Where are GOOD 19" Monitors in Atlanta?

[cockatiel]

Can anyone explain why, in a city of over 4 million.......Atlanta

Other than a hand full of no-name cheapies, the only DECENT locally available 19" monitors are:

Viewsonic A95f
NEC F950+
KDS AV195TF
Samsung 955DF
Philips 109B
Sony CPD-G400

Nowhere to be seen:

Samsung 900NF, 900IFT, 950P
Viewsonic P95F
LG Flatiron 915FT+
Cornerstone C910
Viewsonic PF970
Mitsubishi 900u

Its almost like it is a conspiracy. All of the major stores have exactly the same brands! CAN ANYONE EXPLAIN THIS?

I would really like to buy a monitor locally so I can return it if it doesn't satisfy me. The only really good one I see is the Sony CPD-G400 at CompUSA ($499.95).

 

[Hyudra]

Pure computer stores have all the good stuff, like strictly computer hardware and software. The stores that have a piece of paper that lists the prices, so they can update them easily as prices change

If you've already checked those, then your probably outta luck.

 

[Gosharkss]

I live in the heart of Silicon Vally, San Jose, Ca and we have the same issue. I cannot seem to find the more popular brands of monitors in my local stores. Anyone know where to find the more popular brands on display?

From what I have seen, The typical retail environment has a number of disadvantages. Most retailers will hook many monitors up to one computer and by "splitting" the video signal across many monitors will reduce the image quality. Secondly these monitors are adjusted and unadjusted many times a day by curious users and this can mislead the buyer. Finally, because every monitor off the production line is unique, the unit you take home may not closely resemble the display.

I cannot talk for the other companies however you will not find Cornerstone products in any retail store. By using the Internet we can provide a lot more detail about the monitor than you'll see at a retailer. By closely comparing the specifications you'll have a much better sense for what you'll be getting when you finally open the box. Tight specifications suggest a tight manufacturing process and the more likely you are to get what you expect in terms of product and image quality. MonitorsDirect has provided a handy comparison tool with explanations of each specification to help you select the right monitor for your needs.

If you decide to purchase from a store, be certain to have the sales person set up and show you the exact unit you plan to take home. The showroom model and the unit you take home can vary. Make them remove the unit from the video splitter box they typically use. Have them run it at the same resolution and refresh rate you plan on using. Look at patterns other than the pretty pictures they usually display, these photos tend to hide artifacts and screen defects.

As far as RMA's are concerned many online resellers have reasonably priced enhanced warranty options where they will fed-x a unit to you, some have programs where they will send a technician to your location, set up a new unit and take away your old unit. This means you do not need to save the shipping carton, foam, no lifting or trying to get it into your little sports car etc. Many stores require original packing materials when you return the unit so save that packing material for the life of your warranty.

Good Luck

Jim Witkowski
Chief Hardware Engineer
Cornerstone / Monitorsdirect.com