Thinking of buying an LCD... - Tech Support Forums

eagle1 · July 16th, 2008, 08:12 PM

Hello guys.

I'm looking to buy an LCD monitor and was wondering if the following was any good:

Newegg.com - Acer X193W+BD Black 19" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 2000:1 (ACM) - LCD Monitors

I believe the price is right but I'm not sure... I checked for:

low response time (5ms)
Display Colors (16.7 Million)
etc.

It seems to have both inputs (VGA and DVI), supports HDCP, it's a 19 incher and has a good warranty (3 years).

What do you think?
Should I buy?

Thanks.

JPMiller · July 16th, 2008, 08:23 PM

Heres how I see it..
There are really only a handfull of actual monitor screen manufacturers.
These are then sold to many companies who brand them.
There are very few, truly poor LCDs out there currently

While it may matter more to extreme gamers, or videophiles, or "entertainment" enthusiasts...
the average user is just fine getting the largest LCD they can afford, without over worrying about paper specs, and brands that are often over stated and unregulated.

Acer in my opinion uses good screens and makes good components, and that looks like a really good deal overall.

**RicheemxX** · July 16th, 2008, 08:28 PM

I'm starring at one right now. I got mine when they had them at BB for $120, I have no real comparison point as its my first LCD, but I like it. Actually wish I had gotten two.

nemowolf · July 16th, 2008, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPMiller

Heres how I see it..
There are really only a handfull of actual monitor screen manufacturers.
These are then sold to many companies who brand them.
There are very few, truly poor LCDs out there currently

While it may matter more to extreme gamers, or videophiles, or "entertainment" enthusiasts...
the average user is just fine getting the largest LCD they can afford, without over worrying about paper specs, and brands that are often over stated and unregulated.

Acer in my opinion uses good screens and makes good components, and that looks like a really good deal overall.

JP has it completely correct, many companies like Sylvania, insignia, and Westinghouse buy older LCD panels that were never put into production from other manufacturers. Companies like ACER buy them straight from the manufacturer, typically this means your getting newer and better quality LCDs. There isnt much of a difference if your surfing but if your looking at high res photos, watching DVD's, or gaming for instance ... You will notice.

Factors like brightness and contrast come into play in many ways as well. Small differences are much harder to see then larger differences but there are many buying guides online, just google em.

Personally, I have a Dell Ultrasharp and a regular Dell Monitor and notice a big difference in the viewing angle, brightness, and overall quality of picture. The Ultrasharp is worth every penny more. As with many big purchases, think of this as a car, mattress, or other long term investment. Dont sell yourself short, your eyes will thank you for it in the end.

eagle1 · July 17th, 2008, 11:28 AM

Thanks for your opinion guys!
I will probably check locally first (since shipping to Puerto Rico is quite expensive...) and then if I can't find anything I'll just order this. Anyway, the 17' CRT I'm using is dying (it seems the tube is dirty!) so anything will be a step up

Thanks.

etnietering · July 17th, 2008, 11:46 AM

I have two Acer 20" widescreens, that I absolutely love! Mine are from a different product line (they have speakers in them, and some other stuff), but they work great and I haven't had any problems with them. I bring one of them over to my buddies house to play Guild Wars all the time and it's ncie and portable and can deal with getting transported all the time.
My friend has the 22" version of that monitor, and he is very happy with his as well.

I upgraded from 2 19" CRTs, so I know what ya mean....

nemowolf · July 17th, 2008, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by etnietering

I upgraded from 2 19" CRTs, so I know what ya mean....

I originally had three CRTs, two 21" and a 19". My desk developed a very unnatural bow from the weight. Not only that but after i switched I dropped my electrical bill by about 15-20 bucks.

eagle1 · July 18th, 2008, 10:37 PM

Well... I tried to buy that Acer but after checking shipping options it brought the total up to $223.00 ...

So I just went to Sams Club and picked up:

ViewSonic: LCD Monitor, LCD Monitors, LCD Display, LCD Displays from Viewsonic

It looks good and seems to be what I'm looking for.
I'll see its performance when I get home on Sunday!

(BTW, I wasn't aware that I have used that Acer monitor before!!! hehehe My parent
s PC has it.!!! ooopssss. It looks quite good... too bad for the shipping..)

Thanks.

Rootstonian · July 19th, 2008, 07:51 AM

Viewsonic is an excellent brand. My work LCD is a 19" Viewsonic and it's been strong for the last 4 years with no noticeable loss of color or brightness.

Good choice and enjoy!

eagle1 · July 19th, 2008, 01:16 PM

aarrghh,,, ... it seems this one is not HDCP compliant (I can't find anywhere on the Viewsonic's web site so it's probably not compliant) so I will not be connecting my PS3 here!

Anyway... still have my trusty Plasma so not a big deal..
Just a heads-up if someone was looking at this LCD to connect their consoles...

I have to say though, that it looks good! (currently using it for testing purposes!

)