Help buying a flatscreen monitor

[KnowTheToe]

I am looking to purchase a flatscreen monitor. I want to be smart with my money and don't need it for high end gaming, but at the same time I don't want a piece of junk. I would like a 17" monitor and want to spend around $350.

I have gone to http://www.Pricewatch.com and have seen several different models but do not know anything about them. Anyone have any suggestions or warnings about certain models.

 

[jdavis]

There is a big difference between flat screen and flat panel, a flat screen is just a monitor with a flat screen, a flat panel is the thin ones. I've known of people who have made that mistake before when buying off the internet. Research before you buy (not all monitors are created equal). Some articles to start with:

Tom's Hardware articles
Feb 2003
http://www6.tomshardware.com/display/20030221/index.html

Dec 2002
http://www6.tomshardware.com/display/20021211/index.html

July 2002
http://www6.tomshardware.com/display/20020709/index.html

April 2002
http://www6.tomshardware.com/display/20020429/index.html

PC magazine reviews
http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,4148,6,00.asp

Pricegrabber comparisons
http://osdn.pricegrabber.com/search_attrib.php/page_id=37/ut=c7ae001cf761dd72

 

[KnowTheToe]

Thanks for the articals, I also remembered ZDnet for reviews.

 

[jdavis]

No problem

 

[Hand of Evil]

You can also find reviews at www.cnet.com

While a flat monitor is neat some flat screens are cheaper and provide greater viewing area. I know I am very pleased with my Mitsubishi DiamondPoint, sure it has some bulk but clear, very sharp and twice the screen size.

 

[jdavis]

I have a 21 inch Nokia monitor(and a 15 inch Sony flat screen from when I had a two monitor set up). and I am real content, I only paid $250 (with shipping) for it. It is heavy and bulky but a 21 inch flat panel monitor is more than $1000. Flat Panel monitors are the future but I went with viewing size for the money. One day I hope to have the money to upgrade to Flat Panel but I don't want to give up on screen size so I'll have to wait for the prices to come down.

 

[neg]

If you are looking at flat panel, I would recommend a ViewSonic. All they build are monitors and thus are commited to excellence.

I splurged and got a 19" and it is a beatiful thing. But I know they make smaller monitors with the same clarity and quality. Just my $.02.

-neg