Looking to get a new monitor

[Icarusintel]

Hi all. I've been using a Samsung Syncmaster 17" LCD monitor for the past 3 years or so. I built a new system recently, though, and I've been thinking about getting a better monitor. At the very least I'd like to go widescreen and get a resolution better than 1280x1024.

Now, I've also been thinking about getting an HDTV. I want something that I can use as an all-in-one solution for my PC, PS3, and, in the future, potentially as a TV.

I had been looking at 40" or bigger HDTV's that I could also use as a monitor, but I'm thinking now that something of that size would probably be far too large.

I started looking at bigger monitors (24" and up) today. I'm looking for something that will be able to do 1080p and will have HDCP since I'd like to be able to hook up my PS3 and be able to watch Blu-Ray movies. I'll post the link for the monitor I was looking at below. It's a Viewsonic and seems to have pretty good reviews. My main problem is with the viewing angles. Especially if I'm going to be using this for movies and TV it's going to need good viewing angles.

So, what should I do? Get a large monitor that I can use for everything? Get a smaller monitor and an HDTV? (I would be fine with a 22" for a decent price for my PC only)

And, after that, any suggestions? I want something that's high quality, but I'm not exactly made of money, still, I want to be able to view my movies in 1080p.

Thanks in advance.

Link to Viewsonic on Newegg

 

[No Limit]

You can get a decent 22" 1650x1080 monitor for around $250, I got mine (an Acer) at best buy for $189 when they had it on sale. I would do that and then if you don't have an HDTV then get one for all your other stuff, you can still hook up your computer to it. Playing PS3 games on a 24" monitor isn't going to be that good and the cost is going to be so steep you will be better off with an HDTV which you can get for around $600 now a days for a 32".

 

[DEATHMASTER]

Ditto, same monitor, same price, same place :E

 

[MRG]

Being as I don't know how much you can/want to spend on a monitor, I have linked to a few that you might want to look at. As for having a super-size HDTV/Monitor, simply move your desk/PC a little further back & it's now not too big.

24" LCD's
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010190020+1309821328&name=24"
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=2775&
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductList.jsp?ThirdCategoryCode=111110

High Performance Gaming Monitors
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2170722,00.asp
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF05a/382087-382087-64283-72270-444767-3297215.html

Acer & NEC High Performance Monitors
http://www.hardwarecentral.com/hardwarecentral/news/article.php/3700291

BenQ Gaming Monitors
http://computershopper.com/shoptalk/2006/12/15/benq_launches_four_gaming_lcd

42" 1080p HDTV LCD Monitor - (A friend has this exact monitor & loves it.)
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3285646&sku=S197-4600

What to Look for in a Gaming Monitor?

Monitors for games need exceptional display ability. Preferably a monitor for games should have a contrast ratio of 1000:1 or higher, a dot pitch of .255 mm or less, a brightness of 300 cd/m2 , a response time of 5ms or faster, a viewing angle of 170? or more and scanning frequencies of 85kHz or faster. We did not find the ?ideal? monitor in this price range, but we rated highest the models with a combination of the best color dimension, lowest dot pitch and quickest response time.

Keep in mind that display and appearance is subjective. Finding the ideal monitor for you may require you to log out of your game and visit a real world retailer to look over the monitors before you buy. However, you may only be able to find a long line of general use monitors on display and not the high?end, super fast type. In addition, do not confuse ?gaming monitors? with ?monitors for games?; gaming monitors are those that have touch interactive display like those used in gambling machines. Monitors for games are those that have the technology to display games.

Once you find a few monitors with the performance ability you are looking for in your price range, look for extras that you may need, such as extra ports, speakers, the ability to run video or pivot technology.

Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate 20.1?inch LCD flat panel monitors for games:

* Display ? This rating criterion is the most important aspect of a monitor for games. We evaluated the contrast ratio, dot pitch, brightness, response time, viewing angles and scanning frequencies.
* Connectivity ? All of these monitors have analog and digital inputs; nevertheless, it is tremendously useful to have S-Video and USB ports for game peripherals.
* Features ? Besides excellent display, many monitors offer additional features such as pivot or picture-in-picture technology, speakers or even remote controls.
* Display Adjustments ? We looked at front panel as well as user controls (OSM, OSD). It is useful to have quick adjustments such as brightness, menu, source and volume on the front panel and multiple color and position adjustments available through the user controls.
* Physical Adjustments ? Since hours are spent in front of a monitor, it is helpful if it can be simply adjusted to comfortable viewing positions.

Product Support ? Sometimes problems occur, so support should be easily accessible and product documentation ought to be comprehensive.

Just a little info. Hope it helps.

-MRG

 

[jeepcartruck]

I think a monitor is better than a TV used for monitor. Then you can choose a 22inch monitor... Viewsonic is a good brand, it has pretty good reviews. If you like 24 inch viewsonic but your main problem is the viewing angles, then why not try a 22 inch viewsonic. I think it is a good choise, i found that a recent deal for 22 inch viewsonic is $240 instead of $319 , you can have a look.
http://dealstudio.com/searchdeals.php?deal_id=60532