Quick Question On Monitors

[Sailor Steve]

I'm looking at getting a new computer, and I'm pretty much settled on where I'm going with that. I do have question about monitors, though.

I've found some good deals on monitors, and I want to go as large as I can within my budget. I've found a couple of 23" widescreens for around $200 and a 24" for $300. However, my local Wal-Mart has a 32" widescreen TV for $300 as well.

Any reason not to go that route?

[Konovalov]

What graphics card do you have and what sort of games/sims do you run? You need to make sure that you have a graphics card which can cope with your screen's native resolution in the games you run. Not sure about the 32" tv but I'm sure someone can give some advise.

[Gerald]

I'm looking at getting a new computer, and I'm pretty much settled on where I'm going with that. I do have question about monitors, though.

I've found some good deals on monitors, and I want to go as large as I can within my budget. I've found a couple of 23" widescreens for around $200 and a 24" for $300. However, my local Wal-Mart has a 32" widescreen TV for $300 as well.

Any reason not to go that route? 23 "is a good size not too big, not too small :yep:

[Sailor Steve]

What graphics card do you have and what sort of games/sims do you run? You need to make sure that you have a graphics card which can cope with your screen's native resolution in the games you run. Not sure about the 32" tv but I'm sure someone can give some advise.
The new computer will have an ATI card, at the very least 5750, probably better. If I'm approved for credit I'll go ahead and get a 5800 series card.

[Gerald]

The new computer will have an ATI card, at the very least 5750, probably better. If I'm approved for credit I'll go ahead and get a 5800 series card. and you should get new so would you get Nvidia card, better performance, 32 "is okay to run as a monitor

[Jimbuna]

Most new TV's are pc compatable now Steve but check the specs before you buy and if your not sure, ask.

Thje article below may be of a little help to you.

http://www.howtodothings.com/electronics/a3543-how-to-use-your-tv-as-a-computer-monitor.html

Personally, I like the 22" widescreen myself....not too small and not too big.

This is my monitor (or a very close sister model).

http://uk.buy.com/pr/product.aspx?sku=212814104

[Sailor Steve]

and you should get new so would you get Nvidia card, better performance,
I've used both, and I'll take ATI every time, thanks.

[Sailor Steve]

@ Jim: Thanks for the link. At first the article had me worried, but then I looked at the TV again and while I'm not fully decided yet I'm thinking I'll probably go with the TV. Here's the one I'm looking at - it has a VGA input, so no problems with the connection:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Emerson-LC320EM1/14237649

[Arclight]

How far away will you be from the screen? That TV has pretty low resolution; ain't gonna look too pretty up close. :hmmm:

Also, these modern cards all have DVI connectors. You'll need a DVI-VGA adapter (comes with the videocard usually, at least all the ones I bought) to use the VGA connection on the TV, and find an "old" VGA cable somewhere.

[Jimbuna]

@ Jim: Thanks for the link. At first the article had me worried, but then I looked at the TV again and while I'm not fully decided yet I'm thinking I'll probably go with the TV. Here's the one I'm looking at - it has a VGA input, so no problems with the connection:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Emerson-LC320EM1/14237649

Careful Steve....I must agree with Arclight, the resolution is 'mid range' at best.

You should be looking for something around 1680 by 1050 pixels and better.

My monitor is 2 year old now and can go to 2048 by 1536....newer models usually go even higher.

Your going to be looking into the thing for long periods of time so give as much consideration as possible to your eyes.

Edit: I've just noticed the Display Menu Language is only in English, French and Spanish....no Amerukan :O:

[Sailor Steve]

How far away will you be from the screen? That TV has pretty low resolution; ain't gonna look too pretty up close. :hmmm:
Three to four feet - i.e. on the desk.

Also, these modern cards all have DVI connectors. You'll need a DVI-VGA adapter (comes with the videocard usually, at least all the ones I bought) to use the VGA connection on the TV, and find an "old" VGA cable somewhere.
Okay that's a new wrinkle. What about the HDMI connectors on the TV?

[Arclight]

HDMI should work, but can't tell you anything about it from first hand; I still use an old clunker with a VGA plug. :DL

Thing is, the cable is attached to it and like I mentioned all my cards came with DVI-VGA adapters. My worry is about finding a cable with a VGA connector on both ends, but I'm sure you can still track those down... at least, I would think so. Or just get a VGA-DVI cable, think those are around as well.

It's much the same for HDMI; either get a cable with DVI connector on one end and a DHMI connector on the other, or use a standard HDMI cable and a HDMI-DVI adapter at the videocard.

HDMI might give sligthly better picture. Bet the cable is more expensive though.



I don't want to push it, but: think about that resolution though; those TVs look fine with TV signal, but when you display computer graphics on them they quickly show the "big screen, low res" problem... try making a screenshot of a game at something like 1024x768 without any anti-aliasing enabled, and then zoom in to 200%. (assuming a 16" monitor, that gives a reasonable comparison, say 150% zoom for 20")

[Platapus]

If I'm approved for credit I'll go ahead and get a 5800 series card.

your business is your business but be careful with that.

