20WMGX2 replacement?

Q

quadnad

Supreme [H]ardness
Joined
Oct 24, 2005
Messages
7,656
First off, I love this monitor - but it is kinda small.. That's why I'm looking for some help from [H].

The resolution (1680x1050) and aspect ratio (16:10) has been great for me as I never really have to worry about pushing many pixels, so for a replacement it would be good to stick with the same res. However if there is a larger monitor with a higher res 1920x1200 panels I should check out, I'll consider them. I have to say that I'd really like to stick with the 16:10 aspect ratio if possible, but I realize that limits my selection.

So, given how many people here have enjoyed the 20WMGX2 and (I imagine) have since moved on, what is your suggested replacement?
 
27" apple cinema display is what I finally moved on to... I'm happy with it.
 
ACD is only bigger, image quality is the same (possibly better default color accuracy but risk of tinting), response time is slower and it is totally over priced at 1000$ vs the Hazro displays which are better.

OP if you aren't in NA get a Hazro 27" Glossy 2560x1440p Review

The only way you are going to get a 16:10 IPS with a matte display which all have heavy anti glare coating. Coming from a glossy screen I promise you will hate it. None of the 24" 16:10 displays actually have better image quality either. Color accuracy is improved but there is a very high chance of getting a display with tinting.

I suggest just getting a colorimeter like the Eye One Display 2 (or try TFT Centrals settings) and waiting it out if you are still happy, it will improve the image on the NEC as they aren't known for their default color accuracy.

If you are willing to go the TN route check out the glossy HP 2509b Review
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the info, I was kinda afraid that there wouldn't be an obvious choice. I'm not thrilled with the idea of going with a matte display, but having said that some are better than others in terms of how aggressive they are in trying to reduce glare.

Are there one or two defacto displays in the 24 in space I should be considering, even if I need to go to 16:9?
 
Unless you go with an ACD/Hazro or TN/VA panel, no. All of the IPS panels have the aggressive AG coating.

16:10 is overated. You can get 2x 16:9 23" IPS panels for the price of 1 16:10 24" IPS. If productivity is a concern 2>1. If you are watching movies/gaming all of the 16:9 monitors have better image quality than the sub 900$ 16:10 IPS panels, and for movies the extra 120 pixels is pointless especially considering how bad the contrast is on the 16:10 IPS panels. Extra screen height/120 pixels of extra greyish letter box bars.
 
Last edited:
NCX said:
Unless you go with an ACD/Hazro or TN/VA panel, no. All of the IPS panels have the aggressive AG coating.

16:10 is overated. You can get 2x 16:9 23" IPS panels for the price of 1 16:10 24" IPS. If productivity is a concern 2>1. If you are watching movies/gaming all of the 16:9 monitors have better image quality than the sub 900$ 16:10 IPS panels, and for movies the extra 120 pixels is pointless especially considering how bad the contrast is on the 16:10 IPS panels. Extra screen height/120 pixels of extra greyish letter box bars.
Click to expand...

I know it's not a massive difference, but for me the aspect ratio makes more sense for everything but gaming (since I watch movies on my TV). With 16:9 I get less vertical space for things like webpages, documents, etc. I notice it when I come home from work, where I have a 24in Samsung TN that's 16:9. Not a big deal in the scheme of things though, so I'm happy to consider the 16:9s.

It looks like if I want to get much bigger than my current monitor, I'll need to bump up the res. I'm curious - what 24 in IPS and TN panels are gamers using around here? If the 20WMGX2 was the uber-display a few years ago, what is today? I'd like to keep the res at or below 1900x1080..
 
Any word on what the go-to 24 in display is nowadays? I'd be glad to see both the TN and IPS options if there are multiple...
 
In the TN space I'm taking a look at the 120hz monitors (not for 3D, just because of what the Anand review was saying about the VG236H during normal use). They sound impressive.

Would something like the VG236H be disappointing coming from the 20WMGX2? What IPS or TN panels should I look at in the 23 or 24 in size? Cost isn't really an issue (as long as it isn't 1k or something). All of the monitors suggested so far have some kind of massive caveat attached..
 
NCX said:
The Asus has better color presets than the NEC and a better black level at the cost of viewing angles. If you sit infront of your monitor you will be fine.

Here is another review+comparison with the NEC
Click to expand...

Gotcha - not a problem about the viewing angles. So you don't think (given the benefit of the size) I'll be disappointed by going to TN from IPS? I'm open to any panel at this point - it looks to be a difficult task to replace this thing.

Thanks again for your help.

EDIT: Just checked to see if I could pick one up locally (for easy return if it wasn't what I was looking for), unfortunately nobody stocks it. Bummer.
 
Last edited:
I moved to a EA231WMi, and while I miss the gloss and the viewing angles, I'm enjoying the larger sized screen (E-IPS). You can find a config to force it to 83 Hz via Displayport, which is actually pretty noticeable.
 
-=Antimatter=- said:
I moved to a EA231WMi, and while I miss the gloss and the viewing angles, I'm enjoying the larger sized screen (E-IPS). You can find a config to force it to 83 Hz via Displayport, which is actually pretty noticeable.
Click to expand...

Glad to hear I'm not the only one to have looked for a replacement! I'm wondering if I'll have trouble going with anything less than an IPS given how much I've enjoyed the 20WMGX2.

The TFTCentral monitor selector suggests the Dell U2410 and HP LP2475W, I'll have a look at that NEC.

Also, about calibration, are there any places that will do it for a reasonable amount? It looks like $300 to buy, and bestbuy charges $200 (fucking rip off..).
 
You can buy a colorimeter like the Eye One Display 2 for around 200$.

If you want a 16:10 24" the Asus PA246Q Review is the best, but it is still hardly an upgrade over the NEC, just bigger with more accurate color presets.

This is the problem, all of the 16:10 24" don't really offer better performance over the NEC other than better color presets. What they do offer is screen tinting, aggressive AG coating (dirty/grainy whiles and light colors) except for the Asus and premium pricing.

If you want to actually upgrade take a look at the Hazro HZ27WA/C Review and Dell ST2220T Review.

All of the 23" e-IPS panels except the Asus ML239H use the aggressive AG coating which I gaurentee you will absolutely hate coming from the NEC. If you just want to play games get the VG236H or upcoming Samsung S23A950
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top