Looking for LCD recommendation - Dual Setup

[Kamui]

Hi,
I am looking for some recommendations on a new dual monitor setup. I work with a lot of spreadsheets and clarity is very important for me.

I looked into 3 possible candidates so far.

1) NEC MultiSync LCD 1980SX-BK for 849.95 at Dell
or
2) NEC MultiSync LCD 1960NX (which is much cheaper than the one above...dont know why)
or
3) NEC MultiSync LCD 1760NX

Of course I am not being limited by the brand here. The reason why I picked these so far is because I like the fact that the edge of the monitor is very minimal...and that way, I can put the monitors very close to each other.

Thanks a bunch guys,
Kamui

 

[wetcat007]

I use a 1760NX and love it, top 17" for games and movies and so on, I would recomend you getting a 20 inch instead of a 19 inchy though, since the rez increase to 1600x1200 at 20 inch size.

 

[Kamui]

Hi Wetcat,

thanks for the reply. I think buying 2 20inches are kinda of out my budget right now.

Would anybody else have other recommendations?

Thanks
Kamui

 

[MercenaryForHire]

I'd suggest you post your video card. If sharpness and clarity is important to you, you'd better have a good card driving those monitors.

And oh yeah, DVI or death.

Edit - Since you'll probably be awake long before I will, I'll leave the suggestion to check out the cards in the Dual DVI thread in the video forum (LINK) and strongly urge you to choose a Matrox P-series.

Monitor-wise, keep an eye on the Dell deals in the Hot Deals forum. 1800FPs were going for less than US$400 each.

- M4H

 

[50]

Yeah, get a samsung monitor, either 1800fp's or 1901fp's (if you can afford about 100+ dollars more)

 

[Tetsuo]

Dual 1800FP's would be my first choice, second would be dual Samsung 172t's or n's.

 

[Kamui]

Hmm, which is a better monitor in your opinion?

- Dell 1800FP
- Samsung 1760NX
- Samsung 172t

 

[Kamui]

Ahh, I found what I was looking for.

I want to find a monitor that has very little "bezel"

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Going to tell us what you're using for a video card?

- M4H

 

[Kamui]

Hmm,

I am also looking into the Matrox series cards because they are supposed to have the best dual display support and best 2d graphics.

Hmm, how is the Ati stacking up nowadays? I have been so far-away from the hardware scheme....

Kamui

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: Kamui
Hmm,

I am also looking into the Matrox series cards because they are supposed to have the best dual display support and best 2d graphics.

Hmm, how is the Ati stacking up nowadays? I have been so far-away from the hardware scheme....

Kamui

You're dead on about Matrox. I don't know if you'll see all the P-series benefits in spreadsheets, but it's nice to have the option of 10-bit colours. You might get some length out of the GlyphAA (hardware font antialiasing) though.

ATI wise, you'll have a lot tougher time finding something with twin DVI outputs on the commercial level. There are a few of them out there - and of course, there's always the pro-level FireGL series.

My personal feeling is Matrox P650 - but it's up to you.

- M4H

 

[Kamui]

Thanks for the recommendations M4H. I will looking into buying this card. Now, the only thing I need to wait for is for those 25% off LCD prices that Dell sends occasionally. Thanks for all the replies guys.

 

[Auric]

I hope you didn't decide on the 1800FP due to its problem with text from the queer BGR layout instead of RGB. ClearType, even with the web configurator's BGR option still results in discoloration. Both MS and Dell have given up on it.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: Auric
I hope you didn't decide on the 1800FP due to its problem with text from the queer BGR layout instead of RGB. ClearType, even with the web configurator's BGR option still results in discoloration. Both MS and Dell have given up on it.

Text discolouration? Sure as hell didn't see any during my usage of it.

- M4H

 

[BDawg]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

Originally posted by: Auric
I hope you didn't decide on the 1800FP due to its problem with text from the queer BGR layout instead of RGB. ClearType, even with the web configurator's BGR option still results in discoloration. Both MS and Dell have given up on it.

Text discolouration? Sure as hell didn't see any during my usage of it.

- M4H

I haven't seen this problem either. I've been using one for 4 months at work.

 

[Kamui]

Hmm,

I believe I read something about the 1800FP being a different format from the RGB but if you set your cleartype settings in the web, it will make the fonts a lot easier to read.

Kamui

 

[Auric]

Are you using CT though?

I have seen a picture of the problem and it is quite awful. Here is one thread among many.

Kamui, apparently it decreases the effect but does not eliminate it.

 

[Kamui]

Oh wow,

that sounds pretty serious.... M4H, it might be because of your video card? that is why u might not be seeing the distortions?

would you guys recommend another 18in monitor that has minimal bezel?

Thanks
Kamui

 

[Kamui]

hmm, the Dell 1901FP sounds pretty good too.

 

[Kamui]

Hey M4H

Just a question. Did you end up buying the Matrox P650? I just did a search on the subject and it seems that you were going to go for a FX5200 back in Jan2002. Did you finally make a decision on going with the P650 due to its better dual dvi compatibility?

Kamui

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: Kamui
Hey M4H

Just a question. Did you end up buying the Matrox P650? I just did a search on the subject and it seems that you were going to go for a FX5200 back in Jan2002. Did you finally make a decision on going with the P650 due to its better dual dvi compatibility?

Kamui

Just for future reference - it's quicker to get me via Private Messaging, aka "PM".

It would have been tough for me to buy either of these cards in Jan2002, since they didn't exist. I assume you mean the thread where I'm asking about the P650 in the Video forum.

I decided to shy away from the P650 for my home machine for the moment due to its ... shall we say, "less than stellar" performance in gaming, which I still do a bit of. Basically, it's tough to justify that card, especially when it would be outperformed by the nVidia budget-offering FX5200. I ended up with a Quadro4 NVS 280, and I also have a Matrox G200MMS. I may upgrade in time, but for the moment I'm going to stick with what I have.

Now, if you're not a gamer, the P650 would probably be an excellent choice. Matrox's multimonitor setup, IQ, and special feature set can't be beat. Silent cooling to boot.

- M4H