Widescreen monitor for gaming (PC + console)

[KingManULTRA]

I'm looking for a widescreen monitor in the range of $200-399 for PC and console gaming.

It should have excellent picture quality and a low response time. Also, since I will use this for PC gaming and primarily console gaming (right now Xbox 360) it should also:

-support 1280*720 (720p) natively OR play in this resolution without suffering reduced image quality
-have both DVI and VGA inputs, with a button that let's me switch between the two. So I can go between console and PC display without reconnecting cables.

One good looking option I've found is this: BenQ FP202W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... Q%2bFP202W
However, it seems awfully cheap...too cheap? My current Samsung 930BF 4:3 monitor was a lot more expensive than this (~$300) and it's only 19''.

I also looked at this monitor: SAMSUNG 226BW
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6824001096
But there seem to be ongoing discussion as to changes in the manufacturing quality of the monitor because Samsung outsourced later models of the product.

I'm worried about the fact that:
-some of the monitors have a native resolution of 1680 x 1050 (not supported by 360)
-the BenQ monitor has 16:10 and not 16:9 ratio; does this make a difference?

[Kills On Site]

Well I just ordered the Samsung 226BW and an Xbox 360 HD VGa kit, they haven't arrived yet, but give me till about Wednesday or Thursday and I'll tell you how it looks. Review.

[AmIdYfReAk]

(allmost) all computer monitor's will be 16:10 rather then 16:9

thats just the computer standard VS TV standard :/

out of those two choices i would hit up the samsung easly.. two friends are running it and the quality thus far ( +6 months ) is right up there with my Dell 2405FPW ( kinda scary considering mine was ~4X more expensive )

[obsidian]

Samsung > BenQ.

Although, I find the Samsung's colours are a little over-saturated out of the box compared to my Dell, so it will take a bit of work with a calibration device if you plan on using it for photos or graphics. Just for gaming and movies, it should be fine. I haven't seen the BenQ monitor in person.

LOL @ Amidy, my Dell 2407 was only ~2x more expensive (but I guess you've had it for much longer than I have).

[AmIdYfReAk]

i got mine on one of those Daily sales, and mine was only a little more.. but regular price ( who pays that anyway? ) is what i was refering to.

[MaCaBr3]

My samsung 226BW kicks ass, that's all I have to say. Colors are very natural and warm, Image is sharp I have no complains at all about this LCD.

[Grudge]

All 22" screens use the same panel, so they only differ in connections and build features/quality. They are 6-bit TN panels so don't expect super color quality.

I have a Benq FP222W though, and it works great for gaming and general computer use. The stand and bezel is very "neutral" looking. The Samsung has a thinner bezel, but I don't personally care much for the round stand, plus it's a bit more expensive.

[Grudge]

Plus, 22" are cheap right now because the panel makers have retooled their 19" lines to 22", and are spitting them out by the boat load. Expect 27" to be the next step (same resolution as 24", but larger dot pitch, just as with 22" vs 20" and 19" vs 17")

[+JuggerNaut+]

grudge ftw. good info there, cuz i'm in the market.

[+JuggerNaut+]

All 22" screens use the same panel, so they only differ in connections and build features/quality. They are 6-bit TN panels so don't expect super color quality.

I have a Benq FP222W though, and it works great for gaming and general computer use. The stand and bezel is very "neutral" looking. The Samsung has a thinner bezel, but I don't personally care much for the round stand, plus it's a bit more expensive.

if that's the case, what about this one? good price anyway, but..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6824009094

[Grudge]

Yea, Acer is usually good, so go for it if you like the price

[+JuggerNaut+]

thanks, man

[FragaGeddon]

I think I might buy one of those Acers also.

[FragaGeddon]

A question about the dual inputs. Can you have to computers plugged in and switch between the two, or is it basically you either use the DVI or VGA input?

[Grudge]

You can usually have two computers plugged in, and switch between the inputs with a button.

[MaCaBr3]

Yea, Acer is usually good, so go for it if you like the price

Tbh I didn't like the colors on the Acer that were on display in the shop I bought the 226BW. There were only 2 monitors that cought my eye when it came to colors and sharpness: the HP Wxx07 series and the Samsung 226BW. I actually bought the HP2007 20inch but when I came home I noticed there was no DVI connection on it (!!!???). I went back to store and they didn't make a problem of it, they guy actually made a joke saying the idiots at HP Europe really were high or something cuz the American model does have a DVI input. He recommended me the 226BW instead and I'm happy every since.

The Acer also cought my eyse because it was cheap, but with a noticeable drawback of constrast and sharpness. Really check them out in the stores and just compare them.

[+JuggerNaut+]

Yea, Acer is usually good, so go for it if you like the price

Tbh I didn't like the colors on the Acer that were on display in the shop I bought the 226BW. There were only 2 monitors that cought my eye when it came to colors and sharpness: the HP Wxx07 series and the Samsung 226BW. I actually bought the HP2007 20inch but when I came home I noticed there was no DVI connection on it (!!!???). I went back to store and they didn't make a problem of it, they guy actually made a joke saying the idiots at HP Europe really were high or something cuz the American model does have a DVI input. He recommended me the 226BW instead and I'm happy every since.

The Acer also cought my eyse because it was cheap, but with a noticeable drawback of constrast and sharpness. Really check them out in the stores and just compare them.

did you reset all of the monitors you were comparing to defaults? where you looking at the same source for video or a picture? probably no on both questions.

[Kills On Site]

Well I love my Samsung226BW. On the 360 you choose resolutions, not HD settings. It runs t 1360x768. I truly love plaing Gears on it and the Klipsch 2.1 speakers, jsut makes it so mch more awesome. I can't give advice on whether other monitors are good or not, but my Samsung has impressed me greatly and I see no truly noticable or bothersome difference between it and a CRT as far as ghosting. Nailing active reloads and reading text, especially on the corners of the screen, is so much easier than on a CRT.

[FragaGeddon]

Just picked up a Samsung 206BW. They had the 22", but it was almost 100 more.
But I wanted the smaller one, because I'll end up getting a second one, but non widescreen to use as a second monitor.

[MaCaBr3]

did you reset all of the monitors you were comparing to defaults? where you looking at the same source for video or a picture? probably no on both questions.

Yes on both

[Grudge]

They're using the same panel so there shouldn't be any large differences. Maybe they use different backlights, but that shouldn't cause any huge contrast differences. Sounds like cranked vs. tuned down contrast settings to me.

[MaCaBr3]

There was a Acer, not sure if it was the one that jugs linked. but I could notice the difference between Acer and HP and Samsung immediately though.

[+JuggerNaut+]

did you reset all of the monitors you were comparing to defaults? where you looking at the same source for video or a picture? probably no on both questions.

Yes on both

hm

[FragaGeddon]

I think I might pick up a second one Friday.

[Turbanator]

hp 2205 is worth a glance