the best overall package of a quality visual display, screen size, and price.

 

[postmortemIA]

of course, 24" has resolution advantage that might come in handy rather sooner than later. It is nice to be able to watch 1080p signal.

 

[guptasa1]

Thanks all. This is helping. Viewsonic's out. Still leaning towards the Dell, but want to review more resources and links posted above. More opinions of course would be great!

 

[Imyourzero]

Originally posted by: guptasa1
Thanks all. This is helping. Viewsonic's out. Still leaning towards the Dell, but want to review more resources and links posted above. More opinions of course would be great!

IMO I would only go for the Dell when getting a revision A04 is guaranteed. The newest revision supposedly fixes some of the main gripes with the unit and adds 1:1 support.

The BenQ is very highly praised on [ H ] (there is a 60-70 page thread dedicated to it) so I definitely wouldn't rule it out. And I just learned today that there are 2 other variations of this model, though I'm still trying to discern the differences. Might be worth checking out.

You could also check out the 24" Acer displays but I haven't seen as many people talking about those. Not sure how they stand up to the Dell and BenQ models.

 

[Xerin7]

You only need A04 for 1:1 pixel mapping...not a big deal unless you plan on playing with a console, for example. The other issues (banding, etc.) were all fixed with AO2 and AO3.

BenQ seems a good monitor, but it also gets its share of complaints. I checked a review on the new version that inserts a black frame, and it wasn't all that impressive since you end up having to choose between sparkle and blur.

The Acer is a good monitor, but again it gets plenty of complaints too. After reading a ton of threads, the Dell was the best overall for my needs, at least.

 

[Imyourzero]

Originally posted by: Xerin7
You only need A04 for 1:1 pixel mapping...not a big deal unless you plan on playing with a console, for example. The other issues (banding, etc.) were all fixed with AO2 and AO3.

BenQ seems a good monitor, but it also gets its share of complaints. I checked a review on the new version that inserts a black frame, and it wasn't all that impressive since you end up having to choose between sparkle and blur.

The Acer is a good monitor, but again it gets plenty of complaints too. After reading a ton of threads, the Dell was the best overall for my needs, at least.

Hmm, I read in another thread that A04 also addresses input lag although I haven't been able to confirm that. 1:1 pixel mapping is a big deal for some people, and if it's true that Dell is using S-IPS panels in the A04 then that would make them MUCH more desirable than the previous revisions, no?

Oh, and link to that BenQ review? I'd be interested in seeing a review of the new model.

 

[BernardP]

Originally posted by: Imyourzero
Oh, and link to that BenQ review? I'd be interested in seeing a review of the new model.

Here is the review of the BenQ FP241WZ on BeHardware

Results are mixed, to say the least.

 

[Xerin7]

Input lag was never a problem for the Dell...you may be thinking of the Samsung 244t, which has a new model coming out (245t). No news on whether the input lag issue is fixed with the new Samsung though. The only differences I was able to find were a dynamic 3000:1 contrast ratio and a new stand which is height-adjustable.

The A04 still uses an S-PVA panel. From what I understand, the ONLY significant difference is that it supports 1:1 mapping while earlier versions don't.

 

[Imyourzero]

Thanks for the link, BernardP. I'm checking it out now.

Originally posted by: Xerin7
Input lag was never a problem for the Dell...you may be thinking of the Samsung 244t, which has a new model coming out (245t). No news on whether the input lag issue is fixed with the new Samsung though. The only differences I was able to find were a dynamic 3000:1 contrast ratio and a new stand which is height-adjustable.

The A04 still uses an S-PVA panel. From what I understand, the ONLY significant difference is that it supports 1:1 mapping while earlier versions don't.

Hmm. That's odd. I knew input lag was pretty severe on the 244t, but I have also read about it being an issue with the 2407. And I'm positive there was talk about the A04 using S-IPS panels...supposedly, someone with a contact at Dell had their source confirm this rumor.

Gotta love the internet and its wealth of contradictory information. :disgust: When people spread misinformation and propagate rumors it just makes it that much harder to know what the truth is and make informed decisions regarding purchases. :|

 

[ascarytiger]

How about the Gateway FPD2485W? Seems to be a very nicely priced 24", however I have read a few stories about tearing in games.

 

[Imyourzero]

Originally posted by: ascarytiger
How about the Gateway FPD2485W? Seems to be a very nicely priced 24", however I have read a few stories about tearing in games.

Grab a beer (or Coke) and sink your teeth into this thread. You should be able to get some info/opinions on the Gateway there.

 

[guptasa1]

Question: I've read the explanation of 1:1 pixel mapping, but I want to make sure I have the real-world meaning straight.

I know in the past with LCD's, you have to display at native resolution or things don't look good (blurry, etc.). Are you saying with 1:1 pixel mapping, this is no longer the case, akin to a CRT, and that things look great in whatever resolution you want to use?