[Jimbuna]

your business is your business but be careful with that.

You've got me curious now because I nearly got one last week but ended up with a 5750.

Are you aware of any problems? :hmmm:

[stoppro]

I have never had any luck using a tv for the computer.I t just didn't format right and it was a jvc hd My inc runs at 1900 by 1200 at 28inches and is much better and they are always on sale somewhere.

[Sailor Steve]

I don't want to push it, but: think about that resolution though; those TVs look fine with TV signal, but when you display computer graphics on them they quickly show the "big screen, low res" problem... try making a screenshot of a game at something like 1024x768 without any anti-aliasing enabled, and then zoom in to 200%. (assuming a 16" monitor, that gives a reasonable comparison, say 150% zoom for 20")
I have an old 19" CRT that works well but weighs four tons and takes up a huge amount of space. I loaded up some of the many shots I've taken, and at 200% I see what you mean. At 150% it's not so bad. I just keep remembering (and being envious of) people who've said they play using their huge big-screen TVs.

But I'll keep investigating before I make a decision - especially since I'll likely be watching all TV on it as well.

My inc runs at 1900 by 1200 at 28inches and is much better and they are always on sale somewhere.
How much on sale? $300 is pushing my limits.

[stoppro]

compusa has it for 249.00last time i looked

[Sailor Steve]

:o

WOW! I'll definitely be checking that one out! Thanks!

What does everyone else think?

[edit] I do see that most of the reviews mention one dead pixel, though one of them managed to fix it and several others did not have the problem.

[edit 2] After looking around I found the higher-rated Hanns-G 28" at NewEgg for $279. I'm getting excited.

[Arclight]

But I'll keep investigating before I make a decision
That's all I ever would dare ask; think about want you want and what you need. Too many people just make "ooh pretty colours" decisions when it comes to electronics. ;)


The fact you're planning to use it as TV as well actually makes a very good argument for getting a TV instead of just monitor. Monitors don't have the additional functions a TV offers.

Tricky nowadays with the overlap in functionality.

[Sailor Steve]

The fact you're planning to use it as TV as well actually makes a very good argument for getting a TV instead of just monitor. Monitors don't have the additional functions a TV offers.
I guess I wasn't clear enough on that. It's just the opposite. I don't watch TV except for favorites, which I buy or borrow on DVD. I'm currently watching Stargate via HULU, so the monitor side is the more important part. The 32" TV really was "Ooooh, pretty!", which is why I started asking questions first.

28" isn't all that much smaller, and the Hanns-G looks like the right one for the right price, so that's my current plan. :sunny:

[stoppro]

Yes I got my inc at tiger direct 2years ago when they had them in the store,the price was so good. I was suspect so i made them plug it in before I bought it. turned out all right. playing shv on it right now.I want another hanns or inc but they have to be ordered on line. I like to test them first if I can.but the hann has three year warrenty so I will prob get another this weeksince I saw the same ad you did.I never would have checked if you hadn't mentioned it.

[Sailor Steve]

:rock: WOOHOO! I'm worth something after all!

I agree, the online problem is a pain, but what else can you do? None of the stores in my area have anything comparable.

I recently bought a memory upgrade for my old computer through NewEgg. One of the sticks was bad, but they were very good about getting me a new set within a few days, so I have no complaints about them or their service.

Oh, and the deed is done - I placed my order. Thanks for your help.

And thanks to everybody else! At the risk of repeating myself... :rock:

[Reece]

Do consider the aspect ratio Steve!:hmmm: Mine is 16:10 and have problems with things like the wide screen mod in SH3, the images are squashed on the sides, this can be overcome with nvidia cards I believe but not with ATI cards, the widescreen mod is centered around 16:9 ratio monitors. Mine is a 24" wide monitor (Samsung 2433BW), great monitor other than the above problem.:yep:

[Sailor Steve]

Too late now. :D

Considering that the ultimate goal is to play SH5, I'm not too worried. And I still have my square 19" CRT.

[Jimbuna]

Pleased your sorted :sunny:

Anyone got a link to the piece of kit decided upon?

[Arclight]

This one? :hmmm:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254043&Tpk=hanns%20g%2028%22

[Jimbuna]

This one? :hmmm:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254043&Tpk=hanns%20g%2028%22

Cheers :up:

Nice looker and specs are pretty good....only question mark would be the basic function, not being able to wake from sleep? :hmmm:

You go for it Steve :sunny:

I doubt she'll be sleeping much in your hands :DL

[Arclight]

I'd like to point out I'm not sure it's that one, hence the question mark. :D


At any rate, I hope it'll be to your liking. :yep:

[Platapus]

You've got me curious now because I nearly got one last week but ended up with a 5750.

Are you aware of any problems? :hmmm:

My comment was not about the specific monitor, but using credit to "afford" a more expensive monitor. That is a common trap that can be financially risky.

