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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> New monitor advice needed
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 12/27/2005 02:36:39 PM · #1
I'm looking to replace my 6 year old CRT monitor, as it is finally giving out on me.

I'm in Canada, and here's one LCD I'm looking at from a local retailer:
//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=specialsCategory&A=details&Q=&sku=397144&is=REG

Take a look at the specs. Any advice on the quality of this monitor would be great.

Thanks.
 12/27/2005 02:48:43 PM · #2
I just picked up a 20" Dell Widescreen for about $460.

Enjoying it, but my 2nd CRT monitor at work looks like crap now in comparison.
 12/27/2005 03:47:52 PM · #3
What about this one: //www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=397145&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Can anybody comment on the quality of these monitors?
 12/27/2005 04:00:44 PM · #4
Originally posted by theSaj:
I just picked up a 20" Dell Widescreen for about $460.

Enjoying it, but my 2nd CRT monitor at work looks like crap now in comparison.


I second the recommendation for the Dell 2005 FPW, it is awesome.

It uses the same screen component as the Apple 20" cinema display, but it also allows for multiple inputs DVI, VGA and 2 video inputs, also has 2 built in USB ports.

There was a thread no too long ago where EddyG went into some detail about the different LCD technologies and what was best for photo editing. If you want the details, search for that, it's worth a read.
 12/27/2005 05:31:59 PM · #5
The Dell looks good, but would cost me about $525 plus shipping here in Canada. The others I posted would run about $350 and $450 respectively, and are available locally (no shipping cost) and I could have them immediately.

Does anybody have comments on the models I showed, rather than a recommendation for a different monitor? If someone can tell me they're crap, then I'll move on, but so far the specs look good.

I can't find any specs like Eddy mentioned in that other thread.
12/27/2005 06:30:32 PM · #6
I have the Dell too. I love it. I had to buy a hardware calibrator though because it was very bright and I couldn't get the gamma corrected with Adobe Gamma or by other visual means.
 12/27/2005 07:44:08 PM · #7
I have a Samsung, but I can't remember the model number off the top of my head (travelling at the moment). I've been very happy with it. Of the two you posted, I would recommend going with the one that has the highest contrast ratio. Mine has 1:800 and I still sometimes feel like it's barely enough (I did just get a Spyder for Christmas so I'm hoping to improve it further).
 12/27/2005 09:09:04 PM · #8
I use an NEC Multisync LCD1765 which I am very fond of. It appears that the newer version is the 1770.

NEC LCD1770
 12/27/2005 09:12:11 PM · #9
Add me to the 2005FPW camp...Love that monitor.
 12/28/2005 11:16:00 AM · #10
Originally posted by psychephylax:
Add me to the 2005FPW camp...Love that monitor.


Ditto, except I found a coupon on dealmac.com and I only paid $379 w/ free shipping.
 12/28/2005 11:30:17 AM · #11
Originally posted by hyperfocal:
Originally posted by psychephylax:
Add me to the 2005FPW camp...Love that monitor.


Ditto, except I found a coupon on dealmac.com and I only paid $379 w/ free shipping.


Yeah, it's worth it to check around for e-coupons, you can save quite a bit on the Dell LCD's
12/28/2005 11:54:48 AM · #12
OK, I've read the reviews, heard the comments and recommendations, and I think I'm convinced that the Dell 2005FPW is the monitor for me.

On Dell.ca the best deal is $750 minus $250 until today for a total of $525 Can$.

Can anybody steer me to a valid coupon for this monitor? I'd love to save a little more.
12/28/2005 12:14:30 PM · #13
Other question: will my current video card be OK to run this new monitor? I use an ATI RAGE 128 PRO AGP 4X video card. It is about 5-6 years old.

P.S. I know nearly nothing about video cards.
12/28/2005 12:36:09 PM · #14
You will get the most benefit from a card that can output via the DVI (digital) input.

Of note, you can pick up dual-head ATI graphics cards for as low as $40-$70. This will allow you to use both your new and old monitor. (This is great for comparing appearances on old CRTs vs LCDs as well as working with Photoshop on one screen and all your file windows, etc. in the smaller monitor.
 12/28/2005 11:56:27 PM · #15
Well I broke down and ordered the Dell 2005. Should get it in a week or so...Looking forward to getting it installed.

Thanks for all the advice.
12/29/2005 01:38:10 AM · #16
Originally posted by theSaj:
You will get the most benefit from a card that can output via the DVI (digital) input.

Of note, you can pick up dual-head ATI graphics cards for as low as $40-$70. This will allow you to use both your new and old monitor. (This is great for comparing appearances on old CRTs vs LCDs as well as working with Photoshop on one screen and all your file windows, etc. in the smaller monitor.


I have 2 computers that I hook up to the Dell LCD. My PC has an older VGA card and the picture looks OK. My MAC has DVI and the image is quite noticeably better. I was running the Mac via the VGA port and it looked about the same as the PC does now.

If you can get a DVI card for a reasonable price, it is worth it.

Oh yeah, if the image looks like crap when you first hook it up, remember that you MUST run the monitor in its native 1680x1050 resolution or it will look like crap.

BTW, enjoy it.

Message edited by author 2005-12-29 01:41:40.
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