Worth the Upgrade?

L

LiQuId StEeL

Weaksauce
Joined
Apr 22, 2005
Messages
80
Well, I think I may finally be caving into progress (lol) and upgrading my monitor.

Currently I have a Samsung 205BW (review here) that I bought back in 06. It really has only been two years, but I think I am starting to use my computer more scrutinizingly, so an upgrade is in order.

I know I am not going to get top-end performance, especially at my budget, which is definitely less than $350, with that maximum really being a cringe to my wallet. I have been looking at the Sceptre, Acers, and Dells (as well as that 26in Soyo that I missed out on :(). I really just am not sure.

I have a feeling this panel is rather blah overall, and anything will be an upgrade, but I just don't know. Unfortunately I have no way of getting to a store to test stuff out in person (and as such I will not be ordering through newegg due to their abysmal dead pixel policy), so I can't really compare to what I have now.

I guess I am looking for something under $350 NEW (no refurb) that will provide a noticable gain as far as an overall experience. I don't really game (and I have noticed no ghosting issues with the 205BW in my limited gaming time, for reference), I don't really do heavy image work. I guess most of my time is spent either watching movies, doing homework (EE major, block diagrams get large fast), and just browsing the web. Not too intense.

Suggestion? Opinions?
 
After doing a bit of poking, I am starting to doubt my conviction to avoid newegg.

I also decided to stick with a 1920x1200 panel, rather than a 1920x1080.

Eyeing the 24in Acer with the grey stand, but I am not sure. It is $70 more than the Sceptre... gah.
 
Unfortunately both seem to be quite a bit out of my budget (which I will admit is pretty tight as it is).

My mind has now been drawn to three options:
Sceptre - $290
Dell E248WFP off Ebay with 20%+ Cashback - $300ish AR
Acer $350


Not sure which, if any, would be the best buy.

Minor detail, but it MUST be VESA compatible. I am going to be mounting this on an arm almost definitely, so I do not want to buy something that will not allow for this.

edit: seems the G2400W is the same price as the Dell, if I go the ebay cashback route... would that be the best overall?

double edit: seems there is a 25.5in Acer that would be $300 after cashback... damn options!
 
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