Suggestions on LCDs?

[yayotters]

Hello, I recently posted asking about 6-bit vs 8-bit display panels. It recieved mixed posts ranging from people being unable to notice it, to people having major problems and even to the extent to colors being off and having the tint of another color.

So, I started looking around trying to find an 8-bit panel, one that recieved quite a few recommendations was the Viewsonic VX2025WM. While I would love to get this, the $330 price tag may be a bit out of my budget (I may reconsider how much I'm willing to spend on something that I use every day though...). I also feared that the 1680x1050 resolution may put my 6800gs to shame on all high settings on games like Battlefield 2 and Counter Strike Source.
Reference:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824116381

I continued looking around and found a Viewsonic 19" 4ms with an 8-bit panel for 260 on Newegg (~200 on Amazon after rebates, which is why I'm considering it). A few reviews mention a "halo effect around text" which really worries me.
Reference:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824116380

I would like to keep my budget below 250, though, as I mentioned, I may raise it to get a higher quality monitor like the Viewsonic 20.1". With that in mind, can anyone suggest a monitor or comment on the two monitors I listed. And since different people may view this thread than my previous one, any comments on the 6-bit/8-bit comparison?

 

[kmmatney]

I use an 8-bit display at work (21" Samsung) and a 6-bit (I think) LCD at home (in my sig.), and I can't tell the difference color-wise. I think ViewSonic does some fancy half-toning with the colors, but they look great. It says the monitor supports 16.7 million colors, but I don't think it is a true 8-bit. No banding at all, and color gradients look the same as the Samsung. My 20" LCD was $209 after rebate from NewEgg. Overall, this monitor is larger than a 20" widescreen, but the pixels are also larger (roughly the same as a 19" display) so the resolution is lower at 1400 x 1050. This makes it easier ob the video card, while still getting a huge display. The VX2025 will have better viewing angles, though, being an MVA panel.

 

[yayotters]

I'll have to look into the VG2021M...Also
Did your's come with a DVI cable? And, have you noticed any uniformity issues or ghosting?

 

[yyrkoon]

I use a 8 ms Viewsonic VA 1912wb, and this screen is awesome. No ghosting, no artifacts, etc, and the color is really crisp. The only problem with it, is that sometimes with older games that dont support 1440x900 resolutions, is that it looks a little funny (sometimes), other than that, its perfect. This monitor can be had for around 180 ish or lower after rebates. Dont really see a need for a 4ms monitor. As for the 6bit / 8 bit thing, I'm unsure.

[EDIT]

Also, just something to note, incase you're unaware, google ClearType fonts, download it from microsoft, and enable it. it helps alot towards making fonts on LCDs look much much better. Also I cant really speak for other monitors, but the monitor I'm using, its pretty much nessisary for you to use the DVI aspect of the monitor for best imagery.