20" versus 22" LCD @ same resolution

So I am looking at the Samsung 206bw and the 226bw, 20" and 22" LCDs respectively. They both run at 1680 x 1050 resolution. I realize that the 20" will looks smaller in terms of text, but that is what I want since I am using a 15.4" LCD right now with the same resolution. Is there anything else that would be different though. The monitors will hold the same amount of content since the resolution is fixed, correct?

 

Look at their refresh rate, response times, and contrast ratios. You want high refresh rates, low response times ( ~ 5 sec) and high contrast ratios (~ 1000-1200:1)

 

Yea, I know that. The specs are virutally the same, what I wanted to know was if an extra 2" is going to make any sort of difference if all other things are equal. I believe it will only change the size of the text, but that is it.

 

I believe you mean 5ms.

 

The extra 2" will make it more comfortable for reading text. I would buy the larger version.

 

If the price difference is less than $75 I would probably choose the 22". It may be my personal bias but it feels significantly larger than a 20" despite having the same res.

 

I'm with Evil Sheep on this one.

 

You know one reason Im looking at a 22 inch samsung model, possibly the same one you are possibly not, Is that its actually lighter than competing companies 20 inch screens. Actually lighter and pretty much the same size because the border around the screen is so small. The 20 inchers have literally nothing on it ..... well besides around 100$

 

Thanks for the replies. I actually prefer small text, so I wouldn't mind it being smaller on the 20". I think I am just going to go with whatever becomes available locally soonest.

@ stamar: Do you know the model number you are looking at?

 

I would go for the smaller 20" screen if both are the same specifications. 2" isnt worh paying an $100 or so for. And besides, a 1680 x 1050 resolution is for than enough for displaying various content.

 

No it will change the size of everything, the screenspace and everything in it will be 'compressed' from 22" to 20".

I'm deciding now between 27" and 24", both @ 1920x1200.

 

Well yea, I should have said everything, it is the text that bother most people when it gets smaller. Are you looking at the new Dell 27"? Also, are you planning on gaming? If you are, stay away from the Gateway 24" model that is out now. I just had it and returned it because it had really bad ghosting despite its 6ms response time. Just a tip!

 

Oy, I had this dilemma a while ago too.

Personally, I feel that it's always better to go with a smaller monitor with the same resolution than a larger one. The idea that "you get more space with a larger monitor" only works if you get more resolution with it too. It's the same reason why you'd never put a 20" in 800x600, it just looks plain horrible.

If you've every seen a MacBook screen (13.3") compared to a standard 15.4" sceen, you can easily tell that the MacBook's screen is better because it has more pixels per unit area. That's always what you want when wanting to buy a monitor.

Only reason you'd get the larger monitor is if your eyesight isn't too good and you have some difficultly reading (or if you'll be starting at the screen literally all day). Otherwise, stick with the 20", it's cheaper too.

 

Thanks, that is what I was thinking too. Given that I am looking at 1680 x 1050 on a 15.4" screen, I think I would be OK on a 20" screen. Thanks for the info!