Please help me choose a new LCD monitor

Zorin

Junior Member
Nov 24, 2006
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I am wanting to upgrade from a Samsung 17" CRT to an LCD. I predominantly use the PC for web-surfing and gaming (never for watching movies). I have a PNY 6800GS 256Mb video card. I have the following questions I need help with:

1. Is size all that really matters? Is bigger better? I sit about 2 feet from the screen. I like the idea of a 22" WS, but would it be simply too big for my purposes?
2. 'Regular 4:3" or "16:9 WS"? Answer to this may be linked with question 1?
3. The monitors I have in mind are: Samsung 225BW, Samsung 931C, Samsung 204B, NEC 90GX2.....whadya think?

Sometimes there really is TOO much choice.....help!!!
 

TheRyuu

Diamond Member
Dec 3, 2005
5,479
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1.) No, size isn't the only thing that matters. But it is important.
Also, taking into account the pixel pitch (how big each pixel is) is also important. For example, the dot pitch on a 19in. 1280x1024 will be much bigger then on a 20.1in 1680x1050 WS monitor.

2.) There are 3 types of computer monitors. 4:3, 5:4 (generally 1280x1024 w/17in and 19in monitors), and 16:10 (yes, 16:10 is computer, 16:9 is pretty much for TV's).
And I'd suggest you get a WS monitor. I know you do gaming and trust me, WS is always good for gaming. And your video card should be able to power a 1680x1050 monitor just fine.

3.) I gather you read the sticky. (LCD Buyers guide)

I'm no monitor expert, but you should look into a 20.1 or 21 or 22in 1680x1050 monitor.
Great for gaming.
I have a Viewsonic VX2025wm and love it, although it won't be in the buyer's guide (because it was removed due to "issues" :p)
 

Zorin

Junior Member
Nov 24, 2006
4
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Thank you for the advise wizboy11. I did read the sticky....an excellent source of information....maybe too much for me. I know that there is probably no substitute for going to a store and looking at each monitor side-by-side. I worry that a 22" WS may look too "pixelly" if I'm only 2 feet away. I know my 56" HDTV looks AWESOME from 10/12 feet away, but not too good when up close (even when viewing HD).

Hopefully this forum will give me some good pointers before I venture to the stores.

Thanks again :)
 

kmmatney

Diamond Member
Jun 19, 2000
4,363
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I don't think that a 22" would look too "pixelly", especially at two feet away. There is a web site somewhere that shows all of the various pixel sizes. 17" and 20" LCDs are usually the smallest, and 15" and 19" LCDs are the largest. The 22" LCD is in-between, but closer to the larger size. If you have very good eyes, then you might like the sharpness of a 20" widescreen. I bought a 20" LCD and found out that I couldn't handle the small pixel size, so I had to go up to a 22" instead.
 

Hyperlite

Diamond Member
May 25, 2004
5,664
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Originally posted by: kmmatney
I don't think that a 22" would look too "pixelly", especially at two feet away. There is a web site somewhere that shows all of the various pixel sizes. 17" and 20" LCDs are usually the smallest, and 15" and 19" LCDs are the largest. The 22" LCD is in-between, but closer to the larger size. If you have very good eyes, then you might like the sharpness of a 20" widescreen. I bought a 20" LCD and found out that I couldn't handle the small pixel size, so I had to go up to a 22" instead.

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