Deciding on a monitor (is harder than I expected)

So there are lots and lots of monitors of varying quality and price to choose from with an even great number of conflicting reviews.

I've been researching for a while, and I don't really feel like I've narrowed it down much at all. I'm pretty flabbergasted really.

Here's what I want:

PRICE: <$250 (That's asking a lot for good performance, I know, but I don't have a huge budget. IF YOU KNOW OF SOMETHING THAT IS A LITTLE MORE EXPENSIVE AND THINK IT WOULD BE WORTH ME SPENDING MORE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW, I'M WILLING TO LISTEN!)

Size: 23" or 24" (I've heard that 24+ is probably to big to use at a desk, I originally had my heart set on 24", any suggestions, please?)

Resolution: 1920 x 1200 or 1920 x 1080 (my np8662 is going to be 1920 x 1200, but I'm not really picky)

Input: HDCP ENABLED, HDMI, DVI, VGA (That is my order of importance. HDMI is a definite, I'm not sure if DVI is just being repetitive or not, VGA is in case I have something old. Once again, suggestions?)

Uses: Gaming, videos, general usage, probably whatever you can think of. (Response time numbers aren't huge to me; but I do need to be able to play games well)

I'm looking for the best image quality available for the price here. I get more confused the more I search, please help me!

 

Dell G2410?

or Dell S2409W


I would definitely try to go for the 2408WFP Ultrasharps, those are amazing panels! But out of your price range...

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236059

All 3 plugs, 1920 x 1080, 2ms response, .266mm pitch, HDCP, 23".

 

The Dell UltraSharp 2408WFP would be nice, but even if you could find one available in the Dell Outlet, it's still going to be $400 or more.

As far as size, stick with a 24", but mainly because it'll be 1920x1200. I would try to match your laptop's screen resolution. Stepping down to 1080 lines doesn't make much sense when your laptop's resolution is higher.

23" screens have virtually the same footprint as the 24" screens because the former is 16:9 and the latter is 16:10. They're both going to be about 22-23" wide on your desk. I actually find 24" screens to be too small in physical dimension because I have a deep corner desk, so I have a 27" positioned about three feet back for some extra desk space, which works out perfectly.

Since you want good image quality, I'd recommend an LCD that doesn't have a TN panel, but it's hard to find one in your price range. A refurbished Westinghouse L2410NM would be a great deal for an 8-bit MVA panel in your price range, but it has its share of reliability issues. Otherwise, your best chance of a decent looking TN panel would be one with a glossy screen.

 

Yeah, I'm realizing I can't expect too much image quality in my price range; I'm probably going to have to end up getting a TN panel, however I'm not so sure I want a glossy screen even if it improves quality a little. The more than annoying reflectivity glossy screens entail ruins the quality perks they provide.