Which of these 3 budget IPS monitors should I go with?

[PryorKnowledge]

Down to the following 3:

Viewsonic VP2365wb
http://www.viewsonic.com/products/desktop-monitors/lcd/pro-series/vp2365wb.htm


NEC EA231WMi
http://www.necdisplay.com/Products/Product/?product=a8f8336f-6f87-4065-b3ad-c2fa8204f2a0


The "famous" Dell 2209wa
- I don't think many will need a link, based off of the 65+ page thread already discussing this one, haha

[basroil]

First two actually don't say they are IPS, and last i knew there is no such thing as a 1920x1080p 23" IPS panel (only 20" ones)

[PryorKnowledge]

I got both of them from this list:

http://http://www.pchardwarehelp.com/guides/s-ips-lcd-list.php

[TTk]

Dell.:cool:

[ChasP505]

The ViewSonic has impressive specs according to this PDF (http://www.viewsonic.com/assets/054/13366.pdf). But no internal LUT. It's currently available for $312 USD from PcMall (http://www.pcmall.com/p/ViewSonic-Monitors/product%7Edpno%7E7935427%7Epdp.fhjbjef).

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/news_archive/18.htm#viewsonic_vp2365wb


The NEC sounds good too. Looks like it's using an LG e-IPS display panel. $319 plus shipping at B&H. (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&safe=off&q=nec+ea231wmi&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=16464816630768788494&ei=wvsCS5qTII_clAekvYzsAQ&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CAkQ8wIwAA#ps-sellers)

http://www.displayblog.com/2009/08/05/nec-multisync-ea231wmi-23-inch-1080p-ips-lcd-monitor-with-displayport/

3 very similar displays, but the NEC and Viewsonic have the new 23" screens and 1920 x 1080 resolution. At $319, I'd take a gamble on the NEC by virtue of reputation only.

[Ryan468]

If you are interested in the Dell 2209WA....
I got a return call from them today after email about "a price around $200 and free shipping" and asking for any current deals on the $299 price. They gave me a price of $212 with free shipping.

[PryorKnowledge]

The more I look at monitors, the more I wonder if I really need to spend the money for an IPS monitor. I saw this deal on NewEgg and had to consider it:

http://http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009163

I know that it's not IPS, but honestly, how much am I going to really notice the difference? I am new to digital photography and have had CRT monitors all of my life. Basically, any LCD will be an upgrade for me. Thoughts?

[In2Photos]

The more I look at monitors, the more I wonder if I really need to spend the money for an IPS monitor. I saw this deal on NewEgg and had to consider it:

http://http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009163

I know that it's not IPS, but honestly, how much am I going to really notice the difference? I am new to digital photography and have had CRT monitors all of my life. Basically, any LCD will be an upgrade for me. Thoughts?
If the panel is a TN panel you will see a difference in color as you move your head about the screen. "So I won't move my head" you say. It doesn't take much. It is really hard to get accurate images with a monitor that changes based on your viewing angle! For photo editing IPS is the best.

[ChasP505]

...I know that it's not IPS, but honestly, how much am I going to really notice the difference?...

I gotta tell ya... I work on a TN paneled Samsung 225BW all day and when I come home and look at my Dell 2209WA with IPS panel, the difference is tremendous.

My non-proselytizing opinion? If you are satisfied with the quality of a TN paneled monitor, go for it. I have "eye-ball calibrated" the Samsung 225BW and I know it's color characteristics well enough to do "quick and dirty" tonal adjustments and non-color critical work.

But personally, I can easily justify the $100-$150 difference in price between a TN paneled display and an IPS display like the Dell 2209WA or the new NEC 23".

