LCD: NEC 1700M+ or Compaq TFT7020?

[Jetfire]

Hi,
First post here so I hope I don't come off sounding like an e-d10t..

I've been looking for an 17" LCD monitor, preferably one with DVI but not absolutely necessary..

I've narrowed things down to two monitors, similar in pricing. I haven't seen the display on the Compaq to compare it side by side with the NEC, but here are links to their respective info-sites:

Compaq:
http://www.compaq.com/products/quickspecs/10991_ca/10991_ca.HTML

NEC:
http://www.necmitsubishi.com/products/home/product.cfm?productid=164&cfid=2976667&cftoken=92107577

Unfortunately the NEC doesn't have DVI inputs..

Does anyone have any opinions on the two? Both good and bad comments are appreciated..

Thanks,
albert.

 

[Apex]

I'd suggest the Compaq for a few reasons:

1. Compaq's tech support for their business line blows everyone else out of the water. If you have a problem, they send you a new one immediately. When you get the new monitor, you rip off the shipping label and a prepaid return label is right there. Put your problematic one in the box, and call ups to pick it up. Many companies (most in fact) do not pay for shipping in both directions, and almost none expedite shipping on monitors.

2. Compaq has a total response time of 25ms. The Nec is unpublished. 25ms is currently the fastest available, which will really help your gaming experience. Response time is the most important spec to consider for gaming. Most people recommend 40ms or less for a good gaming experience. The Nec's that I've seen have 40-50ms response.

3. Compaq has 400:1 contrast, the Nec has a still excellent (but inferior) 350:1

4. Compaq has good 250nits brightness, the Nec has a rather average (but still very usable) 200nits

5. Compaq has DVI + VGA, Nec only has VGA. DVI is a big plus in my experience (I've only played with 6-7 flat panel monitors though, so your experience may be different)

6. Compaq uses <40watts when on. The Nec uses 54watts


The Nec is better than the Compaq in these areas (I personally do not consider them to be more important than the features and specs above)

1. Nec has a viewable angle of 160 degrees in the horizontal plane. The Compaq has 150 degrees of viewability

2. The Nec is lighter (13.9lbs vs 14.3lbs)

 

[Jetfire]

Thanks Apex; I use Compaq's servers at work and have great experience with their warranty; You really helped with my decision-making.

 

[Apex]

You're welcome.

Don't forget though, chances are, the Dell 20.1" LCD will probably be $1229 again sometime this holiday. So if you're planning on spending around this number, you may want to go for this one. I love mine.