I'm looking to buy a new monitor, what do I need to know?

Sage on 01/05/2012 - 19:02

Hi guys, I want to replace the TV that I'm currently using with my computer.
I've only just found out about IPS & TN from some comments in a recent deal.
I'm wondering, what else is important to know when shopping for a new monitor?

I've seen they have many different variables such as contrast ratio and refresh rate, how important are all those things?
I'd like to get a fairly decent monitor.

I'm after a full HD monitor with 2 HDMI ports at around 28" if that helps. (or if anyone has a specific screen in mind.)

Also, do you guys reckon it's worth buying from overseas? I was thinking of buying locally so I don't have to wait for postage and for the warranty. But would it be much of a price difference?

Computing

Comments

  • jc8 on 01/05/2012 - 22:02

    http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/68556

    Although expired you can probably call them and ask for the same price.

  • Kill Joy on 02/05/2012 - 00:35
    +1

    28' is an odd number for size in my opinion…32' and 24' seem the dominate and most available for higher end displays.

    Buy locally. Warranty and shipping will be troublesome.

    Definitely go IPS panel if possible, but it will be costly upwards of 24'. The main thing you need to take note of is resolution. Anything over 24 should have more then 1080p resolution if its for computer use otherwise text may be difficult to read. Read reviews, find a screen that is generally positive. Light bleed is a big issue for some monitors, so make sure you research your options. What i usually do is find a good 5 or so items on the net from simple searches then compare them till i'm down to one, then i repeat the process with 5 other ones. Once i have done that until i cant find any more i like, i compare the top few i have selected based on review.

    Dell are very nice, I have had a decent BenQ (though minor light bleed) but just ensure you check reviews. A lot of specs available for electronics are meaningless. Contrast ratios are ambiguous, and spec sheets are generally very selective. Just make sure it has the features you need, and really on the rest from reviews. People will tell you hoe the colours are, view angles, light bleed, warranty/rma issues, etc.

    Hope that helped? :)

  • Sage on 08/05/2012 - 22:40

    Thanks, yeah Kill Joy that helped alot.

    I ended up getting a non-IPS panel after I saw on a whirlpool discussion people mentioned that Samsung TN panels aren't nearly as bad as every other brand. They said they're on par with IPS panels, they don't have the issues that TN panels generally have.
    Plus they said TN is better for gaming, which is what I'll be using it for anyway. (They said IPS is better for graphic design since it can show more colours or something.)

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join