Is this a good alternative monitor to the glossy Apple displays?

[glitch44]

I don't know if I can take the glossy screen of the newer iMacs, so I'm considering a mini + anti-glare monitor instead. Ideally it would have speakers built-in so I wouldn't have to have the cords for those.

Is this a good monitor (well, essentially television) for the mini?

SAMSUNG T24A350
ToC Rose Black 24"
5ms
Full HD LED BackLight LCD Monitor w/ DTV Tuner
250 cd/m2 DC 1,000,000:1 (1,000:1)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001501&Tpk=T24A350 24

Obviously, I wish it was higher resolution instead of only 1920 x 1080, but my current iMac is only 1920 x 1200, so I guess it's close.

 

[Vantage Point]

One thing to look for is if the panel is IPS or SVA type. Those panels have wide viewing angles while cheaper TN panels do not. That information is not listed so it it likely TN panel. Those are horrible since you need look straight at them to see the correct brightness and no color shifts. I am not a fan of the Apple display and I hate glossy but the apple is a IPS.

I wish it was higher resolution instead of only 1920 x 1080, but my current iMac is only 1920 x 1200

This is new (and terrible IMO) format of 16:9 instead of the golden ratio of 16:10. They are in vogue mostly because they cost less to make. This format makes them wider but shorter. The 16:10 ratio, which I much prefer, is not very hard to find, especially at the lower cost end.

 

[vincenz]

You won't go wrong with a Samsung display, TN panel or no. You could try looking at Dell also. They make some respectable displays these days.

 

[Vantage Point]

Samsung's are very good, I owned one for a few years. But, avoid any TN panel. These are the same type as found in laptops where things look different depending on the angle your are viewing. I am a photographer and TN panels are simply not acceptable for any type of serious work. There is a reason why they cost less. However, if you understand that limitation and accept it then they are certainly fine. I learned this lesson the hard way several years ago after buying a Dell and sent it back - to get a samsung. Both brands are good but TN technology may not be what you bargained for.

 

[drambuie]

TN panels aren't bad up to about 22". With larger TN displays, especially 27", the problem is that the angles from near the edges, mainly the top and bottom edges, is enough to cause contrast or color differences. Also, as you move your head position with a TN display this large, the contrast and colors change.

 

[Blipp]

Dell U2311H, same recommendation I always give people.

 

[random47]

I also have the dell u2311h. And it is a great monitor, if you want a cheap monitor with great viewing angles and good colors precision, compared to TN panels. So I would go for that.

But if you buy the mac mini right now, you will get last gen processors, so i would wait for the new mac mini.

 

[Ashok0]

glitch44,

The best alternative to the ACD27" is the upcoming Samsung SA850 which ships this Spring. It's 27" @ 2560x1440 just like the Apple. The only difference is that it's only semi-glossy. Reflections shouldn't be a problem, plus it won't have the highly controversial "sparkle" effect that plagues the crappy DELL U2711.

http://www.pcpop.com/doc/pic/001917712.html

 

[Strimkind]

Dell U2311H, same recommendation I always give people.

I second this. Wait for a sale and grab one.