Budget Monitor (Graphic Design)

willardhaven

willardhaven

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I know there are a million monitor threads but why not start one more?

I am looking to order a new PC monitor within the next week or two and so far I'm leaning toward this one:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6297349&CatId=2776

Is it worth getting an LED? I'll be using the monitor primarily for graphic design programs (Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.). I'm trying to stay under $200 but I am willing to spend more if I find something great.

If you guys have any other advice or recommendations they would be greatly appreciated.

UPDATE (8/27/2010):

The Viewsonic VP2365WB seems like a good deal for the price.
 
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If you're going to be using Illustrator and Photoshop, get something with at least a 1920x1200 resolution. The extra screen space really helps. 1600x900 would be really cramped.
 
Well it depends, if you need to save about like 1" of space or so.

It's going to be hard to find a monitor like that under $200 SEH.

But I think you can find several at Overstock that do, but it's not going to be under that much though.

For $150 you can get a 23", I got my LG 23" 1080P monitor for $155 with a 3 yr warranty on overstock and it's been great for the last several months. It was refurbished but I got several coupons and I think I stacked them, so you can probably get a good deal for a monitor that's used ( mine only has faint/little micro scratches on the glossy part, no dead pixels at all )

I think craigslist/garage sales might be your best bet, since they usually have really good 24" Dells in the $200-300 range ( the ones with IPS with 1920 by 1200 res usually ) if you're lucky.
 
Wow, prices on 1920x1200 monitors went up quite a bit. I bought my 1920x1200 24" Gateway like nine months ago from Newegg for $260. Seems like getting a monitor at anything above 1080p is a bitch now and a lot more expensive.
 
If you don't care about the color quality, then a TN panel is fine. If you need the color to be accurate though, don't skimp out. This monitor is around $80 when you follow this to get a coupon. You could buy two for ~$160.
 
[quote name='willardhaven']Is the IPS panel more important than the monitor being LED back lit for design purposes?[/QUOTE]
Yes. IPS panels are 8-bit color, whereas TN panels are only 6-bit, I believe. LED backlights are more of a gimmicky thing, IMO.
 
[quote name='willardhaven']Is that Viewsonic a good buy? I don't see any striking deals anywhere else.[/QUOTE]
Maximum PC listed that monitor as a good budget upgrade monitor. It seems like a good price for an IPS panel monitor.

[quote name='Kevfactor']want the best bang for your buck get a 1k hdtv with about 4hdmi ins :)[/QUOTE]
How does a $1000 tv give him more bang for the buck than a $300 monitor?
 
So I think I'm going to go with the Viewsonic VP2365WB. Is there any reason not to order from Amazon? I was going to use Newegg but then I'd have to pay shipping, plus I hear their return policy is sub par.

Thanks to everyone in the thread for helping, I'll post my thoughts on the monitor once I use it for a while.
 
[quote name='Alex2290']You have to pay tax on amazon I believe[/QUOTE]
Depends on where you live. If you live in a state where Amazon has a "business presence" (i.e. distribution center or other office, etc.) you will have to pay tax. Amazon doesn't collect taxes in most states.
 
I'm talking for regular browsing and photo editing. Obviously a high-resolution file in Photoshop would change performance but I mean browsing with firefox etc.
 
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