Need advice for new computer monitor

[FuryFox]

Hey all. I need to buy a new computer monitor, but I'm having a hard time coming to a decision on what's worth putting my money towards. Having read reviews and checking out in-store models hasn't been that helpful either.

Merkor Tech Now, this site seems to have some nice discounted monitors, something I saw some else post before. Problem is, I'm not really sure if I should stick with CRT or go LCD. The Office Depot by my house has a nice 19" Samnsung (.20mm) for $196 after rebate, which should probably be sufficient. However, I'm really in love with the Apple Cinema Displays (even the 17" model) and the screen on my Titanium G4, both of which show how dim and gamma-distorted my old monitor is.

Main reason I need this is because I do digital artwork, and everything looks like crap, because I didn't realize my screen was so dark, so when it got to other people's screens or printouts, everything was always to bright (since I was compensating while painting). As it is now, I have to send everything over to my notebook for proofing, or just do it there to start.

So...even the 17" Apple cinema display is like $650 for students...not *too* bad, but, $150-$200 for a big CRT is alot less...they're just so frickin' huge though. Plus, my desktop is a PC (and my laptop only has DVI out, not ADC), so I'd need a special adaptor for the Apple screens. I know Aurora has the dreamy 23" model, so maybe he can post some feedback.

Any other resources or suggestions?

[Rumpy]

Hmmm...

You really have to decide between CRT and LCD first. You can get a huge (literally) CRT for cheap now, and it'll be really good quality (assuming you go with one of the better companies). If deskspace is an issue than LCD is the way to go. You're going to pay more but the quality of the screens has gotten worlds better now. Is that 19" Samsung a LCD? For 200 bucks you can't go wrong with that. I got a Samsung 17" over the summer (SyncMaster 171v) and I love it. Takes some fittling to get it they way you like it to look, but if you get a quality one, it's worth it (I don't think I need to tell you to get a 17+ inch monitor). The apple screens are arguably the best, but you're going to pay for them as they are really expensive.

I guess it's all about convieniance for you. If you go apple your going to have to get that adapter and such, so that'll really just be a bitch to get one. I can hardily recommend Samsung LCDs though. I haven't had any problems with mine and it looks awesome.

[FuryFox]

No, that Samsung was a CRT. Let's say I want to save some bucks, where would one go to get a good CRT? I hear Viewsonic makes good monitors, but, they didn't seem to get such good marks in the 19-21" range...

[FuryFox]

No, really, it wasn't an April Fool's joke. I actually need some more advice. Thanks go to Rumpy so far though.

[GameCynic]

I got a very nice 21" CRT monitor from Merkortech. High resolution at high refresh rates are nice. Everyone scoffs at my huge desktop I use it mostly for gaming, and its prefect for what I need. Unfortunaly, it takes up half my computer desk.

From what I have heard, LCD's are better suited for word processing and desktop functions (web surfing, graphic editing), and not ideal for gaming. Someone feel free to prove me wrong on this though, that is going soley on word of mouth.

[FuryFox]

I assume that would be because of the "ghosting" effect that LCDs have (like, the pixels don't change as fast as CRTs, so games and DVDs and other fast moving things sort of blur, like a gameboy screen). Although frankly, I find that annoying while painting as well, and not just while gaming. Also, it probably depends on the type of gaming...my brother and I play WC3 on our laptops sometimes, and it's not noticeable, although I bet it'd obnoxious during Q3.

However, I don't notice it all on the Apple LCDs. Maybe they...refresh quicker or something (I don't really know how LCDs work all that well).

[GohanX]

Personally, I believe you can't go wrong with Viewsonics. I've seen several 17" CRT models (yes I do have one myself) and they are pretty sharp, and the color on them is unbelievable. You don't notice it when you look at the Viewsonic at first, but then when you look at everything else it just looks dull.

I don't know about the larger ones though, just because they make kickass 17" screens don't necessarily mean that their oversized monitors are just as good.

[Nikorasu]

I have a 22" Mitsubishi flatscreen CRT - it's enormous, and weighs a ton (so much so that the desk it is on has bent!), but in terms of quality it is amazing.

Here it is:

http://www.vnunet.com/Products/Hardware/106276

http://archive.msmonline.com/1999/04/images/mitsu.jpg

Kick ARSE!!!

[bandit]

Originally posted by FuryFox
No, that Samsung was a CRT. Let's say I want to save some bucks, where would one go to get a good CRT? I hear Viewsonic makes good monitors, but, they didn't seem to get such good marks in the 19-21" range...

I got me a ViewSonic 19" Flat Screen Monitor. Model #E90f

Its pretty good..I just hope it fits on my computer table. I got my comp on the dining room table at the moment, while the room is being redone.

[Mman]

Goe w/ the LCD...im in love w/ mine.