Need some advice on choosing a 24"

Hi,

Since Apple are taking their merry time with releasing a new Macbook Pro, i've decided to give them until Tuesday the 12th Feb to do something otherwise i'll go for a MacPro.

So if i go desktop i'll need a 24" screen. I've seen a few models like the LG L245WP (which got an ok review), the Samsung SM-245B (which didn't do well) and of course there is this new Dell 2408WFP that is due very soon (i know all about Dell's past with new TFT, always buggy).

I'm a little of out touch on the TFT side and would really appreciate some guidance.

Thanks in advance.

Darren

Like you I am looking for a 24" to replace my aging 17" Iiyama and have been doing the rounds of reviews and manufacturers websites. What you end up with depends on what you are intending to use it for..gaming? Watching Blu-Ray DVDs? Photo and/or video editing? For office tasks? All of the above? The problem it seems to me is that there is no one screen that excels at all tasks. You will have to decide for yourself what is important to you. The other thing is that with the inexorable march of technology something bigger,better faster etc is always just around the corner - so do you just buy the cheapest current monitor with the view that it will be replaced sooner rather than later, or do you buy an expensive one that you decide is the *best* currently available and then live with it for years? That is what I am personally trying to decide.

To get you up to speed on monitor tech have a look at:
http en wikipedia org wiki TFT_LCD
(sorry I have to remove the dots and slashes so I can post the link!)

Among the review sites I have trawled which have reviews of monitors are:
Tomshardware
Anandtech
http reviews cnet co uk monitors
trusted reviews
and on and on!

this one is interesting
http www digitalversus com article-357 html

The Iiyama 24" or the very similar Belinea look good - sub £300 price, reasonable all-rounders (see the Tomshardware comments) and have an HDMI input.

My own positive experience of the quality and relaibility of my old Iiyama I have to confess predispose me towards another one, as does the price - ok they are not the prettiest but then again that is irrelevant to me!

Good luck with the quest. SA

The question you need to ask really is what you are going to be using it for?

On the whole the are 3 types of TFT panel TN, IPS and VA each has advantages and disadvantages and these change depending on what the monitor is being used for, for example a lower response time is less of an issue in graphic design where as in games it can cause ghosting.

See here for a more detailed description of the different panel types, Monitor Specifications

Once you have decided on a panel type you will have to find a monitor which you know to have that type... this is where it gets hard as most manufacturers don't tell you in the standard specifications and the are not reviews of all monitors available.

BenQ FP241W

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fraz

BenQ FP241W

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I've been looking for a 24" monitor recently and this seems to be recommended everywhere and has all round glowing reviews.

One thing that's putting me off though is the silver bezel, they make it look so cheap and tacky. I have seen pics of it with a black bezel but can't seem to find anywhere that stocks it.

Anyone know where to get hold of the black model?