Recommendation for Video Card and Monitor

[SWirth86]

I'm building a system for my dad, and i have most of the parts picked out, except for the monitor and video card. The current setup is:

Athlon 1.2
256 Crucial DDR
Ecs k7s5a
Maxtor 40GB
Lite-On 16/10/40

What is the best monitor and video card? He's going to use it mainly for internet surfing, Word, and other applications. He won't be doing any gaming, and I'm looking for value. He wants a 19" monitor or a nice 17" flatscreen. I would like the price range to be ~250. Any Suggestions?

 

[jere01]

Will he be gaming? Doing anything graphics intensive?

 

[SWirth86]

<< He's going to use it mainly for internet surfing, Word, and other applications. He won't be doing any gaming >>



No graphics intensive stuff.

 

[187]

matrox g400 is it??

 

[Bovinicus]

I like the Radeon VE. It's at a good price point for people that aren't interested in gaming. Also, it sounds like he will be doing a lot of reading on the computer. In that case, I would go for a very high quality 17" monitor. A 19" monitor is more suited for those who will be playing fastpaced 3D games and like a nice big view of things. The G400 is decent, but typically it has been a bit overpriced for what it offers in my opinion. The 2D quality doesn't really foreshadow that of ATi's cards. I know Sony makes excellent monitors, but just do a little research and find one with a really sharp picture. It might actually be a good idea to purchase the monitor for an electronics superstore like Best Buy as opposed to ordering it online. The money that you might be saving will goto shipping, therefore making the advent of online retailers moot in that situation. The monitor is also something that is good to give an insepction yourself. Bring your dad to Best Buy/Circuit City. Find the one that he likes the best in terms of quality and price.

 

[187]

agreed bovinicus, the VE is a good choice, but alot of people say that the matrox has some of the best 2D quality around.

 

[John]

Radeon VE

Get a nice flatpanel with DVI