computer video monitors- which ones?

[Rhettley]

The monitor took a dump so I'm using a very old hp pavilion v50 for now. It's one of those huge boxes that takes up half the desk for a 12" rounded screen.
I started to just pick up another HP 23" from walmart but figured I'd do some research before I spent the money. I was hoping to keep it under $100 but that's not possible unless I find a used one somewhere. I don't do any gaming, just forums, youtube videos, and movies but I do appreciate a good clean picture.
So far my research seems to say I would be best served with an led back lit monitor, preferably an IPS monitor. The IPS is supposed to be the next hot thing and has a superior picture. The price is just coming down on them and they are still pricey. I have found one for $175 online which I'll give a link for.
Can any of you technically oriented guys put all this into some info I can use about monitors? Kind of like fishing, I don't want to buy a Van Stall reel here. At the same time if the quality difference is big enough I'll for for over the extra money for a Shimano verses a Shakespeare.
So is IPS worth the difference and would I notice the difference? Anything to avoid? Any ideas on the cheapest places to buy one?
Here's the link to the cheapest one I've found.
http://www.amazon.com/AOC-I2353PH-23-Wi ... ps+monitor

[Rhettley]

Actually this one is cheaper. It's supposed to be a 22" screen but it shows it measuring 18.5" diagonally.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... CatId=2775

Edit- I checked with the web site and it is indeed a 22" version. The picture measurement is an error.

[silverking]

I was just in the same situation, only I use my computer for work so I wanted the biggest and sharpest I could find without breaking the bank. I settled on the ViewSonic 2460HD and it's very sweet. I shopped around, including Amazon, Pricegrabber and Best Buy and settled on the place where I buy all my cameras--B&H Photo in New York. Great prices due to volume, good service and free shipping. The model I bought was $194 and I had to add speakers and HDMI cables (bought at Best Buy). But ViewSonic makes a very good product and they have other, smaller units that sell cheaper.

my technical advisor steered me away from integrated speakers, so I picked up a set of Insignia with subwoofer for $40 at Best Buy. They were on sale earlier for $20, but I missed that. Don't do gaming, but it is nice to have some decent sound when checking out YouTube clips and other sites with audio.

[Rhettley]

I've got the external speakers already for music. That was a must have! I'll check out B&H. I've looked there before for cameras and binoculars.

[silverking]

Mine is an LED with backlit. Very sharp picture with 1920X 1080 display.

HDMI is the best way to connect now, according to my guy. The VGA is old-school and they're not writing much software for it anymore. DVI is a good compromise.

[Badbagger]

I bought a Dell LCD 24" model 2405FPW wide screen viewed at 1920 x 1200 year back after reading various reviews (Amazon is GREAT for reviews). Forget what I paid but it's been a GREAT monitor. My Toshiba Laptop has a monster 18" screen. LCD is the way to go.

[RoRo]

Check out newegg.com, they have some pretty good deals on computers and accessories. Here's one I found:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6824009256

[homboyfsu]

Remember to buy local even if it cost a little more. When it's broke your paying for the shipping.

[Dubble Trubble]

I can tell you that technically, you need to KNOW what connector your PC has before buying. You do not want to buy an HDMI only monitor to find your PC only has VGA. (Most of todays monitors have both types, but not all)

As for size, You can get TOO big. If you sit at a desk when using it, I would not go larger than 23", or you will get neck cramps from going across a big screen.

Brand is up to you, they are all made in China now.

Just my 2 cents worth from 25 years in IT.

Dubble

[mbweimar]

you can also try tigerdirect.com. they offer free shipping, and they always have killer deals.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/email/WEM328 ... il_WEM3283

[fishinfool]

Been using this one for 5+ years. It is on it's second computer and I am very happy with the image and size.
http://www.amazon.com/HP-W1907-19-inch- ... B000OK1046
I am certain there is a current model that is essentially the same.

[Rhettley]

Been using this one for 5+ years. It is on it's second computer and I am very happy with the image and size.
http://www.amazon.com/HP-W1907-19-inch- ... B000OK1046
I am certain there is a current model that is essentially the same.

That's the same one I had that pooped out on me except mine was the w2007 model. It was about 4 or 5 years old. It had a good picture. I was basically wondering how much better the IPS led monitors were. I found one for about $150 which is about the same as the 22" HP.

[silverking]

I can tell you that technically, you need to KNOW what connector your PC has before buying. You do not want to buy an HDMI only monitor to find your PC only has VGA. (Most of todays monitors have both types, but not all)
Dubble

Sorry DT, my bad. I've got a Mac, so I don't worry about the limitations of a PC.

[Dubble Trubble]

I can tell you that technically, you need to KNOW what connector your PC has before buying. You do not want to buy an HDMI only monitor to find your PC only has VGA. (Most of todays monitors have both types, but not all)
Dubble

Sorry DT, my bad. I've got a Mac, so I don't worry about the limitations of a PC.

Really? I seem to remember macs using VGA also....

While I will agree that from an engineering standpoint, Macs are much more tightly controlled (After all, only one company builds them) The limitations of available software and the fact only 10% of folks use them (and 100% of my customers use Windows), I pass on Macs.

Dubble

[wevans]

Buying a monitor is kinda silly now-a-days I buy only TV's and if I don't have an HDMI output on the computer, I just make sure that it has a VGA input in it "like this one"
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Philips-22-Cl ... d/17208297