A Good Monitor Is Hard To Find
Sep 07 '01
The Bottom Line As I said before, your eyes will always be the best judge of what you like and dislike.
After 4+ troublefree years w/ my current monitor (a Princeton Graphics E017), it had an epileptic seizure (it made so much noise I thought it was going to take me with it!!!) and died.
Suddenly I was in the market for a 17" monitor, and I didn't know dick about computer displays. I started by calling the manufacturer and seeing what my options were.
The good news was that they'd replace my out-of-warranty model, but at roughly the same cost for a refurb as many new models. Refurbs also carry a 90-day to 1-year warranty, when new models typically offer 3-year guarantee.
In any case, I'd definitely recommend making this your first step if you need to replace your monitor. Some manufacturers will even sell new models direct-to-consumers.
And if you like your brand, its often easier and more comforting to stay in the family.
The next step was, as a smart and discerning consumer, to search the Internet. Three days after exhaustively reading through epinions posts, c|net hardware reviews and PC Today/Mag back issues, I learned a few things.
1. Most of the on-line reviews I found are for models that were introduced between 1998 and 1999. This isn't very helpful to monitor buyers in the fall of 2001. Many of these products are reaching the end of their lives, and are being discontinued. However if you're a bargain hunter, you can probably find these models at deep discount.
2. Manufacturers are starting to push 'flat' screen displays. They're often based on the Sony Trinitron architecture, frequently at a lower cost (and probably quality). They claim flat screens reduce eyestrain, but I haven't noticed the difference.
3. LCD monitors are finally starting to come down in cost so much that they compete w/ higher end CRT monitors. The upside to LCD is space saving and no geometry problems. The downside to LCD is inflexible resolution changing, and fewer colors displayed.
The next step, armed with all this knowledge, was to go out to the stores and see the monitors in person. I learned a few things there too.
1. Many of the models manufacturers offer on-line are not sold in stores. Some are especially for business or graphics and are only available through corporate resellers. Often these resellers will sell direct to consumers, so when you call the manufacturer, make sure you find out where you can buy the model you're looking for.
2. Often, electronics superstores like BestBuy will have 10 different monitors hooked up to an old computer running a single video source. Ask to see the one you want hooked up to a computer you can play around with and adjust to your preference. Your eyes will always be the best judge of what you like and dislike.
3. If you can afford it, spend a little more $$$$ to get a monitor you really really like. Sites like epinions, c|net and mysimon.com offer a 'best price search' service that is helpful in tracking down the lowest cost. And remember to buy from a place that has a 'no questions asked' refund policy.
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Epinions.com ID:
alienbox
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Location: Verona, NJ
Reviews written: 10
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
One of the lightweights sleepin' in the basement.
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