[PryorKnowledge]

Going along with this, I have a question concerning the video card that I will get in my new computer. I have a choice between the ATI Radeon HD 3450 256MB or the ATI Radeon HD 4350 512MB (for an extra $30). I don't know a whole lot about this stuff, but I'm pretty sure neither of these are especially great. My question is this: will either of these cards be able to fully-maximize a 1920x1080 20"-22" monitor? I don't want to spend the extra money on a quality monitor if my computer won't even be able to do it justice

[In2Photos]

Going along with this, I have a question concerning the video card that I will get in my new computer. I have a choice between the ATI Radeon HD 3450 256MB or the ATI Radeon HD 4350 512MB (for an extra $30). I don't know a whole lot about this stuff, but I'm pretty sure neither of these are especially great. My question is this: will either of these cards be able to fully-maximize a 1920x1080 20"-22" monitor? I don't want to spend the extra money on a quality monitor if my computer won't even be able to do it justice
If all you plan to use the new computer for is photo editing then the 3450 is more than enough (that is the card I am using in my i7 photo machine ;) ). If you plan on doing anything else with this machine (video editing, games, watching movies or TV, etc) then step up the video card.

[René Damkot]

Is the 3450 supported by PSCS4? Doesn't appear on this list (neither do) http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/405/kb405711.html#win3 and not here either: http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/405/kb405445.html

[PryorKnowledge]

Thanks for the heads up, but I won't be running PhotoShop

[Village_Idiot]

The more I look at monitors, the more I wonder if I really need to spend the money for an IPS monitor. I saw this deal on NewEgg and had to consider it:

http://http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009163

I know that it's not IPS, but honestly, how much am I going to really notice the difference? I am new to digital photography and have had CRT monitors all of my life. Basically, any LCD will be an upgrade for me. Thoughts?

Sitting here at work and looking at my 22" Samsung that's definitely a TN (I don't even need to look it up to tell), when I move my head about an inch up or down, portions of the screen shift from a cold tint to a warmer tint.

At home with my 30" HP IPS screen, I can view it from pretty much anywhere without much of a problem. I even kick back on my bed and watch movies on it.

[basroil]

3450 should run cs4 perfectly. the 3870 is in the list, and the 3450 is the first processor running the same architecture as the 3870

[robertcolorado]

If the specs don't show whetjer it's an IPS or TN dispaly how can you tell what it is? Is there another clue to the display type?

[ChasP505]

If the specs don't show whetjer it's an IPS or TN dispaly how can you tell what it is? Is there another clue to the display type?

Look at the viewing angles. If they are less than 178 degrees, probably a TN panel. Look at the refresh rate. Less 5ms, a TN. If the ad text is all about playing video games, movies, webcam chatting and Facebook... probably a TN.

[robertcolorado]

Thanks ChasP505. So far the dell 2209WA is the cheapest I can find, unless any one knows of it?

[Beski]

If you are interested in the Dell 2209WA....
I got a return call from them today after email about "a price around $200 and free shipping" and asking for any current deals on the $299 price. They gave me a price of $212 with free shipping.

Ryan (or anybody),

Can you explain what this means...and how you can get this monitor for $212 with Free Shipping from Dell ??

Thanks,
Tom

[ChasP505]

Can you explain what this means...and how you can get this monitor for $212 with Free Shipping from Dell ??


Please read the last page of this thread.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=634520

[Beski]

Please read the last page of this thread.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=634520

THANKS Chas !!

Just placed my order !!!

[PryorKnowledge]

So I decided to save some money and went with a 23" ASUS with a TN panel. I figured most of you guys who swear by IPS monitors are much more into photography than I am and that I wouldn't notice any difference. The monitor came yesterday, I hooked it up, and was in love with it right away. It was huge, 1920x1080, and bright. Then I went to an online calibration site. They have a color screen with a solid purple rectangle. As I looked at the rectangle, I noticed different shades all over the place. I clicked around a little more and got frustrated. After seeing it once, I saw it everywhere. The slightest movements and the colors changed quickly

Less than 24 hours later I had sold the ASUS to a friend and have now ordered the Dell 2209WA for the $212 price that you guys mentioned. It should be here in a little over a week. Thanks for the advice and the heads-up on the great deal!

