External Monitor choices for 13" MBP

[iApache]

Hey guys/gals, I bought my 13"MBP about 2-3 months ago. I mainly use it for uni so It's back and forth (great portability). But I am looking into getting a monitor for my setup at home. I have the hdmi adapter + HDMI cable which I use to connect to my tv in the living room. (52" Bravia).

I am looking to spend about $150-$200 no more then that. Apple monitors are out of my price range.

I also have a few questions.
- Is it better to get a monitor with HDMI?
- Is vga/dvi good? How is it for those who have it?
- Is there much difference between 1600 x 900 and 1920 x 1080?
- Will my MBP look fine on any of these monitors?

Here are some that I have been looking at

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6650614&CatId=1410

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6380905&CatId=1410

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5522916&CatId=2775

Thanks for any info that can be given, any suggestion on other monitors are welcome.

 

[alust2013]

I also have a few questions.
- Is it better to get a monitor with HDMI?
- Is vga/dvi good? How is it for those who have it?
- Is there much difference between 1600 x 900 and 1920 x 1080?
- Will my MBP look fine on any of these monitors?

HDMI is a good idea, in case you may want to hook up something like an xbox to it as well. You don't really want to use VGA, it's pretty outdated and doesn't look quite as good. DVI, however is the same video signal as HDMI, just without the audio. I use DVI and it works wonderfully.

There is a pretty huge difference between 1600x900 and 1920x1080, especially as screen size gets larger. I wouldn't buy anything bigger than a 21.5" with 1600x900, and you have a good amount more screen real estate on a 1920x1080 display.

Your MBP would work fine with any of those monitors though

 

[iApache]

^ Appreciate your help. I haven't had the chance to purchase the monitor yet, but with this weeks bonus I will be able to. I have two more choices that I was looking at - If anyone can give some more input I'd appreciate it..

I have about $200 to spend, but with the HP I can use my points (amex) and get a discount on it.

The HP?
http://www.amazon.com/HP-W2338H-23-...OX28/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1288664509&sr=8-4

OR

The Asus?
http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_...1&blockType=G11&prdNo=11&i_cntr=1288829911970

 

[iVX]

Acer do a very good 24' LED display for around £240 ($300),over budget yes but If you can hold off and save a little bit longer,it could prove worth while?

 

[iApache]

^ hey thanks for your reply, do you have a link with the monitor you are talking about? I'm sure that I could hold off if it's really good monitor.

 

[djlutzker]

Hey! I have the same mac and i also had to decide on a monitor for it, so this is waht i did:

DELL u2211h:

- 1080p
- IPS Panel
- Display Port / VGA / DVI
- It rotates

DELL U2211H

Plus +

Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort Cable

Check it out!

 

[iApache]

^ oh that's just dope, I love how I would just have to use that cable. I will look more into that. Thank you for your reply!