Monitor Suggestions?

"MM54" (mm54mk2)
10/15/2015 at 19:48 • Filed to: None

Hey Oppo. I’m looking for a monitor that I can use for general computer-stuff (for which my laptop screen works well, but a second monitor is handy) as well as with the sim racing setup I’m working on. I’m on a bit of a budget, and am just looking for one, fairly large (by my standards), decent monitor for under ~$200. Some day down the road I’ll dedicate three to the sim, but for now I’m looking for one to pull double duty, albeit mostly on the sim.

I’m pretty out of touch with the monitor market, the last ones I bought were an upgrade from a 15” CRT for a then-new computer with this fancy new “XP” windows thing.

Here’s what I’m looking at, and some thoughts on each. Let me know what you think! I’d like to have a decision made within a few days so I can get whatever I end up ordering ordered.

Option 1 :

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I can’t decide if the ultra-wide thing would be handy or inconvinient. Quick math says that with their listed aspect ratio and diagonal size this would be about 9.7” high and almost 24” wide. Coming from a 15” laptop this seems huge. I suspect this ratio may be good with racing. Anyone used one of these ultrawide monitors?

Option 2:

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This ones a bit pricier, but it’s even bigger (it’s bigger than my television...) and has a pretty typical 16:9 aspect ratio. Acer is supposed to make pretty good monitors, so this seems like a decent option, although it’s at the top of my budget.

Option 3:

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I’m not sure what the difference is between this and the last one, other than being a little cheaper and not having HDMI ports (which is sort of an issue, I’d need an adapter for my laptop - I don’t have DVI ports).

Option 4: Your Suggestion!

Like I said, I’m not familiar with the modern monitor market, so I’ll appreciate any input you all have.

Thanks!

DISCUSSION (11)

bob and john > MM54
10/15/2015 at 19:53

i have an LG 24EN43 24inch LED monitor. love it. thin, easy on power, bright. I have 2 of them actually. i was getting them for ~200 tax and everything (shipping included) you might be able to find the 27 inch version for similar

Nibby > MM54
10/15/2015 at 20:02

Stick to 25” or smaller if it is just 1080p...and only look at IPS monitors (cause they have superior picture quality)

Jcarr > MM54
10/15/2015 at 20:19

I use two Viewsonic VA2231-WMs at work and like them a lot. $130 on Amazon.

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > MM54
10/15/2015 at 20:23

I use the previous model of this monitor with no complaints as my primary monitor, I am waiting for the old old Dell 19” LCD that I use as a second monitor to die so I can relegate this one to second monitor status and buy a new one.
Asus Monitor

MM54 > Phyrxes once again has a wagon!
10/15/2015 at 21:06

Wow, that has good reviews. It looks like the VS239H-P is good as well, with a supposed slightly better display for about $1 less, weird. I’ll definitely keep this one in mind as an option!

MM54 > Nibby
10/15/2015 at 21:07

Any particular monitors you would suggest? I’m going to do some research into IPS displays, it seems to be coming up a lot.

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > MM54
10/15/2015 at 21:13

If you are considering more than one monitor to run a truly extended desktop keep in mind bezel thickness, its easily half an inch on either side of the screen with this monitor.

Nibby > MM54
10/15/2015 at 21:23

Look at Asus, Samsung, HP, Dell, and Viewsonic.

MM54 > Phyrxes once again has a wagon!
10/15/2015 at 21:34

I wouldn’t be extending to more screens for a while, and when that times comes there’s a chance they would be different monitors anyways. While it is something I’m keeping in mind, bezel thickness isn’t a huge factor for me right now (unless it’s like an inch or something stupid).

Any thoughts on the model number I mentioned? It seems to be the same as the one you linked to but with an IPS display.

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > MM54
10/15/2015 at 22:52

Its a much better version, the one I have isn’t capable of being mounted to a wall or swing-arm mount. My next desk setup is going to be dual monitors on arms to do height adjustment instead of having a monitor riser eating up desk space.

Gizmo - The Only Good Gremlin, but don't feed me after Midnight > MM54
10/16/2015 at 02:09

TLDR;

You’ve waited this long; wait a little longer.... I buy all my compter accessories on Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving). You’d be amazed at the deals you can find then compared to today. Two years ago I got three 22” 1080p TV/monitors for under $80 each. I intend toget a 60” this year for under $800.