W i d e s c r e e n

Hi,

I would like to have an external widescreen monitor for my laptop. What are some of the things I should look for when buying one? Which ones are good brands or models? Also, I would like to be able to watch TV on the monitor. What components would I need? Would it be demanding for a Geforce Go 7200?

Thanks.

 

Before we can accurately answer your questions, it is really important to know what you plan on doing with the monitor. If you could tell us if you are going to be doing things like photo editing, video editing, gaming, etc.

The reason why is because gaming panels need low response time and are usually TN panels that don't have the greatest color reproduction when it comes to photo/video editing. On the other hand S-IPS panels are great is you plan on photo/video editing, but typically have lhigher response times.

As far as hooking up to a TV, you are going to need a monitor with composite, s-video, or component inputs. My experience is that computer monitors don't make the best TVs. But there are a few that are capable.

For specs anyway, no matter what the panel type, here are some to look for:

• High conrast ratio
• High brightness
• Low response time
• Resolution (depends what you like)

In summary, please let us know what you will primarily be using the monitor for, and what size you would like (20", 22", etc). Then we can better help you. Thanks.

 

I'm thinking around the 20"-22" but the 19" widescreens seem to have really good prices right now.

With the monitor, I was thinking of doing some light gaming but I think accurate color reproduction is more important. How much of a difference is a 2ms response time to an 8ms to the human eye?

 

Well, for any sort of gaming, it is recommended to keep response time under 8ms. If the response time isn't fast enough for the game, you will get ghosting, which basically means the images stay behind on the screen too long. I actually had a monitor with a 6ms response time that ghosted (I wasn't expecting it to either). So if anything, you may see some ghosting at 8ms if you are running a really fast paced game (think FPS).

I have first hand experience with the Samsung 226BW that is out right now. There is also a 20" version of it (220BW), and a 19" version. This monitor is great for gaming (2ms response time). I'll admit it doesn't have the best colors, but they aren't bad either.

As far as S-IPS panels go, I don't know as much about them. I think some Dell panels are S-IPS as well as some Viewsonics. They do tend to be more expensive though.

Another thing that is handy to know monitor shopping is that if you live by a Best Buy (assuming you are in US), you can return the monitor opened within 14 days off purchase or so. I actually did this with my first monitor (24" Gateway) due to bad ghosting. It was really handy to be able to bring it back for a full refund.

Also, go to a store and look at the monitors as possible. Have them hook the monitor up to the computers so you can see what the colors look like.

Hope that helps a bit.

What monitors do you have your eye on right now?

 

Some monitors that I'm thinking about right now are Samsung, Hanns-G, and Chimei.

It's hard to determine which are better because there is no site devoted to reviewing monitors. I would prefer a cheaper OEM brand with accurate colors.

Are there any places with monitor reviews? What brands have good colors but doesn't sacrifice too much of response time? I can do without things like build in speakers too.

 

cnet does a lot of reviews for monitors and then users grade and comment. its how i decided on my gateway ws lcd. www.cnet.com

 

Yea, I checked cnet but I think they cater toward more mainstream things and don't seem to offer useful reviews.

 

What issues with color have you noticed? I was looking for a 24" when I came across the 226BW. Been on the fence since ... I am thinking of waiting for the 24" version to come out. The 245BW looks very nice.