Flat-panel/LCD monitor suggestions and considerations

May 17, 2004 11:53 AM

I'm looking to pick up a flat panel display, at least 20", and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations or opinions based on LCDs they own currently? What are the salient things to look for, particular to LCDs? I doubt I'll be using the flat panel much for 3D gaming, but I want something that won't artifact at all? I'm looking for something in the mid-range, price-wise, but obviously the cheaper, the better. Thanks.
posted by Big Fat Tycoon to computers & internet (15 answers total)

I can only say good things about the Sharp LC-20 S1 E
posted by matteo at 12:28 PM on May 17, 2004

I have a pair of Samsung 213T (21.3") LCDs. I like them a lot. There is some ghosting with fast movement, but it's bearable. Otherwise, the brightness, sharpness, and vividness of the displays makes them more like looking out a window than looking at a computer display. Even the analog input is good; the digital input is better, but not that much better.

The only flaw is that these particular displays can take a while to wake up. They cycle between the analog and digital inputs every few seconds looking for a signal to display, and if they happen to be looking at the analog input when your computer (connected to the digital input) wakes up, they won't notice for a good 10 seconds sometimes. Not a real big deal in most cases, especially since these are about the least expensive 21.3" LCDs you can buy.
posted by kindall at 12:28 PM on May 17, 2004

the Apple Cinema displays are really about as flawless as LCDs go... but if you don't have a mac, they can get expensive, what with the adapters and all. in fact, they're pretty expensive to begin with.
posted by nonreflectiveobject at 1:50 PM on May 17, 2004

Yeah. I have a Mac, and I discovered I could get two of the Samsungs for a little more than one Apple Cinema Display HD... well, my fate was sealed. My displays aren't as pretty as the Apple displays, but I have a lot more room.

Apple is using either Samsung or LG panels in its displays, IIRC.
posted by kindall at 2:12 PM on May 17, 2004

If this is your first LCD, you should try to choose one whose native resolution is the same as what you currently use. LCDs don't change resolution well and you might be disappointed with the results.

If you can't find something that's the same as what you have now (often because you're stepping up to a larger monitor), look for a native resolution that is proportionally the same as what you use.

As for specific monitors, I've been quite happy with the Samsung multi-function monitors. Depending on the model, they have multiple inputs such as NTSC tuner, s-video, component video, VGA. I have two on my desk -- I use the smaller one to review video or photos and to watch TV when I'm not using it as a monitor. (It even has PIP.) Great buy if you are lacking for desk space.
posted by joaquim at 2:52 PM on May 17, 2004

Samsung. I did a lot of research and read a lot of reviews and ended up with the Samsung 172T. It was one of the cheaper ones in that segment, some of the best specs, great, simple design, and has been flawless, unlike my Powerbook's screen which has the notorious white spots.
posted by gen at 3:11 PM on May 17, 2004

Maximum PC rates the Dell Ultrasharp 2001FP as the best LCD monitor in their June 2004 issue. I have a Dell 1901FP and am very happy with it; no dead subpixels out of the box, bright and clear display, nice contrast... FYI, Dells are rebadged Samsungs, so my recommendation is echoing the others in the thread.

If you do buy Dell, they're running 20% off the 2001FP through their small business division until 5-19.
posted by MegoSteve at 6:04 PM on May 17, 2004

You've mentioned what you won't be using it for. But you haven't said what you will be using it for, which may be of importance. The reason I bring this up is that if you're planning to move to LCD and you're a graphics artist, you'd be making the wrong choice; if there are overwhelming needs (don't have the desk space, don't like power-lifting whenever you have to move) then you can disregard this.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 7:23 PM on May 17, 2004

I have a lovely Iiyama, and I'd never buy another brand.
posted by armoured-ant at 7:45 PM on May 17, 2004

The reason I bring this up is that if you're planning to move to LCD and you're a graphics artist, you'd be making the wrong choice

A couple of years ago, this would be correct advice. Not anymore, though. Today's LCDs are much better -- the equal of all but the best CRTs in color gamut, contrast, and sharpness. Really, as I said, looking at modern LCDs is like looking out a window, not at a display.
posted by kindall at 10:02 PM on May 17, 2004

Currently own and am very happy with and was very very cheap. I don't have any Pantone books out on my desk, however, if you know what I mean.
posted by scarabic at 10:56 PM on May 17, 2004

Sorry, kindall, but no way. The color shift at viewing angles alone makes it worthless to someone who's living is made or lost off the accuracy of their colors. I realize things have gotten better than the old, passive-matrix technology that would cause screens to invert in color at sharp angles, but even the modern 160 degree displays that are out now have a marked shift in color at off-angle viewing. The only technology I could see on the horizon that might best CRT's in color fidelity at all viewing angles is an LED display, but as yet nobody has taken up the challenge.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 5:35 AM on May 18, 2004

Mind you, when I see a sub-$600 LCD panel that can match my Mitsubishi Diamond Pro, I'll make the switch in a heartbeat. The sheer vastness of deskspace I'd be able to reclaim would be worth it.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 5:41 AM on May 18, 2004

even the modern 160 degree displays that are out now have a marked shift in color at off-angle viewing

No, it's not really bad at all. In extremely critical situations, perhaps a top-of-the-line CRT would still be better, but for 99% of artists and designers it's going to be fine, because most of the time you say "Pantone 830" and as long as the display is reasonably close, it'll work. You're dealing with approximations to begin with. While LCD approximations are different from the ones you get from CRTs, they do have their advantages. SuperCal will make a nice profile, and that does wonders.
posted by kindall at 11:54 AM on May 18, 2004

Funny, all this talk got me looking at the new technologies in LCD panels that have been introduced in just the past year, and I'm pretty impressed. They're still not quite ready for prime-time for the DV crowd (ghosting remains evident even on the new 12ms displays), but for general graphics work, I'm pretty close to convinced; all that remains is finding a 21" panel for under $600 (the approximate price-point of a new kick-ass CRT -- though with used ones, you can knock a couple hundred off).
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 9:09 PM on May 18, 2004