What is the best 26" / 27" monitor?

I am looking to buy a monitor for moderate gaming / internet use.

Minimum resolution needs to be 1080p.

What type of technology is used doesn't matter - quite simply which gives the best picture quality/response time/other features etc...

So which is the best monitor overall?

There are so many conflicting reviews out there and even more monitors!

Budget needs to be within £300 / $450

Please help!!

 

I'm also trying to find the best. As I read the LG IPS277 is not so bad, besides the fail about the bezel.

 

great color

ColorEdge CG275W | EIZO but its about $2600.00

but overall for gaming a good Samsung or LG 27" IPS or TN. hit up a retail store to look at a few

 

Have you considered going with one of the many cheap Korean models?

Ebay UK has quite a few up for sale like this Achieva:

[Pixel Perfect] ACHIEVA Shimian QH270-Lite Quad HD 2560x1440 DVI Free shipping | eBay

I can't personally vouch for their performance/quality since I haven't used any of them but they seem to be gaining a lot of traction around the web. I think their dynamic contrast isn't the best and the input delay can be quite bad. Plus the screen is glossy so that may be a big issue for you.

If you had the money I would still go with something like the Dell U2711. If you were willing to go to say a 24" monitor you can some pretty solid performers for the money (plus a 1080p 24" monitor will look sharper than a 1080p 27"). You will also need a decent enough rig to get playable frame rates using decent quality settings at 1440p.

 

I was also looking around for a good quality monitor for my new setup not too long ago. After reading plenty of reviews, I decided the only way I would be able to pick what was best for me was just seeing the monitors in person.

I went to microcenter and picked up an HP zr2740w. After using it for about two weeks I decided that the anti-glare coating was a bit much for my personal taste, and returned it.

While I was there they had one of the Auria 27" 1440p models there, for about $300 less than what the HP cost me. I thought it was a joke and was sure the screen quality was going to be far worse, but figured I'd give it a shot.

I've stuck with the Auria and couldn't be happier. It's glossy, and I was never a fan of glossy before, but the colors really do stand out on this monitor. The resolution gives you plenty of space to work with and games look amazing. This is almost identical to the Catleaps/Korean monitors mentioned above, only a bit easier to manage through a local seller like microcenter.

No dead pixles, and no issues 6 months later, so I can't speak of their customer service. The HP felt a bit more 'solid' and a higher quality build. But the Auria doesn't feel like a plastic toy you will easily break either. For a 27" IPS @ $400 dollars comparable to the $700+ Dell/Samsung/HPs, I'd say it was a steal.

 

That Auria actually looks pretty decent, I didn't know that there were local distributors for those Korean panels. How are you finding the stand? Also do you know what their (microcentre/Auria) policy is on bad/dead pixels (which I have heard can be an issue with these lower binned LG panels)?

EDIT: I'm also curious as to the OSD on the Auria panels. Do they offer much in the way of colour/contrast adjustment?

 

Hey! Yeah I was surprised to actually see them in store, but I'm glad at least one of the local retailers are giving them a shot. Microcenter's return policy is pretty solid, if you don't like it, for any reason, they accept returns within 30 days. That was a major factor when I purchased it.

The OSD is pretty standard, equivalent to the zr2740w and without software I was able to achieve a good color calibration. The only downside would be the stand, although not terrible, I wouldn't consider it very good either. Its plastic and allows some wobble from the display... it's easily replaced though as it mounts on a 100mm VESA (I'm currently using an HP stand I had laying around).

For what it's worth, I'd recommend checking it out at least, especially with the consumer friendly return policy (which, if the store is out of stock, you can order online, and return it in store if you aren't satisfied at microcenter).

 

I'm heading to the states next week so I may have to try and check one of these out when I can (and after I get a new laptop first that can run one of these for gaming). Also if you haven't already you may want to check out tftcentral for some ICC profiles and see if they make any difference/improvement to your current settings. The Achieva Shimian, Apple 27", Crossover, and Yamasaki Catleap should all be comparable in terms of ICC profiles I imagine: Link

 

Have you tried this monitor with a laptop? I am considering getting one to use for my graphic design/gaming purposes with my new Y480 650M. It should work with a HDMI 1.4a cable, but I wanted to see if anyone had any experience with it. I too am looking for a 27" IPS monitor I can hook up to my Y480.

 

We got my dad the Dell 2711 for Father's Day. It's pricy for sure, but the clarity and color reproduction is incredible.

 

I have three of the Shimian screens and they are (mostly) GREAT! Basically just Apple Cinema displays that didnt quite hit the A+ standard. I would say peek around because there are a TON of multi-hundred page threads out there on these screens and there benifits and detractors. The biggest issue would be that since they are not A+ variety you have a chance of getting anywhere from an "A" rated screen down to a Mid level "B". If you find the right seller though you can pay a bit extra to assure of zero failed pixels. One of the ones I got is nearly flawless while the other two have very very minor light bleed along the bottom. Overall though these are a GREAT value as far as the screen itself goes. The casing though....as cheap as it gets.