around 500$ to spend

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kaywalker

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Looking at some 22 inchers for gaming. Which way should I go? Dell? Samsung? or maybe even LG?
If the 20 inch monitors are going to look better than the 22" from 4-5 feet then I'll go with the 20 incher.
Or should I just wait for some newer models? What are your thoughts?
 
Well, I've had experience with two wide-screen LCDs recently - and would recommend either, depending on your needs.

For the past year I used a Dell 2405pfw, and absolutely adored it.
Its main plus was with its DVI input and its native 1920x1200 native resolution.
It was fantastic for gaming (I don't play fps's though, so can't tell you how they worked) and looked just wonderful.
It also had a component hookup for my xbos 360, and that looked quite good, too.
But fair warning: I don't think the component hookup provides "actual" HD.. there was a certain quality missing.


So now I'm using a Samsung lnr238W that I picked up for $545, much less than the 2405.
For the PC, its max resolution is 1366x768 or something like that; I use 1280x720 and it looks just great. Nowhere near the utility of 1920x1200, so the items on the screen are much larger and take up way more space; multi-tasking is tougher.
But the picture is crystal clear through the monitor's VGA hook-up, and games (to me, at least) look really, really great. One advantage of the lower resolution is that it allows you to crank up anti-aliasing and anisotropic filtering, to image quality is outstanding.
And with the component hookups, this TV delivers absolutely dynamite HD for the XBOX360. It really is stunning, and far surpasses what I was getting with the 2405.
Another bonus: This TV has an HDMI input, so if I get a PS3, I can use it for their high-def output.


Overall, I've got to say that I like the 238W better, even though it's not considered as strong a monitor as the 2405. The high-quality PC input, together with the wonderful component and HDMI hookups make this one a no-brainer for me.

Plus the price fits (almost) with what you're looking to spend.
 
Thanks for the reply. I was also looking at the Dell e228wfp. How is that one? anybody have experience with that?
 
That looks like a very good monitor.
It is, however, just a computer monitor, and doesn't appear to have component or even composite inputs.

No big deal, if you're not trying to hook up a console gaming system.
 
Just remember that all current 22" panels are TN. If you have a $500 budget you should be able to get a higher quality 20" panel if you don't mind losing a little screen size.
 
so what does that exaclty mean Gaara? a 20" would be better quality than the 22? And no, I don't think I'll mind the 2 inches.
If I wait a few months will better 22's come out?
 
TN panels generally have smaller viewing angles and below average accuracy when compared to other panel types. Doesn't mean there bad monitors though. Read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TFT_LCD

Edit: I don't know of any non TN 22" panels planned in the future, but it seems likely there will be higher quality ones available at some point in time. I know if there was a 22" with S-IPS I would be all over it.
 
I couldn't care less about the viewing angle. I'm never going to sit far and watch a movie on it.
 
Its just viewing angle, black levels, general colors are all going to be a bit worse. 22" samsungs are nice, though I don't think i'd ever go for one... I have a 20.1" 2007FPW and its great, but I still find the colors not vibrant enough for gaming (which is why i have the FW900 CRT!) For me its eaither 20" or 24", theres really not much in between as far as quality monitors.
 
One thing I didn't realize about the viewing angle issue until I bought a 22" TN... the vertical viewing angle is affected by even a few inches of head movement. like, say you slouch in your chair for a second, you will notice the contrast at the top of the screen change. alot of TN panel users tilt their monitors ever -so-slightly forward so that you are always looking at the screen perpendicular or higher, no matter which part of the screen you are looking at. with an S-IPS or P-MVA, this is no longer an issue (although P-MVA brings its own viewing angle quirks...). On the whole, I like my 20" Dell 2007wfp, and wouldn't trade it for any 22" TN that exists.

In response to twoeyes though, black levels on TN panels are actually quite good on the newer ones, assuming you have calibrated correctly. Colors are also not bad, although I like the "feel" of the colors on an S-IPS better. They seem softer, yet somehow more vibrant at the same time. Hard to put into words...
 
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