SJ_Skyline

I'm in the market for a new PC monitor and realised I haven't bought one for quite a few years so I have no idea what's what in the market.

My budget is £200, the main use will be home office and a little gaming.

Is there anything (or brand) I really ought to avoid or be looking for?

Thanks in advance

john_s

iTrader: (1)

I've got a Samsung SM2443 and I can't fault it. It's a touch over your budget though.

ChrisB

I've got one of these on order at the moment mate:

PC Pro: Product Reviews: Labs: Giant TFTs on a tiny budget: BenQ E2200HD

Unforunately there seems to be a bit of a shortage at the moment.

Iain Young

I've got a couple of Samsungs hooked to my desktop, and they are great.

When choosing one, be sure to make a note of three things...

1) Contrast ratio. The higher the better (i.e. 10000:1 is much better than 1000:1)
2) Refresh speed. Get the fastest possible
3) Check the resolution. It may be a good screen, but is that any use if it will only run at 800x600? Get a resolution that will suit what you are using the screen for.

SJ_Skyline

Cheers guys

I've ordered a Samsung SM2433BW - similar to John's suggestion but I can't see much difference in specs, only price. So a 24" monitor for under £200, I'll see how it goes

SJ_Skyline

Quick update:

Wow! what a difference this is to the old IBM 17" I had Bigger, brighter, crisper - all round better. Much easier on the eye for reading and the odd game of CS was a whole new world of fun!

Thanks for the help and suggestions

andys

So will you now need a new grahpics card to get the most out your monitor at high res?