Monitor Comparison Shopping

[Fierce Critter]

My monitor is dying.

I've got a couple offers for used ones off Yahoo lists for $20 each. Both of them are a hike for me, so I've been trying to research which is the right one to go for. But they're older, and I can't find reviews or specs on them.

The first is a Dell M990P. I found a couple on "for sale" sites by dropping the "M" and searching on 990P. But I can't find other info.

The other is a Systemax (Delta) DE-995. The guy with this one uses it for gaming, which is partially my interest. I'm leaning toward this one.

Both are 19" (18" viewable). The one I have is a Compaq MV940, it's the one that's dying (and no, it's not my video card, did the testing that refutes that). I need at least an 18" viewable.

Thanks for any input. Oh - and if you have one for sale, let me know what you've got.

[Reaper]

Mine is a Dell E196FP 19 Inch Flat Panel19.0 which rocks as its pretty huge for a flat panel. Only cost me $200! Not bad for a big monitor by a big brand name

[Scary Guy]

Check into Sun Microsystems. I got the one I'm using now (19") for 50 bucks uesd like 3-4 years ago. Hasn't given me ANY problems what so ever and still looks quite nice.

[Troy Spiral (13)]

Anyhow...

Old models like that are hard to get accurate info about because there is very little "how does this thing still look after 5 years?" type info out there.

If it came down to it i'd probably take the DELL just because Systemmax is sort of a "no-name" brand. That doesn't mean its bad, just means its probably more likely to be under-tested.

But it could be an awesome monitor, with ass kicking components. Just in a very generalized way, more well known brands tend to have more well tested components.

But regardless, even really el-cheapo monitors typically are workhorses. Oldschool monitor (non plasma , non flat, etc) tech is so simple / robust that its hard for all but the worst manufacturing tech to fuck up to much.

For some reason im thinking that a local paper might be a better route to go for a heavy ass , common item like this though. Computer geeks seem to always have spare monitors laying around that they never use.

Also computer shows are fun to go to and usually have dirt-cheap new monitors for sale.

I'm currently using an ancient Viewsonic 21 inch monitor that i bought like 9 (maybe more) years ago, never had any problems with it.

[Scary Guy]

Computer shows suck, trust me on this.

I used to work in the gebralter ones. There was a guy selling Celerons as Pentium III's, and he came over to our table looking for a celeron because on of the computers he was selling actually had a P3 in it and he didn't want to sell it. I'm just saying be wary of shows since almost everyone is out to rip you off.

[Rayne]

I have a Viewsonic. My ex has it. I've had it for about 6 years. It still works great.

[Troy Spiral (13)]

Having been going to computer shows for longer than the previous reviewer of computer shows has been alive, I'll have to disagree with his assessment of them with a fair amount of authority. But as with anything like this the reviews can be subjective, and may only be subjective with no possibility of true objectivity. (on my part or anyones)

But, if you were to go to one specifically with the desire to get a computer monitor, it would probably be best to know what brand(s) they will have and already know what you want. Also you have to weigh the savings against the seller. Some sellers you will never see again (while others are well known and easy to work with if your product doesn't work out).

It can be a bit bewildering to shop at a computer show. Similar to say , going to an antique show , but not knowing that much about antiques or how to shop for them... you could get screwed fairly easily.

[Scary Guy]

Well if so at least have them hook it up and test it first, and don't get anything without a warranty. Remember that new means refurbished and refurbished means used and used means it's actually broken but we'll be in the next town by the time you figure that out. Also all the software is either pirated or it's pirated.

[Fierce Critter]

Thankfully, for now, mine is working again so I'm alright. I have a friend who offered a good one that I still might take up on the offer just in case.

I actually think some moisture might have gotten into this one. Happened once before (don't ask) and it recovered nicely. Seems to have happened again.

As for computer shows, I've been to the Gibraltar one. I noticed that all the monitors being sold had their brights cranked up to full. Decided not to risk it.

My last one was a viewsonic. I loved it. Gorgeous color. But I buy all my monitors used, and unfortunately, short lifespan is usually the result.