Looking to purchase a external monitor for my MBP. Need advice.

[chariotofFIRE]

i have about a 500$ budget and i am in the market for a external monitor thats about 22''+.

Interested in a used 23'' HD cinema display which goes for about 500$ on ebay.

How are the samsung displays? 22'' - 24'' max

the glossy 24'' samsung looks interesting. need more help

 

[iToaster]

The ACD will make you happy, but it's cost will not. If you can find a less expensive one on eBay, I say get it. If you're just looking for something to get the job done you could check out, dare I say, Dell or perhaps HP, Sony, etc.

 

[ZachPruckowski]

For $500 you can get a really nice 20-22-incher at 1680x1050 (with cash left over) or a low-end 24-incher at 1920x1200.

I'm not qualified to recommend specific brands at all. I have a Samsung and it's pretty nice.

I'd suggest buying from a store instead of online, because online places have strict dead pixel policies (won't replace if there's only one or two).

 

[vicious7]

For $500 you can get a really nice 20-22-incher at 1680x1050 (with cash left over) or a low-end 24-incher at 1920x1200.

I'm not qualified to recommend specific brands at all. I have a Samsung and it's pretty nice.

I'd suggest buying from a store instead of online, because online places have strict dead pixel policies (won't replace if there's only one or two).

Plus, a store might let you hookup your notebook to see if it suits your needs. Dell's 20" UltraSharp is a good option.

 

[fr4c]

ACD is a definite if you can snag a used one up for cheap. Otherwise, shop around for a Samsung or LG p) or Dell. These 3 are the ones I recommend as they're very solid performers.

 

[feelthefire]

I'd never buy an ACD. Those price tags with the slow response times and only one input? no way.

I just bought a 22" acer that I am really, really pleased with for $250 last week. I am totally happy with the contrast and size. Chucked my 21" samsung for it. that's sitting on my music server now. Also really liked the 24" LG but at $549 was way more than I wanted to spend.

 

[Bern]

It really depends what you need it for. I'm a digital artist so the ACD is a must, but if you're just using it for regular use than perhaps you could consider something else as some people have suggested.

 

[squeeks]

I'm a digital artist so the ACD is a must,

and why is that

 

[chariotofFIRE]

i basically just want to have one because my mbp is my daily driver and it would be nice if i had a bigger screen so i can watch movies like.. 11 - 13 ft. away.

 

[GoCubsGo]

i basically just want to have one because my mbp is my daily driver and it would be nice if i had a bigger screen so i can watch movies like.. 11 - 13 ft. away.

If Apple is out of your price range I would do the nice Dell or Samsung. I know both first hand and can say both are nice displays. I speak to this now from a 30" ACD, in other words...to compare I would say the Samsung first, Dell 2nd (dell 2005FPW was a bit darker than the 30" ACD).

It really depends what you need it for. I'm a digital artist so the ACD is a must, but if you're just using it for regular use than perhaps you could consider something else as some people have suggested.

ACD because you are a digital artist? Clearly and hopefully you spend more time with your digital artistry than you do researching the specs of displays. A properly calibrated Dell 20" - 30" CAN and will compete nicely with a 20-30" ACD. I think as a digital artist you may find the fluidness of the ACD to be a design plus. No argument there, but such a closed-minded statement as yours just makes me wonder how creative of a digital artist you may be.

 

[vicious7]

ACD because you are a digital artist? Clearly and hopefully you spend more time with your digital artistry than you do researching the specs of displays. A properly calibrated Dell 20" - 30" CAN and will compete nicely with a 20-30" ACD. I think as a digital artist you may find the fluidness of the ACD to be a design plus. No argument there, but such a closed-minded statement as yours just makes me wonder how creative of a digital artist you may be.

lol...remind me not to upset you.

I would have to agree that Dell's higher end offerings match well with the ACD's. And the price is definitely much more attractive. Style over substance has never been my cup of tea, but to each their own, yeah?

 

[fr4c]

get a ACD if you want the 'OMGZZ MADD PWNZRR SCHWEET SEXAHH SCREEN YO", but it'll likely cost you a arm and a leg in the process unless its used.

get a Samsung/Dell if you want similar performance, less flash, but wont break your bank account at the same time. the new Samsung's with the glossy black bezels looks quite nice.

 

[joeybagadonutz]

20.1" NEC 20WMGX2 $399 (after rebate)

I'm considering the NEC MultiSync 20WMGX2 for $399 after rebate at Newegg. It's a fast (6ms), brite (470), good contrast (1600:1), 1680 x 1050 20.1" S-ISP panel, .258 pixel with 3 year warranty. It is covered with glossy glass. NTSC tuner included (but not ATSC) with DVI-D, VGA 15 pin D-sub, S-video, component, composite, 4 port USB (no FW), speakers, and remote.

A NEC rep. told me that 22" and 24" are due before holidays but no details on the panels. They will be out of our budget range. If the 10-13 feet distance is correct, you may not be happy with any 20-24" panel.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824002320

http://www.necdisplay.com/Products/Product/?product=437c10b5-a864-4f76-a011-5113f6157940

 

[ZachPruckowski]

i basically just want to have one because my mbp is my daily driver and it would be nice if i had a bigger screen so i can watch movies like.. 11 - 13 ft. away.

My twenty-incher is too small to comfortably watch movies on from 15 feet away in my bed.

If all you want to do is watch movies, then buy a cheap 27-32" HDTV with VGA or DVI in. The price you would pay for a 27-30 inch monitor and the insane resolutions is not worth it if all you need to do is watch movies.

 

[elcid]

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10442_7-6470175-1.html

I know it is a 30 inch, but the 20inch says the exact same thing. Apple takes the cake by the slimest of margins over the Dells. And you can save a lot of money and have a brand new monitor at the same time.

I went with a dell and I couldn't be happier. And I do a lot of photo manipulation.

$.02

 

[elcid]

Well I guess you would have to pick up a new dell 24 for 560. Still not too bad. Esp with a educational discount.