Buy Apples new LED monitor or go with a cheaper alternative?

[exiag335]

Hello

I want to buy a monitor to use with a MBP and something to use also once I buy a Mac Pro when they are updated.

I see that Apple has the 24 inch LED monitor but that is 800 dollars!
I was wondering what some other good monitors are and if they are good to use to.

I will be using my computer for graphic design, 3d design, movie editing, music production and some games.

Help please

 

[KelchM]

I think if the looks aren't of upmost importance, go for something else and save yourself a few hundred dollars. Just don't skimp out. Spend the money and get a good S-IPS display.

 

[ikermalli]

Lg Monitors are good, the ACD is AMAZING though. But go for something higher end, I am happy with my I-Inc though

 

[exiag335]

Lg Monitors are good, the ACD is AMAZING though. But go for something higher end, I am happy with my I-Inc though

Higher end? What are some specs I should look for when choosing a monitor and do you have any suggestions about any specific ones?

 

[Umbongo]

Higher end? What are some specs I should look for when choosing a monitor and do you have any suggestions about any specific ones?

Here is a list of IPS displays (the best panel type for sub $1,200 displays).

If you want a better display than Apple's the NEC LCD2490WUXi is the best choice. I believe B&H are the cheapest source online. If you want an IPS panel for a lower price then HP's LP2475W is a great choice and can be had for just under $600. It isn't as good as Apple's so you can see the ACD is faily priced. Dell's 2408WFP is an alternative to the HP, it wouldn't be my choice but it is a popular 24" display with a decent panel (i.e not TN, it uses S-PVA) and it has every connection type you could imagine. I'd only go for it over the HP if you can get it a lot cheaper through deal sites, Dell offering a discount or through their refurb store at http://www.dell.com/outlet.

 

[exiag335]

Thank you for the link.
I didn't realize it would be so expensive just to get a decent monitor to do work on.

 

[Umbongo]

Thank you for the link.
I didn't realize it would be so expensive just to get a decent monitor to do work on.

I guess it depends on your definition of decent. Displays with TN panels are going to be perfectly fine for most people, S-PVA even more so, but if you want better viewing angles, better colour accuracy, better colour uniformity and better overall quality then it costs as it's a smaller market.

Most displays you are going to find in stores are going to be TN, maybe some S-PVA types too so I'd reccommend you check them out and see what you think first. Photography or specialist computer stores may have better monitors on display so you could see the difference. Apple use IPS in all their current desktop displays except the 20" iMac (which is TN).

 

[exiag335]

How about this one?

http://www.hardwarezone.com/articles/view.php?cid=5&id=2560

 

[Scottsdale]

How about this one?

http://www.hardwarezone.com/articles/view.php?cid=5&id=2560

That has a TN display just what others are telling you NOT to buy. Most that need a good monitor buy the more expensive panel type IPS (variations). The TN display is considered the worst. If you need exact color calibration, I think you want to buy either an IPS or any Apple Cinema Display. The Apple Cinema Displays are amazing monitors. I would definitely buy the money if I had to have exact/precise colors... I think Apple only uses IPS on their Apple Cinema Displays, and the value is decent for them. Especially the new LED backlit which also had built in speakers, camera, and usb ports (like dock station as has power, video, and usb cables built-in).... but you must have a new MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro to run the new LED ACD.

Best wishes.

 

[exiag335]

Ok I understand.

Thanks

 

[exiag335]

What does TN stand for anyway?

 

[Lissa22]

I've seen some good deals at amazon, you just have to be really quick to buy it, otherwise it might be gone by the time you come back

. Happened to me, long story

 

[KelchM]

What does TN stand for anyway?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TFT_LCD