Monitor!

[Foxtrot]

I need a good monitor for under $200(preferably black). I found a viewsonic one on newegg that was 19", is viewsonic a good brand? What brands are good? What should I look for when buying a monitor? I am afraid I will get a crappy one with a distorted image in the corners or somthing weird like that.

 

[Interitus]

Viewsonic makes excellent monitors. The Optiquest is their midrange brand, but I find them very good. check out www.viewsonic.com to see what the difference between them all is.
Sony makes excellent monitors. Tho they're probably too much for you, same with any brand that uses the sony tube... Those are the only two brands that I'd really recommend, I havent had much experience with any others.

Obviously first look at the size you want. Then you want the lowest dot pitch in your price range.
Beware that sometimes they'll give a horizontal dot pitch rather than the diagonal.
For a diagonal dot pitch, .27 should be the lowest you should have to to. Horizontal, I've seen good ones at .21 dot pitch. (dot pitch = dots per inch. more = better res)

If you get one with a distorted image in the corners and it cant be corrected by the onscreen controls, then youv'e gotten a bad monitor.

 

[Foxtrot]

This is a refurbished monitor, is it a good deal? http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-116-226R&type=Refurbish
This is the one I planned on getting but it is kind of expensive
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-116-302&depa=0

 

[Foxtrot]

Also what about flat or not(all CRT) does it make that much of a difference.