Also, I'm assuming that these monitors are NOT firmware upgradeable (kinda silly they haven't made a system for that IMO) if I got one that's not A04?

And thanks for the Gateway tip...I'll have to check out that bad boy too.

 

[cheap]

I don't own an LCD yet, but I think what they mean is if you display a lower resolution than your native resolution, it doesn't get stretched any more to full screen and instead is centered with protion of the screen around the picture not used.

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: guptasa1
Question: I've read the explanation of 1:1 pixel mapping, but I want to make sure I have the real-world meaning straight.

I know in the past with LCD's, you have to display at native resolution or things don't look good (blurry, etc.). Are you saying with 1:1 pixel mapping, this is no longer the case, akin to a CRT, and that things look great in whatever resolution you want to use?

Also, I'm assuming that these monitors are NOT firmware upgradeable (kinda silly they haven't made a system for that IMO) if I got one that's not A04?

And thanks for the Gateway tip...I'll have to check out that bad boy too.

Right, the monitor will output whatever the input signal is at the signals native resolution. For lower resolutions, this means less viewable image, but the image won't be stretched or interpolated. Ideally you'd run 1920x1200 or 1920x1080 to maximize your viewing real estate, but most people would rather run 1:1 and lose viewable image rather than look at a stretched or interpolated image (similar to running native vs. non-native resolutions in games and windows).

And no, there's no way to upgrade the firmware yourself. The BenQ is the only model I know of that can be retro-fitted, although it seems like they replace the board rather than simply perform a firmware update. The Dell Rev A04 is shipping with pretty high certainty; if you wait a week or two it should be a slam dunk getting an A04. If you get an A03 just refuse receipt to save yourself shipping charges (Rev is clearly labeled on the box) and call Dell to have them ship you a new one. The Gateway does 1:1 out of the box. There's more options coming too, so it wouldn't be a horrible idea to wait a few weeks (Sceptre, LG, 24" WMGX2, probably a new Samsung etc).

 

[guptasa1]

I'm still figuring out the rest of the computer anyways, so I have a bit of time to play with. Still getting everything nailed down. =o) Thanks all for the advice - been extremely helpful so far!

 

[Zebo]

I am getting this one. since all other 24's are weak VA's and Dell's 30" requires the best graphics cards or two every six months.

It's fast and being IPS will offer best color, view angles and has every feature like hardware scaling. Even has up to 85Hz for less tearing and faster input but it may knock it down internally..I don't know.

 

[ebeattie]

My vote is for the benq. From everything Ive read over at the hard forums, alotmore people are having issues with the Dell by far. Im sure there are some BenQs out there with issues, but thats probably more of a singular monitor defect. Just seems like that dell has design issues.

For the price the dell is great, but Ill pay a small premium and get a monitor that hasnt had to have 4 revisions to be a great PC monitor.

Also, stay away from ALL 22" monitors if you value color reproduction and picture quality. Great for entry level but after reading reviews, the response time "advantage" that they supposedly have over other monitors is gone with the BenQ and Im sure to a smaller extent the Dell.

Also, if you must get a Dell, make sure that its an Ultrasharp model.

 

[imported_Imp]

On the other hand, if they've had 4 revisions, means you'll have 4 fewer problems to deal with. There are humungolous threads at HardOCP on all the aforementioned monitors, so you may want to finalize your decision there. Seems like the 2407 was piss poor, but seems like they redeemed themselves with A04. The BenQ also has issues, can't remember specifics off the top of my head since I haven't even considered it, but they're there.

As for 22" monitors, just wish they'd make at least an MVA panel that size; need more choice between those 4 inchers from 20" to 24". I'm not as un-blind as most of you, but ghosting from my 12ms monitor has never interfered with anything (yes, fps' too). So unless you're paranoid about ghosting, there the speed advantage from craptastic TN to IPS/MVA shouldn't factor into your decision.

 

[Painman]

Out of the 3 in the poll, I'd go BenQ. MVA > PVA for the way it handles viewing angles, but I don't know of its pixel response characteristics.

Cost being no object on a 24", I'd also go NEC...

 

[guptasa1]

Wow - that NEC looks nice, but I'm not sure I can justify how much more expensive it is... Even so, I'll give it some thought. I've heard mostly good things about the BenQ, but I know some have had issues with it too.

One thing about Dell - they've always been great support-wise with me if I do have problems. The Gateway looks pretty awesome as well. Ahhhh, decisions.

Given the poll results and feedback so far, still leaning towards the Dell, considering the Gateway, and considering a bit the other options mentioned.

 

[hardwareking]

I vote for the BenQ Fp241
Has all the inputs a guy could ever need HDMI,DVI,VGA,Component.
And i believe its the cheapest of the lot except maybe for the viewsonic monitor.