external monitor recommendations for a novice? (matte)

(If this is not the place to post this I apologize, please feel free to move the thread)

Well- I haven't made my final laptop buying decision yet (thinkpad x1 or mbp 13)-either way I will need a monitor- but I know absolutely nothing about monitors! All I know is that I need display port or hdmi, would like a matte screen, and a VERY sturdy stand (the stands I see on the monitors in stores look truly pathetic/weak). I have not chosen a size yet- but I think 21- 23in would work well- budget is $300.

what characteristics/technical specs do I need to look for? what is a good resolution on a screen of that size (1080p)? is there a such thing as a "business grade" monitor? (I want it to last as long as possible) Do I need to spend more in order to get something worthwhile?

tia!

(ill be using it for video streaming and to view spreadsheets/spss- nothing super specialized)

 

I bought two Samsung 2333Ts for my desktop. Their quite nice and affordable too. The stand isn't great, but it's a desktop LCD, which probably won't move much. There's three types of LCDs - TN, PVA and IPS. You'll want the latter two as they offer better contrast and viewing angles. The 2333T is PVA.

 

Zaz, thanks for the recommendation I will definately take a look at it! Also, thanks so much for explaining the panel types- PVA or IPS it is. Is there a big difference b/w the two?

so far ive picked out:

-Hp Zr22w (1080p, 21.5in, S-IPS)

-Dell ultrasharp U2211H (1080p, 21.5in, E-IPS)

additional recs and advice are most welcome!

 

Generally speaking, IPS offers better angles while PVA has better contrast, but both offer good image quality. Perhaps on a desktop the viewing angle probably are not as important as the LCD isn't moving like a notebook. The downside of PVA and IPS is the response time tends to be not as good as TN panels. If you're doing something like heavy gaming that might be something to think about.

I don't know much about the HP, but if it's an IPS, I suspect it's good. I almost got the Dell, but missed a coupon for it, which pushed the price up over $200 at the time. I opted to get the Samsung as I scored one for $150. I liked it so much I bought another. You can still get them from NewEgg, though I think they're kind of old. Occasionally, NewEgg offers a coupon for them, knocking them down to the $150ish range. That's if you're not in a hurry.

 

+1 for non-TN

typing on a Dell 2209WA eIPS (eIPS isn't as good as a true IPS, but cheaper)

mines 1680x1050 (i dont like 16:9), usb hub, think yo umight be able to get it ~ $180ish right now if they still sell it

 

Thanks so much for the help guys!

I ordered the Hp Zr22w today for $171 (+$50 mail in rebate) from Macmall. I was going to order 2, but figured I should see if I like it before ordering a second.

Any thoughts? After reading Zaz's post- I thought PVA would be better for me (I care more about color than viewing angle) but I figured at this price the monitor was a steal? Kinda wishing I had ordered something 16:10 though...

MacMall | HP ZR22w - LCD display - TFT - 21.5" - widescreen - 1920 x 1080 / 60 Hz - 210 cd/m2 - 1000:1 - 3000:1 (dynamic) - 8 ms - 0.2475 mm - DVI-D, VGA, DisplayPort VM626A8#ABA

 

Either way, it's still a IPS panel monitor for a great price. Can't go wrong with that.