[ToddR]

Then I went to an online calibration site. They have a color screen with a solid purple rectangle. As I looked at the rectangle, I noticed different shades all over the place. I clicked around a little more and got frustrated. After seeing it once, I saw it everywhere. The slightest movements and the colors changed quickly

What site did you use? It would be interesting to see how my older LCD compares to my 2209WA. They sit right next to each other, with the old one playing double duty as single main monitor for my old computer, and second monitor for my "good" computer.

[PryorKnowledge]

What site did you use?

http://www.lagom.nl/lcd-test/

[Sauk]

I just purchased this Viewsonic monitor. Hopefully it is a good one.

Has anyone purchased this monitor, any thoughts? I know it is late since I just ordered it, but I would still like to know.

Down to the following 3:

Viewsonic VP2365wb
http://www.viewsonic.com/products/desktop-monitors/lcd/pro-series/vp2365wb.htm


NEC EA231WMi
http://www.necdisplay.com/Products/Product/?product=a8f8336f-6f87-4065-b3ad-c2fa8204f2a0


The "famous" Dell 2209wa
- I don't think many will need a link, based off of the 65+ page thread already discussing this one, haha

[Sauk]

i know it is old, but did anyone get this monitor?

[basroil]

i know it is old, but did anyone get this monitor?

I think we all heard you the first time. As of yet, nobody in any other thread has talked about it from personal experience. Looks like you'll have to be the first ;)

[ChasP505]

i know it is old, but did anyone get this monitor?

Of the similarly spec'd Viewsonic and NEC, if I needed a monitor in that configuration, I would have gone for the NEC.

But I'm sure the Viewsonic will perform as well. Keep us updated.

[Sauk]

i have it, just have not had time to get it up and running (moved into a new house)

[Sauk]

Well this monitor is very nice to me. I love the colors it gives after calibrating with spyder 3 elite. It is a good sized monitor at 1920x1080 I believe.

I would recommend this monitor.

[antitera]

You can't go wrong with NEC. They're like the Lexus of monitors.

[basroil]

You can't go wrong with NEC. They're like the Lexus of monitors.

More like Mercedes Benz than toyota. Dell monitors are a honda/toyota brand, the luxury models have some nice features for their prices, but 90% of the brand is in the cheap side. NEC's more like Benz, they have high end stuff, ultra high end stuff that almost nobody buys, and then your workhorse trucks that people forget about. That NEC monitor is one of those workhorses , along with some of the few NEC monitors available at one of my cad workstations (most are dell save for a few older machines running the NEC monitors, but they look great despite their age)

[antitera]

I use Dell monitors myself... good value and decent enough quality.

It's important to get S-IPS panels though, because sometimes they switch an S-IPS model to TN panels after the reviews are in... the old switch-a-roo. Very sneaky, Michael Dell.

[basroil]

I use Dell monitors myself... good value and decent enough quality.

It's important to get S-IPS panels though, because sometimes they switch an S-IPS model to TN panels after the reviews are in... the old switch-a-roo. Very sneaky, Michael Dell.

They actually never do. If they switch between IPS and something, it's always PVA rather than TN. PVA is much like IPS, just requires a bit more electricity to run.

[antitera]

They actually never do. If they switch between IPS and something, it's always PVA rather than TN. PVA is much like IPS, just requires a bit more electricity to run.

Sorry, I meant S-PVA.

S-PVA looks similar to S-IPS as far as specifications are concerned but has poorer response times and color reproduction. Also the viewing angles aren't as good.

[basroil]

Sorry, I meant S-PVA.

S-PVA looks similar to S-IPS as far as specifications are concerned but has poorer response times and color reproduction. Also the viewing angles aren't as good.

Actually, NO. The 2408WFP (S-PVA) panel has always had better color reproduction than the IPS based ACD 24" (including the LED version). PVA actually has FASTER response times than IPS (now IPS has finally reached the same speed). And to top it off, both methods are 178 degree type displays. PVA screens generally have much higher static contrast ratios too, just lose a lot of the gains in calibration (2408WFP looses 30% of it's contrast ratio in a properly calibrated environment). IPS vs PVA is more of a marketing thing than technological one for most monitors. In fact, Eizo used PVA displays in the ColorEdge 24.1" monitors until the 243. And the only reason for the switch was for 10bit color (though you need displayport to view it). For non-10bit panels, you will not really see any difference between IPS and PVA

[Sauk]

well I am a few days into this monitor and I have to say it is really nice. Colors are great, contrast is solid. Zero complaints still

[KINGSKY]

i have the NEC and i loving it...
haven't calibrated it yet...


