LCD Monitor.

[Digital Limit]

I've been looking around for an LCD monitor to buy for a cheap price, roughly 300$. As such, it was no surpise that I ended up deciding on the Samsung Syncmaster 915n on Newegg, as after rebate it's only about 300$. And yet, this proposes two issues as I've been reading around: the first issue is that many people have noted that I'll need DVI for whatever reason. Anyone have any insight on the use of DVI and if it will concern me? The other issue surround the rebate itself, as I've read that sometimes people simply don't recieve their checks - does anyone have experience with this as well?

Thanks in advance for any help... hopefully I don't have to change LCDs.

[iplayguitar]

with coupons, you can get the dell 2005fpw for $400ish.

[Digital Limit]

There are three problems with that:

1) I don't want a widescreen monitor.
2) I lack these coupons you speak of.
3) I'd hate to have to work through Dell, if I don't have to.

[Digital Limit]

Bumpzor.

So, is digital really that much better? Can I even use it with my 9800 Pro?

Tell me now!

[dimsum411]

http://img18.exs.cx/img18/8069/img01933wf9uw.jpg
http://img18.exs.cx/img18/2651/img01945ko7hu.jpg
Though its kind of hard to tell in this pic, the color saturation difference is definately noticeable. Also, lines and objects are more defined when using dvi (not by much) => less eyestrain.

[Digital Limit]

So, can I use DVI with my videocard, or is it only the newest cards that support it? If I really need DVI for the most satisfying experience, I might just go with the Samsung LCD 204T or the Dell 2001fp. Damn, I wish I could register at Hardforum for some better answers.

[dimsum411]

So, can I use DVI with my videocard...

duh! The white video output is DVI, thats nothing new, to my knowledge all 9800 pro's support DVI

[Digital Limit]

Hey, it'd be nice if some of you would have just as boring a Saturday as me, so I could get some more answers :)

[Hobbes874]

My 9800 pro had a DVI........Unless you got teh poop version.

[Digital Limit]

Hrm. What does my CRT use? Analog? I'd imagine it does, but imagining isn't getting me anywhere. Overall, I'm just wondering if you all think it's a necessity that I get a DVI-capable LCD. Is it possible to upgrade to DVI later without buying a completely new LCD? I might end up buying a second monitor and go akimbo at some point, so I could just buy this now and worry about getting a high quality flat panel when I'm off to college. I think that's what I'll do - this whole DVI nonsense is hindering my new-monitor-giddiness.

Samsung 915n it is.

[Chimera[NL]]

DVI = white and a lot of small little pins.
Analog = blue with like 12 pins.

[Digital Limit]

Yup, I'm using analog and have DVI capabilities.

[Hobbes874]

Yeah, make sure you get an LCD with DVI and analog just so you can switch between the two if needed.

[Digital Limit]

Sadly, I can't find an affordable gaming LCD with that feature. I'll look for it in the future, though. I'll manage with the less-capable one for now.

[Pocket_jocket]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824005047

try this one on for size 8ms 17' and DVI for around 280 with shipping and it looks pretty good imo

[Digital Limit]

Meh, I'd prefer to get a 19" if I can, and I can. That, and I would prefer to stay away from rebates if at all possible.

I ordered all of my shit. It's exactly as listed in my overhaul thread. Mmm, I'm excited. Now all I need is some decent internal shit for my computer, and it'll all have been worth it.

[Phobo]

GEt DVI assmunch

[FATMAN]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824005047

try this one on for size 8ms 17' and DVI for around 280 with shipping and it looks pretty good imo

it has crappy brightness. would go for something with 300+ brightness and also 300+ contrast. Lets not forget 8ms and DVI too :D

check out this monitor, but its 17"

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824009049

[Chimera[NL]]

It's so funny to see people struggle and scour the intarweb for a decent LCD while a perfect CRT can be bought for the same price or less. Face it people, CRT > LCD.

[/fanboyism]

[FATMAN]

']It's so funny to see people struggle and scour the intarweb for a decent LCD while a perfect CRT can be bought for the same price or less. Face it people, CRT > LCD.

