* 1680x1050 external screen ideas

Hi, I have around £250 to spend on an external screen to connect to my laptop (via VGA). I can't seem to find a higher wide-screen resolution than 1680x1050 at this price point, so that will have to suffice.

I would mainly use this for general office use, but also some photo editing & video watching. Very little gaming will take place, so the speed of the panel isn't crucial.

I prefer small pixel pitch so 20 or 21 inch panels would be preferable to 22, but if there is a good deal on a larger monitor I wouldn't be averse to trying it.

Finally, the ability to use the monitor as a USB hub would be nice, but certainly not a requirement.

I have been looking at Dell 2007WFP (£265 on offer), Dell E228 (£247), Samsung 205BW, Samsung 206BW.

 

The Dell e207WFP is a good start, its an inexpensive 20" WSXGA+ panel, but lacks an USB hub and composite input(Has VGA/DVI though).

I bought it in December for about $300 Canadian(270 USD), the price is around $a steady $299 USD, so it should be under £220?

 

The Dell 2007WFP is indeed a good choice. I use one, and absolutely love it.

 

I have a sceptre 20.1" WS WSXGA+ LCD that I got fro xmas from my parents. I think it was about 200 dollars after rebate on newegg.

I love it so far, but I only use it with VGA. It has a DVI input though, but I don't have a dock for my T60...yet.

 

Welcome to Rip-Off Britain Gentlemen:

There are 3 widescreen models currently on sale at Dell UK.

1) E228WFP 22" £246.99 (was £307.85)
http://accessories.euro.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=uk&l=en&s=dhs&cs=ukdhs1&sku=88221

2) 2007WFP 20.1" £265.79 (was £331.35)
http://accessories.euro.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=uk&l=en&s=dhs&cs=ukdhs1&sku=59233

3) E207WFP 20.1" £272.60
http://accessories.euro.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=uk&l=en&s=dhs&cs=ukdhs1&sku=78642

I am not to keen on a TN panel since I have read bad things about them being 6 bit panels with poor viewing angles. It is mainly screen resolution I am concerned with, not physical size. I just wish I could find a 1920 res screen!

EDIT: I should also add that the monitor must be available in the UK, which limits the choice somewhat.

 

I really love the Samsung 206BW. It's stylish, and the specs are great. If there are no new monitors released, I'm definitely getting one.

How much is the 206BW in the UK? It's about $250 in the US.

 

The 206BW is around £210 (~$410). It is quite difficult to obtain at the moment and it has a couple of downsides I am concerned about.

1) It is non height adjustable, nor will it rotate.
2) It uses a TN panel - not so bad in-itself but the "panel lottery" is in effect. There is a big debate around on the S panels versus the inferior A panels which are beginning to take over.

I do really like the design though.

EDIT: Around Christmas, I was going to plunge for a Samsung 205BW @ £200 but lack of stock held me back. They are currently £190 but reviews weren't spectacular. I decided to up my budget from £200 to £250.

 

I'd add the Viewsonic vx2025wm to the list... for your suggested uses (general desktop, video, photo editing) it sounds ideal. No height adjustment, but only the Samsung 205/206BW offers height adjustment in this price range. It uses a 8ms P-MVA panel, rather than a TN as the other models you've listed.

There's a nice review over at Tom's Hardware, among others.

Avoid the vx2035wm if you can, it uses a cheaper TN panel.

 

That link is dead TedJ? I had looked at the Viewsonic and I enjoyed the reviews I read... it is one of 3 I am considering: Dell 2007WFP, E228WFP (which uses a TN panel unfortunately) and the Viewsonic you mention. Still not sure which to go for!

 

I've just placed my order for the Dell 2007WFP on their website.
Cost excluding discount: £331 ($640)
Cost including discount: £265 ($511)
Cost including cashback: £253 ($488)

Total Saving: £78 ($150)