LCD help - first timer

[meltdown75]

Hi... go easy on me I'm a video n00b!!

My question is basically a face-off between 2 monitors that I am trying to choose from at the moment.

1) Samsung 203B 20.1" for $268 CDN + tax @ Costco retail store (no shipping)

vs.

2) Dell 22" E228WFP for $339 CDN + tax + shipping (Dell website)

I have read and heard from a friend also that the Samsung does not have as high of a resolution as the Dell and this might make some difference. The Dell seems like a sweet-looking monitor but will be an additional $100 or so when all is said and done.

This will be my first LCD monitor. I currently use an NEC Multisync 70 that I purchased brand new for $500 or so about ... wow 7 years ago? My main interests are internet use and gaming but I do watch the occasional DVD on my PC as well.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

EDIT: Games that I play are HL:2 Deathmatch, Madden 2007, Team Fortress Classic and older Half-Life engine games, Need for Speed, Battlefield 1942. Hook a brother up with some info if you have heard of any known issues re: Widescreen gaming... thanks

 

[meltdown75]

Did I mention that I really love people that help me with these decisions?

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: meltdown75
Did I mention that I really love people that help me with these decisions?

Maybe that's what's scaring them off :laugh:

HL2 and classic HL engine games should all support widescreen ratios. EA games though ... Battlefield 2 doesn't even support WS, so I doubt that BF1942 does.

- M4H

 

[meltdown75]

I bought the 203B tonight. I couldn't spend the extra hundie or so. Haven't set it up yet, but it sure does look sweet. /thread

 

[Zebo]

Both these monitors suck thats why no one is willing to recommend one...

 

[meltdown75]

Ouch. Oh well. Upgrading from a CRT to an LCD is pretty cool in its own right.

It was actually $258 CDN + tax, a little less than I thought.

Live and learn eh? There's always something better out there. :shrug:

 

[BassBomb]

I would return it and re-assess your purchase. The 203B has one of the most random resolutions ever and won't be widely supported by games (even though it is 4:3).

For that money you could get a better screen imo

 

[meltdown75]

Originally posted by: BassBomb
I would return it and re-assess your purchase. The 203B has one of the most random resolutions ever and won't be widely supported by games (even though it is 4:3).

For that money you could get a better screen imo

I appreciate the post and I value every opinion

I have tested HL:2 and Madden 07 and they work great. I am currently playing BF 1942 and it is running without a hitch.

Could you be more specific?

Perhaps it is just that I am not much of a "power user" and am too easily pleased

 

[meltdown75]

Well this monitor is on trial for now. Since I bought it @ Costco I am not too worried about the return policy on it.

Everything is what I wanted but if I can find something else this size and price range with better looking DVD movie playback then I will be interested. Open to options & suggestions. Thanks

 

[n7]

Considering the price, it sounds like not a bad deal, though a lot of us here are used to higher end panels.

You have a TN; they have poor viewing angles & overly exaggerated inaccurate colors.

For gaming though, they are usually quite good though, since color accuracy isn't really an issue.

I wouldn't get too worried about the 1400x1050 resolution.

There are a few 20" with that resolution now.

I personally find the widescreen bias i'm seeing a tad premature, as there are still an insane number of games that do not support WS, & the ones that do often do it in a hackjob sort of way...

Just as a mention, FS has the LG 204WT on sale for $330 right now: http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/prodde...gid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10075693&catid=

It's still a TN, but it's a wider 1680x1050 resolution for not too much more.

BenQ 20" WS 1680x1050 $282 + $10 shipping is another cheaper alternative.
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=17734&vpn=FP202W&manufacture=BENQ

Acer 22" w/ free shipping $328.40
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?s...2812&vpn=ET.2216B.0D0&manufacture=ACER

In Canada though, it's unlikely you'll find anything using an S-PVA nevermind S-IPS for less than $500; usually it's more even...

 

[meltdown75]

Thanks for the awesome post n7 - truly an "elite" post.

I'll look into those tomorrow. see sig! up 3-1 after 2!

 

[meltdown75]

That BenQ looks pretty decent.

My biggest issue with the 203B is the way movies look. It is slightly grainy and gets some funky stuff happening with the colours.

It is great for brightness and clarity, and performed very well in Half Life 2 Deathmatch and Madden 2007. I also ran the game in the native 1400 x 1050 resolution while playing Battlefield 1942 and there were no issues.

I think for the money though, maybe I should try that BenQ monitor out. I'll have to ask about Costco's return policy to see where I'm at. Thanks again n7. :beer:

 

[meltdown75]

alright last post in here I promise.

Costco will let me return the monitor up to 6 months after the purchase. The only reason I need is, "I don't like it" (even though I do).

So I'm going to wait and see what kind of prices drop in the next 6 months or so, or wait for a hot deal on something that is the same except has better quality DVD playback.

So this worked out well in the end. Got a sweet 20" LCD and I basically get to use it until something better presents itself.