Originally posted by: reiks
Hey guys,
This is my first post here, I just wanted to say thanks for putting all of this awesome info together. I also wanted to get an opinion on a monitor, I was looking at getting the 24": Samsung SyncMaster 2493HM but I saw there was a 26": Samsung SyncMaster 2693HM which appears to be the same model just 2" bigger. I'm looking for a good gaming monitor and the 26" is just a little more tempting. Is it a good choice the only reason I decide to ask is the monitor is not on your list.
Thanks for any help.
reiks
I thought that
10e had some experience with the 2693HM here. I can't personally vouch for it (which, actually is the case with most monitors on my list). It should be pretty similar to the 2493HM. You might note that X-Bit Labs reviewed the 26" Samsung ToC successor to the *HM series (T260):
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articl...ng-topaz_10.html#sect0
They didn't like it much. Yet, the T240 had much better color temperature setup. I also don't like getting TNs in the bigger sizes. I think 25.5" (26") is pushing it for the viewing angles a TN gives you. It's certainly usable, just not nearly as convenient as a VA or IPS panel. A while ago I was a bit hesitant to recommend 24" TNs to people, and although I got over that phobia, I don't think it'll happen with 25.5", 28", or 30" TNs.
My advice is to go with one of the 24" TNs on my list, a 24" IPS, or a 26" IPS panel. Even if a 26" TN had good color setup I wouldn't
want to recommend it because of the size. To give you some idea:
From 17-22" it's pretty hard to tell a good TN vs other panels in everyday use.
In 23"+, the TN panels can start to be annoying in everyday use.
In 25.5"+, it is much more convenient to have a VA/IPS panel.
That's what I think. To tell you the truth I've never seen a 25.5" TN panel but from seeing the 24"s I can see how anything worse may be annoying.
It does depend on your use. You might be able to stomach a TN for any type of gaming. But if gradients on the screen annoy you, even basic use like browsing the web and seeing a gradient when there's supposed to be a solid color might get really annoying. Unless gaming is a huge thing for you, I'd always recommend a Dell 2408WFP or HP LP2475w before the G2400W, even though the latter is quite nice for a TN panel.