So i was goin to get a 22" CRT and be like wooot 1600x1200 all day.

But then i started looking into LCDs and noticed the price has dropped about in half of what it was last time i looked. Seems like you can get a 19" LCD for like $200. These seems great, but they all seem to be 1280x1024. Is that what gamers run these days? I think i'd prefer something higher, but maybe w/ FSAA 1280x is 'standard' now?

Also how is the response time on these cheaper LCDs? They claim 2-4ms, etc which sounds good, but is it an inflated spec?

Also, how is widescreen supported? I assume i need to find out if my game and other software supports a widescreen res right?

75% of the time the monitor will be used for 'regular' app stuff, but i do play racing simulators a bit and watch TV and movies on it a long. TV/movies is my primary reason for getting somethin bigger than my current 19" CRT. Widescreen would be real nice for DVDs

10/18/2006 1:47:12 PM

check out the display subforum at http://www.hardforums.com

10/18/2006 1:53:21 PM

from what I've read (and by all means feel free to correct me if I'm wrong), the 2-5ms response times are generally for grey to grey...I've come across 2ms monitors that, when the fine print is read, are actually 15ms white to black response times

if there are cases where there are very low white to black response times, please fill me in - I'm thinking of getting a monitor to run the games that just don't work right on my DLP

10/18/2006 2:48:05 PM

go head and get an LCD. The only advantage CRT's have these days over run-of-the-mill LCD's is color accuracy and reproduction.

10/18/2006 3:15:22 PM

i just got a 2007WFP (1680x1050) and it kicks much ass

10/18/2006 3:33:46 PM

fwiw, i'm currently using the samsung 204b black 20.1" 1600x1200 ... it has wonderful brightness, contrast and sharpness, i'll let you look for yourself (links below) at the technical data if you're interested. the only spec that is less than usual is the viewing range at only 160 degrees vs typical 175-178. it's such a non-issue in reality, that it almost isn't even worth mentioning as a negative.

currently it's selling for $350 w/ $60 mir, comes out to $290 and free shipping right now through zipzoomfly. i got it from newegg when it was free from them. posting both links since newegg has the reviews.

btw when i was researching this screen, i noticed on newegg that a small but vocal minority supposedly have varied issues with theirs and it initially made me hesitant ... but i decided to give samsung the benefit of the doubt as they are typically really good. that said, i'm glad i did because mine has been top notch since i got it 2 months ago. but it's up to you.

"SAMSUNG 204B-BK Black 20.1" 5ms DVI LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 800:1"
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16824001226
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=232479

10/18/2006 3:43:08 PM