EggXpert

I was wondering what brand/model/company you find makes the monitors with the best bang for the buck.  This is all just your opinion.... I'm looking for a new widescreen monitor and just wondered what you guys liked the most.  Of course there are so many that it's hard to make any definitive judgment, but what have you had the most luck with?  I personally like Viewsonic, but they are rather pricey. 

I'm looking for a widescreen monitor with a 1680x1050 resolution that is anywhere between 19'' and 22''.  Also something with a pretty fast response time (Anything between 2ms and 5ms is good). Who do you think offers anything in this category that is relatively inexpensive with good quality?

 

Thanks for all your help, guys.  Your responses are always helpful; this is one of the most friendly tech support boards I've ever been on :D

Samsung is usually really good, viewsonic, dell<-- if you wanna spend the extra for the ultrasharp, benq has been good to me in the past, and hans g. Although I do not have experience there are alot of good reviews for the asus and acer 22inch and they are rather inexpensive.

Acer http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009094

Asus http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236028

Samsung http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001268

Thanks for the links!  I like the Asus one that you suggested.  Pretty good price and has a nicer contrast ratio than some of the others.

I was recently looking at monitors and found a Westinghouse 19'' one.  It had some pretty good reviews and is supposedly insanely good for the money. Have you ever heard of it?

LINK: http://www.westinghousedigital.com/details.aspx?itemnum=182

Sadly, this item isn't available on Newegg.  I found a new one on eBay for $175 and of course with my AMAZING luck, right as I was about to buy it, someone else did :(

IMO westinghouse is bottom of the barrel when it comes to buidl quality. I look at there lcd monitors and tvs and they seem to be of less quality. The colors arnt as vivid, clear, and sharpe. Samsung on the other hand is a little bit more expensive but has the best of color, vividness, and sharpeness. Asus should do you good. But IMO keep away from westinghouse.

And I grew this opinion by looking at them compared in store such as circuit city, best buy, and dell store by my house... So its not just based on hear of word though this would help.. If your really worreid bout seeing it before you buy it check out some of your local store to look at quality. Also let me let you in a little secret. If the screen is glossy you get more vivid colors, and brighter colors. If its not glossy you get a sharper picture. So you have to decide to I want full vidi colors with not as sharpe a picture or good color with a very high def looking picture. I prefer the high deff look and you can always adjust your screen to improve the colors and brightness of each color. <-- just my two cent someone might disagree...

Also glossy screens tend to give a really bad glare if you have windows open or a light on in the room.

I have the Acer 22" and I love it. Great monitor, but like its been said Samsung, Benq,and Viewsonic are also all good brands.

Kpaul, thanks a lot, your posts are very informative!  I was looking at a Samsung glossy, but they are quite expensive.

 

AKAfactory25, You have the Acer one that Kpaul posted?  If so, could you tell me if there is any ghosting during games or movie playback? I'm a little afraid about the 5ms refresh rate.  The Viewsonic I have now is 3ms.

EDIT:

 I found a Samsung monitor for a GREAT price.  Can someone tell me if they have ever used this site or if I can trust it?

http://www.pricegrabber.com/user_sales_getprod.php?masterid=39405949&lot_id=8924791

The model number is Samsung 216BW and is also for sale on Legend Micro and Deal Stop, but those companies are run by the same people and have gottwen some really mixxed reviews.  Some say they never had a problem, but others say that if you do have a problem you are completely out of luck.  I'm glad I looked at ResellerRatings before buying from Legend.

I've been shopping around for an LCD display as well, and came across this gem during my search:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824005096

You've gotta admit those are some pretty impressive specs (3000:1 contrast ratio and 2ms refresh rate - both almost unheard of in the $200 price range). Right now, I'm strongly considering purchasing the 4:3 verison (I can't stand widescreen) as a worthy replacement for my aging 17" Viewsonic CRT.

Hah...I'm a big fan of Samsung.

For 19"-22" monitor, I prefer samsung 2253BW and Samsung 226BW

SAMSUNG 2253BW Black 22" 2ms(GTG) DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor with HDCP Support 300 cd/m2 DC 8000:1 - Retail 

Nice for gaming and digital entertainment for there's almost no blurring when watching movies or playing video games. Add to that an 8000:1 contrast ratio for superior quality color and a 1680x1050 resolution that lets u see the sharpest details, and you’re ready for the ultimate viewing experience.

http://www.trustedreviews.com/displays/review/2007/03/09/Samsung-SyncMaster-226BW/p1 

DC 3000:1 contrast ratio creates crisp, easy-to-view images and gaming graphics, without ghosting or blurring.

And 245BW is also a pretty cool monitor. LOL  

I recently bought a Gateway HD2200.  Went into BestBuy for a cheapo and when I saw the image on the screens of all the monitors, this 2200 absolutely smoked them all.

 It caused me to rethink my build...I ended up with 468 in my machine and 350 in my monitor.

 I am totally pleased with my new system...best video and pic quality I have ever seen.

 http://www.gateway.com/accessories/product/1541519R.php?seg=hm

 

Been sticking with Samsung...even at work.  I have bought NEC.

Only thing I would recommend is a wide screen...even if you don't plan on watching video or movies.