Looking for a 24" LCD...do I realy need to spend $600+

[mitchelt]

I am looking for a 24" LCD because my Sony 21" CRT died.

It seems like you can get a decent one for about $350 or so, and then you go up a level and hit the $600+ range.

I am not a pro, but I do like Photoshop my photos before I send them off to print...but is this enough justification to double the cost of the monitor?

What do you guys use as far as LCD's...especially if you have a 24" one.

Thanks!

 

[Viper GTS]

No you don't need to spend that much. I spent under $300 on my 24" (Soyo Topaz before they were TN), and my 30" 3007WFP-HC cost me under $650. Spending $600+ on a 24" makes no sense at all when there are 30" Dell refurbs available for not much more.

Viper GTS

 

[LOUISSSSS]

nope i got my Samsung T240 for $290. it gives me great gaming performance and i dont see any problems when viewing at an angle. and 99.999% of the time i view my monitor dead on about 2-3 feet away so everything always looks perfect. i never understood why anyone would want to view their monitors form the top down or at 178 degrees.

 

[LokutusofBorg]

I just bought a pair of Dell 2408WFPs for under 500 each, and they are amazing monitors. If you really do use PS a lot, then you should look hard at this monitor. Unfortunately, all the recent deals for it just ended, so it's back up to its ~650 regular price. But it goes on special like once a quarter, so you wouldn't have to wait too long if you decide it's what you want. Read the 24" monitor round-up on AT here and you'll get a good idea what options you have.

You should also look hard at the Dell 2209WA which is a 22" eIPS panel, so would be really good for your usage as well, and it's *cheap* at $212 + tax (you'll have to find the threads detailing how to get it at this price). I actually have been wishing I had bought a pair of the 2209s instead of the 2408s. I would have saved a crapload of money and with dual 22's I would have had enough desktop space for what I do (programming, video editing, gaming, etc.). Ce la vie, I got what I paid for. These monitors are very nice, and will last me a long time.

 

[mmnno]

This is why viewing angles don't matter.

This is why they do. Yes, that is a TN displaying a solid color, viewed head on. Color shift doesn't only come into play "form[sic] the top down or at 178 degrees."


If you don't know why you'd need a $600 monitor, you should probably try a cheaper one first. Whether you're buying a low-end or a high-end display, you should only buy it from a retailer that lets you return it no questions asked.

 

[brencat]

OP, have a look at the LCD thread at the top of this page -- an incredible resource for LCD shoppers and xtknight has done an amazing job with his recommendations and research.

To answer your question, it really comes down to your intended uses. I use a $325 BenQ V2400W (a TN panel) at home because 75% of my uses are gaming, and it is a virtually zero lag monitor for shooters (I recently upgraded from a CRT I used for 10 yrs so believe me, I am sensitive to any lag and the BenQ has none).

At work, I use 3 x 19" Samsung 940Ts which are PVA panels, and are definitely superior to my BenQ in terms of viewing angles and color reproduction -- especially the blacks (though the BenQ is very good for blacks). However, I would never attempt to play games on these b/c of the lag. I also like the crispness of text slightly better on the BenQ.

Have a look at the HP LP2475W -- an excellent compromise of image quality and gaming speed for ~ $575. Take your time, and do the research.

 

[CptCrunch]

I have a Dell 2408WFP and it works great. I dont see any ghosting or lag issues that many have reported in games. FWIW, I have the REV B which supposedly fixed those issues. The screen is big and beautiful, has a great color reproduction and has a plethora of inputs.

I bought mine for $354 new from eBay when the live.com cashback was at 30%. Would gladly pay that price again for another one.

 

[AstroManLuca]

Originally posted by: mmnno
This is why viewing angles don't matter.

This is why they do. Yes, that is a TN displaying a solid color, viewed head on. Color shift doesn't only come into play "form[sic] the top down or at 178 degrees."


If you don't know why you'd need a $600 monitor, you should probably try a cheaper one first. Whether you're buying a low-end or a high-end display, you should only buy it from a retailer that lets you return it no questions asked.

So basically if you game, then you can get anything, but if you fullscreen solid colors all day, then you should get something nice?

 

[CoinOperatedBoy]

Originally posted by: AstroManLuca

Originally posted by: mmnno
This is why viewing angles don't matter.

This is why they do. Yes, that is a TN displaying a solid color, viewed head on. Color shift doesn't only come into play "form[sic] the top down or at 178 degrees."


If you don't know why you'd need a $600 monitor, you should probably try a cheaper one first. Whether you're buying a low-end or a high-end display, you should only buy it from a retailer that lets you return it no questions asked.

So basically if you game, then you can get anything, but if you fullscreen solid colors all day, then you should get something nice?

I would say that's not too far off. During casual daily usage or even hardcore gaming, the average user probably doesn't care about accurate color reproduction, just that it looks "good". Even light photo editing wouldn't require a monitor with little or no color shift.

To the OP, I suggest trying before buying (or at least having the option to return) if at all possible. You might not need anything better than a TN if you don't personally care about some of these issues, or they might be quite distracting to you. Nobody can tell you what display will satisfy you, but as has been suggested, check the sticky for recommendations within your budget.

 

[mmnno]

Originally posted by: AstroManLuca

Originally posted by: mmnno
This is why viewing angles don't matter.

This is why they do. Yes, that is a TN displaying a solid color, viewed head on. Color shift doesn't only come into play "form[sic] the top down or at 178 degrees."


If you don't know why you'd need a $600 monitor, you should probably try a cheaper one first. Whether you're buying a low-end or a high-end display, you should only buy it from a retailer that lets you return it no questions asked.

So basically if you game, then you can get anything, but if you fullscreen solid colors all day, then you should get something nice?

Well if you game, you need something fast. That's pretty much it.

 

[Paladin]

Originally posted by: brencat
Have a look at the HP LP2475W -- an excellent compromise of image quality and gaming speed for ~ $575. Take your time, and do the research.

I'll vouch for this, a H-IPS panel. Amazing monitor, with great hookups and great stand too.

 

[exar333]

The 2408WFP from Dell is a great buy if you can get it for <$500. I also picked mine up last summer with the Live CB @ 35% for just uner $400. Now, I wish I had bought 2!