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I really like the look of these flat screen monitors. In fact, I`ve liked the look of them for ages, but the price has always put me off.

But the 19" models that I crave are just out of my price range really. I don`t know if I can justify spending £500-600 on a monitor. I would go for a cheaper one but don`t know if I`d regret it in the long run.

Anyway, I can wait for it, it`s not desperate, but what are the general points to look out for with these TFT monitors? And anywhere with good deals at the minute?

I only have a standard analogue video card (GeForce2 Pro, about 2 years old at least) - is this sufficient, or do I need DVI card?

Cheers

Most fools think they are only ignorant

A 17" TFT has quite a large picture area, larger that a 17" CRT.

I use a Relysis 17 TFT at work and it`s not too shabby,bearing in
mind it`s running from onboard graphics.

You`re probably best to get a new Grfx card with DVI anyway as most
of the TFT monitors have the input. If you use the older 9 pin socket you`re
only inputting analogue, rather than digital via DVI.

One word of caution tho`, manufacturers are within their rights to ship TFT`s
with "dead" pixels, i.e. little black dots which are visible where the pixels do
not function. There is a standard which allows them so many dead pixels per
screen or similar. :/

hth

Ste.

I got my subscription copy of PC Pro (March) today and that has a round up of 16 large screen TFT`s (19" to 23"). It takes you through what to look for along with fairly comprehensive test/report of each of the monitors. So either grab a copy or it will probably be on their website in the next few days.

Thanks for replies.

My dad has decided he`s taking my brother`s Dell 17" CRT for his flat, so I`m giving him my monitor and we`re getting a TFT screen for this machine.

Decided on Iiyama E431S model. It is about £320 which isn`t too expensive all things considered.

I was looking at the 19" screens, but apart from being bigger, the vast majority only has a resolution of 1280x1024, so I couldn`t actually fit any more onto the screen. Everything would be bigger, but my eyesight is fine, so I couldn`t justify doubling the price for what seems like a small luxury.

So, it should be delivered during the week, it has both DVI and VGA inputs so I don`t need a new video card, yet it is futureproofed should I get one with DVI output later on.

Most fools think they are only ignorant

Another important thing to look at is response time, 16ms or less is ideal but most are nowhere near that and in games you *will* get horrible after imaging effects. :/

Editor
DVD REVIEWER

Echoing the post above...response time is key if you want to play games or watch DVD`s without any noticeable ghosting. 20ms is fine, I have one with this response time and don`t regret the purchase one bit.

Also, be aware that TFT`s are in worldwide shortage at the moment and so any price you pay will be very likely to drop in a month or so (I work in IT distribution so I have a small insight!)..... ;)


Just FYI guys - with regards to what was said earlier on the screen size....remember that on a 15" CRT you are only actually getting 13.8" viewable area and with a TFT you are getting a true 15" viewable area so this means that you can buy a 17" with nearly the same viewable as a 19" CRT.

Ta
Rob

Aparently the Hitachi TFT`s are the best on the market, due to their great picture quality and response time. They`ve got them on Overclockers.co.uk, I know this as I was considering buying one myself, but preferably wanted a 19"!

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This item was edited on Monday, 19th January 2004, 15:07

go for the hercules 17" 920 dvi pro i just got one its ace £345 dvi/vga input etc

bought a flat screen tft moniter/tv combi the other week from dixons. its a samsung 15" and its pukka. it cost 399 squidly and it does me for the ps2 and my pc . well chuffed with it. ;)

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If you play with Feathers you get your Bum Tickled.!