Which would you reccommend???

[ZeroSplice]

(typo in subject, my bad =P
Which of the ffg 19" LCD's would you recommend. I plan to use it primarily (and in order of preference):
- Watching videos
- Internet Browsing
- Multi Tasks
- Playing Games

I plan for a widescreen. But I'm not sure which one to take:

http://www.benq.com/products/LCD/?product=780&page=specifications

http://www.acer.co.za/acereuro/page4.do?sp=page3&dau22.oid=14401&UserCtxParam=0&GroupCtxParam=0&dctx1=23&CountryISOCtxParam=ZA&LanguageISOCtxParam=en&crc=1260322522

 

[xenithon]

BenQ without a doubt. In terms of specs the 700:1 contrast ratio (as opposed to 500:1) is better, other than that they are very similar. The main dealbreaker is the fact that the BenQ has DVI input which IMO is mandatory for an LCD screen. Of course, best bet is, if possible, to try compare them in person.

PS. are those the only 2 options?

 

[Nokkie]

wide screen is not good for games its only good for games when you have atleast 3 of them... i suggest a normal hp, philips or lg 19"LDC it works the best for little bit more money you could get a 21" lcd it's worth it

 

[ZeroSplice]

I'm unaware of DVI, but I assume that means Digital Video Input. correct? What is that anyway?

I've heard widescreens are really good for games. So is there some kind of inhibiting factor in widescreens that I am perhaps unaware of.

Also the Benq seems better, but it's the first time I've heard of a 5ms response time.

And yes these are the only two options I have for now.

 

[xenithon]

Response time is dodgy - you do not know if it is best, worst, average, TfTr, GTG etc. Best bet is to check it out for yourself.

DVI in digital input. Getting an LCD and using analogue input is a contradiction in terms IMO.

Inhibiting factor IMO is the 1440x900 res of 19" wide. Stick to 19" regular or 20" wide. It's only 1" larger physically but has 35% more pixels! (1680x1050).

 

[Napalm]

Rather take the normal 19" LCD monitors... Widescreens have odd resolutions wich gives trouble in games. specially in that ratio..

Also... Take a LCD that has 8ms or less responce time...

Also a good tip, Tv-Tuner on LCD is over-rated... Most ppl have a TV (big one) in their living rooms. PC's are made for games :>> *smiles*
(also a good tip, Tv-cards cost R400 +- and even the best one's cost R700 and most of them have inputs and everything on the tv-card*u can then record via the pvr tvcard to divx or dvd*, and there's usually a R1000 to R1200 hike in a LCD that has a tuner built in)

 

[ZeroSplice]

Those are the only options I have right now.

But 5ms does sound weird, even it's it new tech. Could someone verify this.
Also how would I be able to tell the difference between 8ms and 5ms. It's not like I can go to the supplier and install a game and try it.

 

[xenithon]

Don't worry too much about response times...I doubt you will see much difference. If you can check them out even without a game, do so. For example, open a long document and very quickly scroll through it. Or play a video/DVD and check for smearing.

Cannot verify response times either as those are all claimed by manufacturer. Cannot find any review either which often do their own testing.

 

[wab512]

I've got a BenQ 19" FlatPanel with a claimed 4ms GTG response time. I play lots of games, and believe me, you can not go wrong! I will never buy a CRT again...

 

[Angellus]

Well I have the ACER and I am very happy with it. Gaming is no problem.
http://www.pcbuyersguide.co.za/showthread.php?t=3727

I wrote a small "review" (if you can call it that) about my experience

I love the screen. Really looks good, performs good and games are just more fun in Widescreen.

In games like World of Warcraft, Half Life 2(Any source game) and Guild wars its just amazing.

The 19" widescreen is rougly as tall as a 19"CRT/17"LCD but its wider. It has virtually the same amount of pixels as the 17/19" LCD's

1280x1024 = 1310720 pixels
1440x900 = 1296000 pixels

For the price I paid for it R2199 it's great. Could have gotten it cheaper but I had the cash and it was there and I wanted it.

 

[Angellus]

Also for Widescreen gaming go here.

http://www.widescreengamingforum.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

They have details on most games and also screenshots of how they look widescreen compared to normal 4:3.

 

[ZeroSplice]

Thanks Angellus. I too am getting am getting it at the same price even though I could get it cheaper. Thing is the BenQ is the same price as well. At face value, the BenQ looks better, but the odd 5ms is bugging me. I'm checking some reviews on Google. If anyone has this BenQ LCD, please tell me about it.

Cos sometimes with LCD's, the backlights tend to blow out earlier than others. like my laptop. I bought it in England, and when I returend the warranty lapsed. 6 months later, the inverter board failed and now the screen is dim. Trying to sell the thing now.
I don't want to make another mistake.

 

[Angellus]

Thanks Angellus. I too am getting am getting it at the same price even though I could get it cheaper. Thing is the BenQ is the same price as well. At face value, the BenQ looks better, but the odd 5ms is bugging me. I'm checking some reviews on Google. If anyone has this BenQ LCD, please tell me about it.

Cos sometimes with LCD's, the backlights tend to blow out earlier than others. like my laptop. I bought it in England, and when I returend the warranty lapsed. 6 months later, the inverter board failed and now the screen is dim. Trying to sell the thing now.
I don't want to make another mistake.

Have a look on Widescreen gaming, they have lots of reviews there and a pretty big list of LCD's.

If possible get one with DVI but trust me on this having used both normal RGB and DVI on LCD's there is a slight difference but nothing huge.

If I hear of someone selling the BenQ I will let you know.

 

[ZeroSplice]

Thanks bro! Actually, Just now I cam across a very cheap 19" LCD:
Hanns-G® CY199D 19" Black LCD - 1280x1024 SXGA - 8ms Response, 2x 2W Speakers, 250cd/m2 Brightness, 700:1 Contrast. VGA + DVI

I'm getting it for less than R1600. That's a good price. I could prob trade later for a widescreen.