Monitor questions

[Baddass]

Hi Haly. As said above, WS would be a good choice for use with the Xbox since all the games are made for WS format. DVI is just a pure digital connection so in theory can help provide a sharper image and improve image quality. VGA is a conversion to analogue and so can potentially lead to some degradation in IQ. In pratice, this really varies from one panel to another and is also dependent on graphics card VGA output quality. Modern screens with VGA tend to be pretty decent anyway, and a lot of the time it's hard to seperate their image clarity from a DVI connected screen. Some screens do suffer some a slight loss in PQ though, so that's why a lot of people opt for DVI. Bare in mind a lot of modern GFX cards also opt for DVI only, so there's an element of future proofing to consider I guess.

My thoughts on the models posted:

OcUK Digimate L1531W 15.4" Widescreen LCD Monitor - £88, only 15"WS so not as big as some of the other models you listed, but probably the best of the bunch in terms of spec and likely performance. OcUK do tend to stock a decent monitor range, so this is probably a safe bet. All the models you've listed are TN Film technology (to cover Daz's point) so performance characteristics will be comparable really. This is a 12ms rated panel so should be adequate for gaming, esp if you dont have any issues with your current screen.

Vusys WIDESCREEN HD14W 14.1" - £70, a bit too small imo, 14"WS is prob a bit too small vertically I'd say. Old school spec too so panel is probably not nearly as recent as that on the OcUK model

Ebuyer Extra Value 17" - £99, by the look of the spec, a slightly more recent panel and the later generations of TN Film offer some pretty good improvements in terms of colour accuracy, black depth, viewing angles etc compared with the older generations. This is why i'd suggest looking at models like this and the OCuk rather than the other Ebuyer one above.

17" Yuraku MJ7C TFT Monitor - £91, same here really, newer generation and a bit better spec. sadly only a 5:4 format screen though, WS might be better


I know you were limiting to <£100, but just to open it up a bit as an idea there's a couple of very nice, and very new 19"WS models which might be worth considering. The 17" and below range are quite old models, not something which has really been developed in recent years. However, the 19"WS market has really only taken off in the last year or so, with a lot of development in new generation TN Film panels, decent specs and decent build qualities from the models offered. These would offer improved performance, so if you did want to push the budget a bit, there would be worth a look, all from OcUK:

Asus VW192S - £135
Belinea 1925S1W - £132


Might be worth a look if you can stretch a little. If not, I'd say the OcUK one you pointed out if the best of the bunch above if you want WS (which would make sense)

[Haly]

Thanks for the advice Si
The OcUK Digitmate one is looking like a winner at the moment especially with the lack of postage costs.
The more expensive models you posted do look tempting but I'll have to see what the weekend brings regarding money :undecided:
There's still a slim chance that I can't even afford any of them, so have to see.
*crosses fingers that some people go ebay crazy at the weekend and bid lots*

[Baddass]

no worries Jen, just putting a few ideas forward in case Hope the ebay bidding goes well at the weekend. Give me a shout if you need any advice at all too.

[Haly]

Thanks

[Mark]

Yup, lots of sensible advice there. Like most things computerish, the best advice is to go for the best you possibly can at the time to avoid regrets later, but don't overstretch yourself in doing so.

[Daz]

I think stretching or waiting to afford those 19" panels is probably the best idea you know. 15" is below par these days.

Dont forget that you can keep some cash from the sales of the stuff you're baying for me (when I remember to send them ) which might help

[Haly]

You lot realise how impatient I am right?
Also it's driving me insane already being back with one monitor :undecided:

Just have to see what tomorrow night brings re the ebaying. At least I've managed to get my food bill down to £10 this week and still eat well
And hurry up and post that stuff Daz

[Mark]

In a lot of computer hardware cases, patience doesn't help much. In this case it does.

However, if you're struggling to find money to eat, then that comes before monitors no matter how frustrated you may be with only having one.

Only wish I could practice what I preach.

[Haly]

As the 19"s are on This Week Only it's not actually a matter of patience now :undecided:
Just have to see after tomorrow.

[Baddass]

Originally Posted by Mark

However, if you're struggling to find money to eat, then that comes before monitors no matter how frustrated you may be with only having one

food before monitors?!?!