Purchasing a new monitor...

[Waylay00]

Hello guys,

I am sorley in need of a new monitor (after having used my 15" Gateway LCD for six years). I'm really looking at a 22" Widescreen LCD. I also have about $20 worth of in-store credit at BestBuy. The only 22" WS monitor they have there is the Samsung 225BW, which is $399 there (so I would only be paying $279). It's HDCP compliant as well, so that's a plus.

Should I go ahead and jump on this, or pay exra for something else?

Thanks

PS> Also, will my 7800GT be able to handle games at this bigger resolution with high detailed graphics? (BF2, Medieval Total War 2, etc?)

 

[Rockhound1]

Maybe you should look into this...

Link

 

[Waylay00]

Yeah, I was thinking about that too, but since I'm not a Costco member, there'd be about a $20 non-member fee, plus shipping, etc. And I don't know too much about Sceptre either.

 

[Rockhound1]

Unfortunately, this is a new product and nobody has put up a review yet. I am waiting until I start hearing what people think of this monitor as they use it. Looking at the specs, it sounds like a really good deal (lots of nice features), plus reviews of other Sceptre models seem to be very positive.

There is also a 22" Viewsonic for sale at CostCo for $299 after rebate. It does not have the feature set of the Sceptre though.

 

[Waylay00]

Yeah, but since I'm going to have to spend the Best Buy in-store credit anyways, I'll probably just go ahead and grab it tomorrow.

 

[xtknight]

Sure you want a 22"? The Dell 2007WFP at $340 is a great deal and has better quality in several aspects. I've gotten conflicting reports of which one (Dell 20" or Chi Mei 22" panels) has less backlight bleeding. I do know the Samsung 225BW has lots of backlight bleeding, but the ViewSonic is probably not worth your time. Read this: http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1110210&highlight=vx2235wm

BF2 at 1680x1050/high is a tad laggy for me, but that's with AA if I remember right. Whatever the case, you'll want to upgrade soon, but wait until they get DX10-compliant cards out.

 

[pkme2]

Just returned from Costco with a 22" Viewsonic. Paid in store $299.99 after $50 coupon discount. Sceptre was all sold out. Like the digital clairity of Viewsonic and very satisfied. One can get the same deal online if no Costco store is nearby.

Its too bad that one isn't a member. There are very good reasons to join. I've benefitted from membership for the past 12 years.

 

[Rockhound1]

I would go for the largest quality monitor that you can afford. A 22" monitor is going to be easier on your eyes than a 20.1" (reportedly similar to comparing a 17" to a 19"). You don't have to buy your monitor at Best Buy since you could use the $20 gift card for a DVD, music CD, or game.

I recently bought a 21" Samsung (215TW) during a clearence sale at Office Depot. It cost less than $200 after the rebates.

The Dell referred to by xtknight is an excellent monitor. I think you should still consider the 22" Sceptre or 22" Viewsonic. The 22" Samsung (225BW) get positive reviews although there are reports of backlight bleeding at the top and bottom of the screen. However, most of the screens in the 20" or larger category suffer from some degree of backlight bleeding, event the much touted Viewsonic 2025WM.

 

[Waylay00]

Well, went ahead and got the 22" Samsung. It's great, and I love it so far. One stuck pixel, but you really have to look for it.

Yes, there is some backlight bleeding, but none worse than my old monitor, so it's really not that big of an issue with my particular model.

 

[Rockhound1]

I have always liked Samsung monitors. They usually put out quality products.

:beer: