Under $1000.
Whats the important features you need? Is image quality top priority? What about resolution, do you need 1920x1200? Do you plan on keeping it for a while and using it with Vista and/or an HDCP compliant device? Will you be hooking up consoles or other devices to it?
Here's what I'd offer:
Image quality, I'd go with that 20" NEC that's become so popular. I can never remember the model for this one though. Its their 20" widescreen though, so its not too difficult to find. The US version is HDCP compliant, and has component inputs, as well as a TV tuner.
If you just need size then I'd probably recommend the Dell 2405, or maybe wait for the 2407 (which should've been out by now, but who knows when they'll actually release it, maybe their fixing some issue/flaw with it?). The former if HDCP isn't an issue for you, probably the latter if it is. Both have component inputs. They also have a built in multi-card reader.
You have the Gateway 21" and the Samsung 21" monitors, which seem fairly similar, and both seem to be pretty well liked. I can't recall the Gateway model of the top of my head even though I'm selling one myself, but the Samsung is the 215T. They offer HDCP and component in.
HP has some nice monitors. I think they have 2 or 3 differen 23-24" models that are pretty nice. Not sure if they've been updated for HDCP or not, and I'm likewise unsure about what all inputs it has.. I can't recall, but I believe one or two of them is considered to be better than the 2405. Something to consider.
Also, there's the Apple 23", although I don't know if its in your price range. There's some other brands of 23-24" monitors that would be pretty near your price, such as Sony and Samsung. Features vary quite a bit on these.
I think I would really look at the NEC 20". It seems to be exceptional all around, albeit a little pricey. I want to recommend waiting for the 2407, but it seems like they'll never release it, so who knows if its a nice monitor or suffers from the same problem the new 2007 ones have (color banding).
Something to consider as well, is that you can fairly easily pick up more than 1 20" monitor for your price point. In fact, you could almost get 3 Dell 2007s, although I wouldn't recommend it since it sounds like they have some issues that need to be resolved.
So hopefully, if nothing else, you have some options to look at and see what fits your needs the best.
Thanks!
Facebook
Twitter