Needs opinions on Monitor brand quality/reliablity

Im in the the market for a new monitor.
Here's what I'm looking for:
23-24" screen
Full 1080HD
must have at least one HDMI port
under $160USD (the cheaper the better)

My main questions are:
what are reliable brands to look for?
which brands have the best quality screens on average?

I typically shop for brands such as Acer, LG, Samsung, HP, Dell, ViewSonic, and ASUS. Recently I came across an appealingly priced 24" AOC monitor, however, I have no experience with this brand so I'm hesitant to purchase it.
Does anyone have any experience with this brand? Should I avoid this brand?

Thanks in advance

Fry

 

For the most part a monitor of that size in that price range is not going to have a very high quality stand. It seems 90% of monitors today come with flimsy plastic stands that have only tilt adjustment. The best stands I have seem are on the dell ultrasharp monitors, but a 23 inch model is about $100 more than your budget. However they have MUCH better IPS panels instead of cheaper TN panels, which are totally worth it in my opinion.

 

Any of those brands that you mentioned would be fine, as far as predicted reliability based purely on brand reputation.

However, I'd be more concerned about image quality. $160 for a 23" panel means you'd be limited to a TN-based panel, which is pretty much bottom of the barrel in terms of image quality. I'd recommend an LG IPS236V for about $250, which is a very affordable monitor using a 23" IPS-based panel.

I recently made the mistake of buying a cheap Samsung 23" TN-based display as a monitor, because (a) it was cheap; and (b) I was uneducated about this topic, and didn't realize how bad TN panels look. I ended up selling that monitor after using it for just 95 days, and bought the LG IPS236V instead.
Unboxing LG IPS236V Monitor - Part 1 - YouTube

Your monitor is something that you are going to look at every single time you use your computer, and is something that will stay with you for several years. A good monitor is worth more than any CPU upgrade, any RAM upgrade, any HDD or SSD upgrade. Spend the money to get a good display that you will enjoy using, rather than a cheap display that you have to force yourself to tolerate using.

 

I agree with kent, IPS panels are much better. I don't have the IPS236V, but i do have the IPS226V and is it simply amazing compared to my G73's panel which is one of the best glossy TN panels you can find on a laptop.

 

Ok, after reading these post I've come to the conclusion that I know even less than I thought I did about monitors.
So, I suppose I should adjust my price range to $230 or less(again preferably less).
With that being said I'm open to suggestions.
just out of curiousity are there any non-TN screens listed here?

 

I don't even need to click on that link to know the answer: No.

If you want the most affordable 23" IPS-based display, get the LG IPS236V for $250.

If you want to save some money, get the 22" IPS-based LG IPS226V instead for about $200.

 

So I take it there isn't a snowballs change in hell that there isn't a cheaper 23" non-TN, IPS-based monitor than the LG IPS236V?

 

You are correct, when you are considering street price for IPS monitors. The LG IPS236V is one of the cheapest (and best values) you can find.

You might be able to find a cheaper monitor, if you are willing to buy used (eBay or Craigslist), or if you are willing to wait for sales / discounts. For example, Dell has coupons and discounts periodically that cover its U-series monitors, which would also be IPS panels. Whether you are willing to wait is up to you.

 

Sometimes you can find the dell U2311H for under $300 and the U2211H for around $200, but I don't know if there are going to be any more deals on them now that the u2112 is out. The dell monitors have the same panels as the LG displays (I think), but they do have nicer stands with a LOT more adjustments and better build quality.

 

I am using brand new Dell u2312HM e-ips at work now.
Was $250 usd. Gotto say its awesome. 1920x1050smth

Would also advice against TN. Used tn before that and it was like ... Blue button on top of the screen is dark blue and same button on the bottom is light blue-tealish. My eyes were going crazy.

 

OK, thanks for the additional options.
I guess now I'll just watch newegg and local retailers between now and black friday and just purchase the one that is the best deal.

On a side note, since I'm not very good at determining screen types, could someone tell me what type of screen a Dell P2311H has?

 

It is a TN panel.