Need some LCD monitor advice

[Brentx]

Alright, so I need some advice on what I should do here.

I just purchased a Samsung 225BW 22" Widescreen LCD display for my PC. I love it, however the Best Buy I work at just got the new Gateway FPD2485W 24" LCD display.

My current Samsung supports a resolution of 1680x1050, which is pretty big. However the Gateway supports 1920x1200, and can do 1080p. Both monitors have a HDCP chip in them so now worries there. The Gateway also has 2 extra component in slots, so I could hook a Wii up to it or a PS3. I also have a 27" LCD display, however it only supports 720p, and has no HDCP (Its almost 2 years old now).

So what would you guys do? The upgrade will cost me about $260 more dollars, but I will then have 1080p support, a brighter monitor (450cd/m vs 270) and a better contrast ratio (1000:1 on the gateway vs 700:1 on the Samsung).

What should I do? Get the Gateway or keep the Samsung?

 

[BassBomb]

the gateway sure sounds better on paper, check the internet for reviews

 

[Brentx]

That's this thing, it just came outso there are no real in depth reviews of it, especially on lag times. However, it seems to have a lot of the same hardware as the Dell 24" that everyone is raving about lately.

 

[Conky]

I guess the big question is "Will you use that 1080p support anytime soon and if so then can you spare the cash?"

You will also need a really good videocard to run games decently at 1920x1200 too so make sure you have that covered first. Big monitor is nice but not if your games play like a slideshow.

 

[Matt2]

The Gateway 21" was an awesome monitor. I dont think you'll ahve to worry about the quality of the 24", but dont take my word for it.

I would say it's definately worth it to go for the Gateway.

I really... REALLY... don't like TN panels.

 

[xtknight]

I can tell you with little doubt that the Gateway will reproduce colors better than your 225BW. Don't pass up a good deal like that.

 

[Brentx]

Even my mom has told me to get it, and she's the one who is always telling me to save my money.

I work at the Geek Squad, so when I asked them for advice they all said yes, cause well, were all computer geeks and it is one bad ass looking monitor.

As for the video card, I have an x800Pro on an Athlon 64 3000+ with 1.5Gbs of RAM. I play mainly BF2, BF2142, and WoW. They all play fine on my current setup, so I don't think it will be too much of a problem handling it. Either way, I am getting a new PC after Christmas, with an 8800GTS in it. It will be built with the intel bundle through retailedge, but I will be getting a e6600 Core 2 instead.

This should be one bad ass monitor

 

[Matt2]

Originally posted by: Brentx
Even my mom has told me to get it, and she's the one who is always telling me to save my money.

I work at the Geek Squad, so when I asked them for advice they all said yes, cause well, were all computer geeks and it is one bad ass looking monitor.

As for the video card, I have an x800Pro on an Athlon 64 3000+ with 1.5Gbs of RAM. I play mainly BF2, BF2142, and WoW. They all play fine on my current setup, so I don't think it will be too much of a problem handling it. Either way, I am getting a new PC after Christmas, with an 8800GTS in it. It will be built with the intel bundle through retailedge, but I will be getting a e6600 Core 2 instead.

This should be one bad ass monitor

Just FYI... that X800Pro is going to unplayable at basically anything you try to play at 1920x1200.

 

[BernardP]

Originally posted by: Matt2

Just FYI... that X800Pro is going to unplayable at basically anything you try to play at 1920x1200.

Yes, but he can drop down the resolution to 1280x800 and it will still be great looking. The small pixel pitch on a 24-inch 1920x1200 monitor helps in smoothing imperfecttions resulting from downscaling.

 

[Brentx]

Originally posted by: BernardP

Originally posted by: Matt2

Just FYI... that X800Pro is going to unplayable at basically anything you try to play at 1920x1200.

Yes, but he can drop down the resolution to 1280x800 and it will still be great looking. The small pixel pitch on a 24-inch 1920x1200 monitor helps in smoothing imperfecttions resulting from downscaling.

Thats what I figured, and I probably will not have to pump up AA because of the higher resolution too. In store, the thing looks beautiful at smaller resolutions, so I think I will beable to live with it for a few months.