[/fanboyism]

well I always prefer a CRT, but being the situation that i'm in (I have a tiny little room) I really need the space. Since LCD's are getting better and better(well not prefect) they are a good option to go for :)

and yes , CRT > LCD :p

[Pocket_jocket]

I just got a new LCD monitor with a DVI input and when i have the dvi connected to my video card and monitor, when i turn the monitor on it says no signal input

[Digital Limit]

I'm not sure about CRT > LCD. My LCD is far better than any CRT I've seen. It is crystal clear and far more manageable. On top of that, it only cost me 300$. I looked for a CRT of the same quality that was far cheaper than 300$, and I couldn't find anything near that, especially given the inflated shipping costs. I'm over CRTs, and you should be too :)

[Chimera[NL]]

I'm not sure about CRT > LCD. My LCD is far better than any CRT I've seen. It is crystal clear and far more manageable. On top of that, it only cost me 300$. I looked for a CRT of the same quality that was far cheaper than 300$, and I couldn't find anything near that, especially given the inflated shipping costs. I'm over CRTs, and you should be too :)

Believe it sonny. The response time alone is enough to call a CRT teh winnar. Add to that that you can change to ANY resolution you want without having to think "mm why is this image so fucked? Oh it's not running native resolution" and I think it's becoming clear why CRTs > LCDs. Crystal clear image on a LCD? And you hadn't seen that on a CRT? What have you been comparing? An new LCD and a 10" crt from 1987? CRT is far better in getting a good sharp image. Black really IS black and the other colors are handled a lot better. Why do you think professionals are still using CRT?

[Digital Limit]

True, being able to switch resolutions is indeed a nice feature. Actually, I miss that.

*cries*

[Hobbes874]

']Believe it sonny. The response time alone is enough to call a CRT teh winnar.
I can't see ANY FUCKING difference between my LCD and the nice Sony 19" CRT I had. Sure, spec-wise the CRT is faster for obvious reasons, but if you can't see a difference then why does it matter? As for color, most of the CRT's I've ever used have had problems with photo editing, expecially at work, but once I looked at an image on an LCD I was able to see a bunch of different imperfections that didn't show up on the CRT. Get with the times grandpa!

[Digital Limit]

Agreed, sir.

(talk about a constructive post)

[Chimera[NL]]

I can't see ANY FUCKING difference between my LCD and the nice Sony 19" CRT I had. Sure, spec-wise the CRT is faster for obvious reasons, but if you can't see a difference then why does it matter? As for color, most of the CRT's I've ever used have had problems with photo editing, expecially at work, but once I looked at an image on an LCD I was able to see a bunch of different imperfections that didn't show up on the CRT. Get with the times grandpa!

Ehm just because you can't see it doesn't mean it's not there. About the color thing, you're either color blind or you were looking at one hell of a shitty monitor cause no way in hell that an LCD has better colors than a CRT. Get with the times? My CRT pwns all your puny little LCDs out there. 1600x1200@85 Hrtz. Beat that with an LCD, junior.

[FATMAN]

:eek: ']Ehm just because you can't see it doesn't mean it's not there. About the color thing, you're either color blind or you were looking at one hell of a shitty monitor cause no way in hell that an LCD has better colors than a CRT. Get with the times? My CRT pwns all your puny little LCDs out there. 1600x1200@85 Hrtz. Beat that with an LCD, junior.


well thats useless unless u have a good video card :p

and now your favourite smiley :eek: :eek: :eek:

[Hobbes874]

']Ehm just because you can't see it doesn't mean it's not there. About the color thing, you're either color blind or you were looking at one hell of a shitty monitor cause no way in hell that an LCD has better colors than a CRT. Get with the times? My CRT pwns all your puny little LCDs out there. 1600x1200@85 Hrtz. Beat that with an LCD, junior.
I never said the response lag didn't exist foool! I hope I'm not color blind, my azn eyes pwn j00. And can you run all your games at that res?!

[timmah]

I just picked up my first LCD monitor today. Because it's replacing an old CRT that isn't even a flatscreen, I'm wondering if there's any optimal settings to use for the monitor as far as colors, brightness, etc go.

Is there a typical setting to use? I know on CRT's the optimal way to do things was to crank the contrast and lower the brightness as much as possible so that you could save the tube longer, but is there anything to be mindful of in an LCD style monitor?

Thanks guys.

[Hobbes874]

If your LCD had DVI then it should just adjust itself, if not then you'll just have to tweak it to your personal settings.

[timmah]

Thanks Hobbes :)

[Digital Limit]

Mine is analog and it adjusts itself. DVi is not related to the adjusting.

[Chimera[NL]]

I never said the response lag didn't exist foool! I hope I'm not color blind, my azn eyes pwn j00. And can you run all your games at that res?!

Yeah. Only without gizmos like AA and AF. I've only got 512 MB mem :(