RANDi

[Aerton]

Wondering if the Dell S2209W 22 inch Wide-screen Flat Panel Monitor, is any good. I was reading this and copied and pasted the 2209wa and Dell returned the 2209w instead but I had not noticed that until I was about to check out, when I saw $199 and in the forum I saw $299 I thought I struck a mine. Was it a land mine?

[basroil]

Wondering if the Dell S2209W 22 inch Wide-screen Flat Panel Monitor, is any good. I was reading this and copied and pasted the 2209wa and Dell returned the 2209w instead but I had not noticed that until I was about to check out, when I saw $199 and in the forum I saw $299 I thought I struck a mine. Was it a land mine?

S2209W is a TN version of the IPS 2209WA. It's annoying they had to do that, and as far as I know it's the only case where dell actually reused a number. It's a dud, S2209W is worth at most $150.

[ChasP505]

Aerton... You can still get the 2209WA for around $212 USD plus shipping.

[Aerton]

Oh dear, I was about to pull the trigger on that 2209w yesterday, then read about the 2209wa, now I read a review on the 2209wa and they kind of trashed it and said it was no good for low light situations and since it's hard to calibrate you should not use it for photography. WTF

I guess the first time I was about to be impulsive did not work and now I will start a long dragged out search for a monitor. I barely scratched up the $200 for this purchase so not going to be an easy project.

On the other hand I have been using a view sonic 19" wide screen that I bought just because I got a good deal like 3 years ago. I haven't a clue about the specs of the monitor, it's just what I have.

[djvkool]

I am using a calibrated Samsung 2333SW, and at work there is 1x Eizo 22", and 27" Mac, there is no doubt that the Mac is the king of the hill, but the difference in quality between my work's Eizo and my Samsung 2333SW isn't worth the price difference...

I'd say get a 24" or bigger TN panel (the LED ones are starting to infiltrate the market) and get yourself Spyder3 Pro

[René Damkot]

but the difference in quality between my work's Eizo and my Samsung 2333SW isn't worth the price difference...

What Eizo?

I've seen a few TN screens next to a LaCie 526, and to me, the difference would be well worth the money...

IMO, a TN screen is very limiting when used for editing. Maybe not unusable, but to me it would be. YMMV.

[In2Photos]

Oh dear, I was about to pull the trigger on that 2209w yesterday, then read about the 2209wa, now I read a review on the 2209wa and they kind of trashed it and said it was no good for low light situations and since it's hard to calibrate you should not use it for photography. WTF

I guess the first time I was about to be impulsive did not work and now I will start a long dragged out search for a monitor. I barely scratched up the $200 for this purchase so not going to be an easy project.

On the other hand I have been using a view sonic 19" wide screen that I bought just because I got a good deal like 3 years ago. I haven't a clue about the specs of the monitor, it's just what I have.
So you have seen one bad review and a huge thread of testimonials here and your gut tells you that you need to continue your search for a monitor? Reread the 2209WA thread. ;)

[mjmackinnon]

I have read too many of the posts on this forum, and I don't know if I have wisely spent my money or just a fool with my gold.

I wanted to get a machine dedicated to running CS4, so I built up a AMD Phenon II X4 955. Yes, I probably should have spent the extra $300 or so to buy the i7. I then was going to put the Samsung F2380 onto the unit, but read here that IPS is the only way to go.

I ended up getting the NEC EA231WMi monitor as Dell doesn't offer any good deals for those of us up hear in Canada. The monitor looks fine to me, and I will probably end up spluging some time in the future to get a Spyder3pro.

Matt.