Monitor Suggestions

[whiskaz]

I'm currently using an ACER Laptop for post processing. While it's not been calibrated, I'm certain even if it were, my results from it are going to be less than pleasing. For that reason, I would like to purchase an external monitor. My question is this: The laptop only has a VGA out port, no DVI and even though flat panels support VGA, I've read several reviews for several monitors that claim using VGA instead of DVI isn't really a good thing (I forgot the actual problems, but anywawy...).

My question - I'd really like to use a flat panel monitor, due to space issues, but don't want to fork over the cash if using VGA is going to affect performance (color, etc). Do any of you currently use a laptop with external flat panel? Suggestions on monitors? Should I stick to getting a flat panel or go with VGA?
My desktop is on the fritz and the laptop allows me to be wherever and not holed up in the basement ;)

[jbkalla]

You probably won't notice much difference between DVI and VGA, and even if you do, an external monitor will almost certainly be of high enough quality to make it worthwhile either way.

Get calibration hardware and calibrate both the laptop and the external. You'll really notice the difference afterwards! :-)

[MarkoPolo]

I just replaced my Dell Trintron with the 2405 flat panel. I do notice a big difference with the DVI and once calibrated it is wonderful. In my case it may a very significant difference.

[jbkalla]

I just replaced my Dell Trintron with the 2405 flat panel. I do notice a big difference with the DVI and once calibrated it is wonderful. In my case it may a very significant difference.

Ahh! Maybe it depends on how good your panel is. My 19" & 18" monitors don't show much diff between VGA and DVI. (they're not very good photo monitors)

[jbkalla]

Still, I think no matter what output is used, the larger, higher-quality monitor will still be a HUGE step up for photo editing. I haven't seen a laptop screen that I like for that yet. (PC-wise. I don't know if Apple's screens are any better or not)

[Sp00ks]

I am a big fan of the Dell flat panels. I am not usually a big dell fan but thier lcd monitors rock! At home I run dual dell monitors, 20" and a 17". At work I run dual dell 17" monitors off my laptop. One is DVI the other is VGA, I can tell little difference in the two. Maybe text is a little sharper on the DVI side.

I hope that helped.

[whiskaz]

Thank you for the replies! That's good to hear spooks... if it's just slightly crisper text, no biggie. It would be nice if the laptop had a dvi out but no such luck.

Marko - do you notice a big difference in running your current monitor via DVI versus VGA or a big difference between your current monitor and the old trinitron? I'm mostly concerned with running a monitor with both DVI and VGA ports via the VGA port.

Spooks - what Dell models are you using?