[Jimbuna]

I'd like to point out I'm not sure it's that one, hence the question mark. :D


At any rate, I hope it'll be to your liking. :yep:

Well thanks for that :damn:

:03:

[Jimbuna]

My comment was not about the specific monitor, but using credit to "afford" a more expensive monitor. That is a common trap that can be financially risky.

Ah, right....rgr that :yep:

[Sailor Steve]

I'd like to point out I'm not sure it's that one, hence the question mark. :D


At any rate, I hope it'll be to your liking. :yep:
Actually it's this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254052

[Arclight]

Good resolution and seems to come with the cables you need. :up:

[THE_MASK]

Because its for pc games also you want black colors too look black (at night) not washed out grey so go for a led backlit screen . I have an LG W2486L-PFV . 24" is ideal size . If you use an hdmi make sure it is a good (expensive one) as cheap ones can heat up and be trouble . A dvi connector is all you need . I use a tv card and i can give you a list of my components which i built the computer myself .

[Jimbuna]

Actually it's this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254052


Looks cool Steve...enjoy :sunny:

[stoppro]

steve.got my hanns-g today works perfect- yours show up yet?

[Sailor Steve]

steve.got my hanns-g today works perfect- yours show up yet?
:damn: No! I hate you! :stare:
:rotfl2:

When I ordered stuff from NewEgg before I used my Post Office box. This was too big, so I told them to send it to my apartment. What they sent instead was an email saying that the bank requires the billing and shipping address to match. So I went online and changed the billing address at the bank's website, and notified NewEgg. I haven't even got a confirmation back yet. They may have shipped it yesterday, and I may get it by Friday, but who knows?

[stoppro]

yes that is the problem with PO boxes nobody wants to send anything to them,But it s worth the wait. I'm playing shv and it looks better than my inc so now the inc is on the xp machine.
.

[Arclight]

They may have shipped it yesterday, and I may get it by Friday, but who knows?
Pfft. Ordered something yesterday, 24th. It's scheduled to arrive 27th next month. :doh:

[Sailor Steve]

Just got the confirmation. Should be here by Saturday at the latest.

Pfft. Ordered something yesterday, 24th. It's scheduled to arrive 27th next month. :doh:
That happened to me. A company had a speaker cabinet I wanted, discounted to 1/4 the asking price because they're discontinued. I was told it would ship November 5. When I called their customer service the rep was as confused as I was, since they only had one left and wanted to get it out of the warehouse now. When he said "one", I went back and checked my order. Sure enough, I had tried to order two. I changed the order to one and it shipped immediately.

Anyway, my first ever widescreen LCD monitor should arrive in a very short time.

[Jimbuna]

I'll be around yours soon to watch Das Boot on it :DL:sunny:

[FIREWALL]

Here's a cheap way to turn your monitor into a TV. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116028

I've found them as cheap as $39.99 on up and external usb tv tuner with antenna included. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3296077&CatId=4546

[Sailor Steve]

I have a TV in my room. Since I got my computer set up I haven't turned it on once.

[Gerald]

I have a TV in my room. Since I got my computer set up I haven't turned it on once. I had been able to send a free five-hour usage

[Sailor Steve]

I had been able to send a free five-hour usage
I have no idea what that means.

[Gerald]

I have no idea what that means. more clearer so I can not be.....but I have learned to be too generous at the same time through the years,so take it or leave it!

[Sailor Steve]

Well, it finally came today. I was following the UPS tracking online, and it arrived here in Salt Lake City early early Saturday morning. But they don't deliver on Saturdays unless you pay a lot extra, so it sat in a warehouse for two days.

But it's here now, and set up, and it's...big. Not dominate-the-entire-room big, but very much bigger than my old one. And it's so close I can reach out and touch it, which makes it seem even bigger.

And it's widescreen, which I've never had before. And it's big. I actually have to look around to see all of it.

Did I mentione it's big?

[frau kaleun]

Did I mentione it's big?

*rolls eyes*

Size isn't everything. :O:

Seriously, though - I remember when I got my first big flatpanel. Not a widescreen but, oh my. Every time I'd come home from my puny little monitor at work and look at it, I'd think it was the best money I ever spent.

Of course when it finally died and I priced the one I have now, I wept bitter tears for all that money. But I did so love that monitor.

[stoppro]

finally now you're all set! enjoy

[Sailor Steve]

Except for the part where I still can't play SH3. But that's in the works. :D

[Jimbuna]

Well, it finally came today. I was following the UPS tracking online, and it arrived here in Salt Lake City early early Saturday morning. But they don't deliver on Saturdays unless you pay a lot extra, so it sat in a warehouse for two days.

But it's here now, and set up, and it's...big. Not dominate-the-entire-room big, but very much bigger than my old one. And it's so close I can reach out and touch it, which makes it seem even bigger.

And it's widescreen, which I've never had before. And it's big. I actually have to look around to see all of it.

Did I mentione it's big?

SINK EM ALL my friend...SINK EM ALL :sunny:

[Aktungbby]

David Ferguson!:Kaleun_Salute:

[Jimbuna]

David Ferguson!:Kaleun_Salute:

Looks like another SPAMMER having a laugh at your expense!