Budget Monitor Reqd!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rob.Richards
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Rob.Richards

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I am having a custom build PC and looking for a monitor with it (will be running off seperate graphics card and calibrated).

There is a lot of talk about panel types PVA-IPS etc and I know that the Dell ultrasharp 2209wa is pretty good and the samsung f2380 should be ok too, however I am really trying to trim the budget so has anyone got any ideas?

What are you using and are you getting good print/consistency etc
in this price range?

Budget really <£200 but as said will be calibrated...
 
I'd stretch the budget to an IPS panel (I believe you can get refurbed 2209WAs on e-bay). It isn't the calibration that's the problem with the cheaper panels but the colour range and bit depth. No amount of calibration will get you over that.
 
This link is for the people who sell the refurb 2209's on eBay. Current price is £175 with free delivery. I ordered mine and got it next day. Could not tell the difference from a new one - all original packaging etc. I doubt you'll do better for under £200.
 
Thanks for that. LemmingLover you mention you bought one - how long ago, have you had any issues or reason to deal with the trader since re the monitor. I see they have been running since 07 and have 100% feedback, I am just a bit nervous about a one year warranty and buying off ebay - had a few dodgy items so stopped using it...
 
It was around August if I recall and yes, I did have cause to contact them after delivery because the unit they shipped had a few dead pixels. I called them straight away expecting one of those "what do you expect for £170 arguements" but was most pleased with their reaction. They were most suprised it had got past their quality testing proceedures (to be fair they were not immediately obvious), promised to ship out a replacement that day and also collect the other one. The new one arrived the next day, old one was taken away and they even called me to ensure all was fine. All I had to do was put it back in the box. Very, very impressed - especially for the price paid.
 
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Sounds good. I always think a measure of a business is how well it resolves issues rather than flogs the product!

Really dense question how do I check for dead pixels?
 
they should be noticable on different colour backgrounds..

for example on my plasma tv i have a stuck pixel which shows up as bright red on a dark background. on a light background though it disapears.
 
Cheers Neil, out of interest, how long have you had yours?
 
Stricly, there are differences between stuck and dead pixels.
And there are differences as to how items are warrantied for them (and the voluntary code of practice signed up for), as to how many are required within what surface area for an item to pass or fail.

For a dead pixel, it will never light under any cirucmstance. One way to find it, is to have a white screen, and see whether there are any black dots (not to be confused with lightning bugs, these dots don't move :) but are just as anoying.) Usually these cannot be repaired.

Stuck pixels, will show up one or two colours only, when you cycle the screen through red/green/blue. Depending on the problem/cause, these can occasionally (reportadly, not seen it myself) be fixed by running some flicker tests on the screen.

Usually stuck pixels are considered a higher warranty replacement than a dead pixel (as a bright red on a black background is more noticable than a black [dead] on a red background)
 
I notice from their warranty (below) min of 6 dead pixels to have it fixed is this standard - does anyone know?!?!

This monitor comes with a 1 year limited warranty from ourselves.

Please note this warranty is not from Dell.

The warranty only covers failures or malfunctions occurring during the warranty period and in normal use conditions, as well as for any material or workmanship defect. The warranty will not apply if:

a. the product has been tampered with, repaired and/or modified by non-authorized personnel;

b. the serial number of the item, component or accessory has been altered, cancelled or removed;

c. the warranty seals have been broken or altered;

d. there is damage caused by accident, natural disaster, intentional or accidental misuse, abuse, neglect or improper maintenance, or use under abnormal conditions;

The Buyer is responsible for all return shipping charges. The Item must be returned in the same cosmetic and well packaged condition as sold. We recommend that the Item is returned on a tracked and insured service, as lost or damaged returns will not be actioned. A Repair, Replacement or Refund will be will be carried out (in that order) once your item has been tested and confirmed faulty. As per standard practice, we will accept return of a monitor with 6 or more dead/stuck/bright pixels within the warranty period.
 
I'd definitely also consider the HP ZR22w if you are after a decent budget IPS screen - it is priced about the same as the Dell 2209wa but has a better resolution 1920x1080 vs 1680x1050.

I've been using one for about 8 months and would find it difficult to fault, and I'm so glad I did not cut corners by going with a TN screen instead!

PS Have not noticed any dead pixels fortunately!
 
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neil_g said:
a lot of manufactures have clauses in for dead pixels like that. "due to the nature of the panel"
Click to expand...

There is such a thing as the Dell 0 dead pixel policy though.
(which doesn't apply in this case as the warranty with Dell is cancelled)
 
Hi would I be able to run the 2209WA from my laptop ie is it a USB connection
I realise it will have a powersupply for mains
Pete
 
LCPete said:
Hi would I be able to run the 2209WA from my laptop ie is it a USB connection
I realise it will have a powersupply for mains
Pete
Click to expand...

You would need to run it from the laptop's vga output rather than usb. Some laptops have a digital video output, and I'd imagine that running a decent screen from an analogue output will never be ideal!
 
Thanks Adrian :)
in the longer term will be getting a new desktop or laptop anyway as mine struggles a bit with the larger files from the 550D
so will getone with a digital output
pete
 
Definitely get a desktop unless you absolutely need the portability of a laptop. I moved from laptop to desktop about 6 months ago and could never go back to a laptop unless I absolutely had to.
 
boliston said:
Definitely get a desktop unless you absolutely need the portability of a laptop. I moved from laptop to desktop about 6 months ago and could never go back to a laptop unless I absolutely had to.
Click to expand...

OK thanks :) I guess can get a better spec for same money
Will have space for a desktop soon am getting a desk for the spare room:)
pete
 
Just ordered the 2209WA screen, cant wait too see my pictures on a big screen !
pete
 
LCPete said:
OK thanks :) I guess can get a better spec for same money
Will have space for a desktop soon am getting a desk for the spare room:)
pete
Click to expand...

I have my 21.5" IPS screen set up on my glass topped coffee table in front of my comfortable leather sofa in the living room as there is no way I want to sit at a desk when I've spent all day at a desk at work. (The base unit sits at the side of the coffee table on the floor).

I like to have my feet up as much as possible too - not so easy while sitting at a desk. :p
 
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