CNET Asia's top picks for LCD monitors
If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then the monitor is the window to what actually goes on under your PC's hood. CRT monitors have served several generations of computing geeks well, but with recent price drops of LCDs, flat-panel displays have become the norm rather than the exception.
Why LCD? For one, it is supposed to be easier on the eyes as it is based on pixel technology instead of CRT line scanning which flickers. The space savings on your desktop are significant, too. Moreover, LCDs are friendlier on the environment. They use less power than their CRT counterpart. True, CRTs do not suffer from image "ghosting" or dead/frozen pixel issues, but with vendors producing faster LCD panels and offering no-dead-pixel warranties, there is really little reason to go back to bulky monitors.
Did you know?
LCD ghosting effects occur when the LCD pixels are unable to switch on and off fast enough for the video, hence creating a fuzzy image, especially for fast-moving graphics.
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When choosing LCDs, price is still the over-riding factor when it comes to panel selection. Barring high-end displays like Asus gaming monitors and LG's Fantasy series, most LCDs offer similar connectivity and features. Note that if you have an HDMI or DVI-equipped system, you need a panel which supports these inputs to experience superior image quality over the older VGA interface. Here are our value-for-money top picks for panels in the various size categories.
Prices shown are based on Singapore's Sim Lim Square prices (after tax) as at July 27, 2007.
19-inch LCD (budget)
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It may not be a well-known brand, but this Chimei flat panel offers high resolution and dual analog/digital inputs at a very good price.
Configuration: 16:10 aspect ratio; 1,440 x 900-pixel resolution; 330cd/m2 brightness; 5ms response time; 600:1 contrast ratio; VGA and DVI-D input. | S$259 (US$190.69) |
Jai Maa Computers |
19-inch LCD (performance)
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With its low response rate and exceptionally high contract ratio, the LG L196WT display appeals to gamers and designers alike.
Configuration: 16:10 aspect ratio; 1,440 x 900-pixel resolution; 300cd/m2 brightness; 2ms response time; 3,000:1 contrast ratio; VGA and DVI-D input. |
S$379 (US$279.04) |
Video Pro; Bizgram; Fuwell |
22-inch LCD
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The BenQ FP222W offers an excellent feature set and specifications at an attractive price point.
Configuration: 16:10 aspect ratio; 1,680 x 1,050-pixel resolution; 350cd/m2 brightness; 5ms response time; 1,000:1 contrast ratio; VGA and DVI-D input. |
S$499 (US$367.39) |
Jai Maa Computers |
24-inch LCD
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At under S$0 (US$0), the Dell 2407WFP is possibly the cheapest 24-inch panel you can get your hands on. Despite its low price, you still get a decent set of connectivity options and performance.
Configuration: 16:10 aspect ratio; 1,920 x 1,200-pixel resolution; 400cd/m2 brightness; 6ms response time; 1,000:1 contrast ratio; VGA, DVI-D, S-video, composite and component input. |
S$899 (US$661.89) (after S$300 (US$220.88) cash off, tax and delivery) |
Dell online store |
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