Monitor for Macintosh Mini

September 25, 2005 9:57 PM

I'm seriously considering buying a Mac Mini. What's the best 17" or larger flat screen monitor for under $600 that will compliment this system? Sharpness, color and resolution are key for I am used to the typically awesome Apple brand monitors.
posted by thebarron to computers & internet (11 answers total)

Check out the Dell flat-panels. Same Samsung display as within the Apple LCDs, but at half the price.
posted by Rothko at 10:01 PM on September 25, 2005

Rothko: Are there any super-deals available for these Dells? Coupons, blow out sales, online price slasher-type sites, etc.?
posted by thebarron at 10:05 PM on September 25, 2005

You could always find a college student to buy a 20" display from Apple for you. They get $100 off, making it $699.
posted by idiotfactory at 10:09 PM on September 25, 2005

Coupons.
posted by Rothko at 10:09 PM on September 25, 2005

There are perpetually Dell coupons and special offers. The 1905FP is nice and relatively economical at $350ish.
posted by Zed_Lopez at 10:26 PM on September 25, 2005

Get the Dell 2005FPW. I'm using one right now, with my Powerbook, and it's fantastic.
posted by bshort at 10:27 PM on September 25, 2005

Check your local Apple store to see if they have any open-box 20" displays available. They're usually 200 bucks off the retail price.
posted by toddshot at 11:42 PM on September 25, 2005

I am gay for my 2005FPW.
posted by keswick at 12:06 AM on September 26, 2005

Another approach is to buy a refurbished Apple monitor.* When they're available, the savings can be pretty sweet, and you get the full Apple warranty. You just have to be patient, then act quickly.

Small Dog also offers refurbished Mac products, and has a good reputation.

*The Apple Store also offers refurbed minis, if you're interested.
posted by rob511 at 3:45 AM on September 26, 2005

Have you considered buying a 17" iMac instead? It won't cost much more money, it will get you a G5, and it's not like the mini gives you any expandability.
posted by alms at 8:24 AM on September 26, 2005

The iMac, btw, will give you much better graphics performance. The iMac's graphics card can support OS X 10.4's core image technology, while the Mac Mini's will not.
posted by alms at 6:28 AM on September 28, 2005