Computer Monitor Suggestions?

[Open123]

Hey Guys,

One of my PC Monitors today went blank.  

I need to buy a new one, today.  I'm not an electronics expert, and would rather not read up on it or seek out a specialized forum.  So, I thought I'd pose the question here, and some may point me in the right direction and save me some time researching.

What I need:

1.  At least 24' - 25'

2.  LCD vs. LED vs. IPS - Any of this make a difference or worth paying over the other?

3.  Any difference between HD TV and dedicated PC Monitor?  (I know, rudimentary question!)

4.  Budget - Ideally, under $150, or maybe I'll go up to $200!

Since I don't have the luxury of time, can't find the best price via net or cashback portals.  Just need to drop by Best Buy, and pay whatever price including taxes.

Thanks, and appreciate any help/insights offered!

[Thomas_Thumb]

For 24" to 26" size screen you really need to get FHD resolution (1920 x 1080). Anything less will be a disappointment. Contrast ratio is important as well. If you plan to use it for gaming, then you need a minimum 120 hz (say 5 ms response time) and preferrably 240 hz refresh rate (say 2 ms response time).

Generally IPS (in plane switching) is not important - unless you plan to view your screen from more than 45 degrees off center. Given your limited budget, I would sacrifice IPS for resolution and contrast ratio if needed.

 Look at LED screens (recommend non glare) with local dimming functionality. Back lighting is superior to side lighting.

[jsucool76]

is it just for general computer usage? LED monitors look great but the colors are generally off a bit and van be super saturated.

if you just use it for whatever then I wouldn't go out and look for the best of the best. just find something reasonably priced.

[Anonymous]

Probably too late to help now but -

I agree that full HD is important and the higher the refresh rate, the better.

I would also say check the type of cable the old monitor has and get a monitor with the same type connection. 

IE: D-sub vga cable, DVI- cable, or HDMI.

I always recommend DVI at least, but the video card or built-in video has to accommodate the new monitor.

I have a new video card that supports dual monitors.  I have a Dell Ultrasharp 17 inch using DVI and I'm looking for an inexpensive full HD about 23 inches or larger, that has HDMI.  I'll make the 17 inch the secondary monitor and use the new one as the primary.

tigerdirect has a 24 inch HP full HD that is 169, less a 60 rebate, for a total of 109, item # HEW-K6X12A6 M . Has hdmi, dvi, and vga.

tigerdirect also has a 23 in HP full HD that is 139, less a 20 rebate and also a 60 rebate for a total of 59, item # HPR-102569669M.  No hdmi connection.         

I am considering the 24 inch one.

Interestingly, the 60 rebate on both is from a 5 user license for McAfee Virus scan. 

hth

ETA: Tigerdirect has some brick and mortar stores in some cities, like mine.  I think they were the old CompUsa stores.

[Open123]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Probably too late to help now but -

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No, since I wasn't sure which were compatible to my video card.  However, I've got to have one by Monday morning.

This is a PC I had built long ago, way back in 2009, running the old Radeon 4800 series (not sure if you're familiar with it) video card.  Haven't kept up with recent changes, and not even sure if the new Monitors are compatible.  I have no idea what the "plug" is called, but it's not HDMI, one of those wider ones.

I'm assuming any Monitor I buy today should have the adapter for it?

[Anonymous]

[Anonymous]

Sorry, not very good ay uploading images with text yet.

That image is a representative sample of video card connectors, not of yours.

On the far left is the HDMI connector.

In the middle is the VGA connector.  It is blue.

On  the right is a DVI connector, although there are several subsets.  It is white.

The HDMI would be the same as on a flat panel HD Television and it would provide the best image quality.  It would be on late model video cards.

The one on the right is the Digital Video connector.  It has been around for several years, my old Dell from 2003 had it.  It is a good video connection.

In the middle is the VGA connector, been around for lots of years, gives Ok video.  Its often what would be included on the video that is built in on the motherboard on more entry level pcs.

I am reasonably sure that any monitor you would buy new today would have the standard VGA and also the DVI.

I would recommend using the DVI connector if you can, it would be a better video connector and more advanced.  A digital video is a little better for minor speed improvement to video image on the screen.

If you have a Tigerdirect in your area, that 59 deal after rebate is great.  If not, Walmart has monitors shown on their website and of course, there is Best Buy.

HTH

[Open123]

Thanks!

Mine has the connection on the far right.  My only concern was that maybe Monitors had full progressed to HDMI and may not be compatible or have the adapters for my old video card.  Good to know this isn't the case!

Unfortunately, no Tiger Directs anywhere near CA, at least not that I know of.  I'll likely drop by Best Buy and pay more than I should.  Ordinarily, I'd order it online to avoid the sales tax, recycling fee, and whatever else extra they charge here.

[Anonymous]

IMHO, DVI with the white connector is superior to the VGA with the blue connector, mainly because the VGA is analog and the dvi is digital.  Less problems with color distortions, etc.

Amazon has a 21.5 Acer HD model for 99, if you have Amazon Prime.

If you dont need gaming performanxce and looking for general computer use, you dont need to overspend on a high priced monitor.

I would bet 150 at the most should get you to the parking lot with a decent monitor that is 20 to 24 inches with a dvi connector.. 

GL

[Thomas_Thumb]

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@Open123 wrote:

Thanks!

Mine has the connection on the far right.  My only concern was that maybe Monitors had full progressed to HDMI and may not be compatible or have the adapters for my old video card.  Good to know this isn't the case!

Unfortunately, no Tiger Directs anywhere near CA, at least not that I know of.  I'll likely drop by Best Buy and pay more than I should.  Ordinarily, I'd order it online to avoid the sales tax, recycling fee, and whatever else extra they charge here.

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Check out Microcenter if you live in Orange County. They have an extensive inventory of monitors and displays. A good setection of 22" to 24" LED displays in the $119.99 to $149.99 price range. I got a flier from them yesterday. It lists a 22" class IPS LED display with 1920 by 1080 resolution with VGA and HDMI connectivity on sale for $93.49.

I would strongly recommend HDMI for future proofing as VGA and DVI are legacy.