External monitor for new macbook pro

[Superbrelts]

Hi guys

I've got a 15" unibody macbook pro, newest generation.

I've been planning on buying an external monitor for a while, but I simply can't afford an Apple display. Being on student, my budget can't possibly manage more then 300 dollars for a display.

However, I'm determined to find one that has close to the same sharpness, brightness and quality as an apple display does. I've seen people using external monitors on macbooks before, where the quality simply has been terrible.

Any of you guys have a suggestion on which monitor to choose?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ml.sail1]

The dell UltraSharps have always been rated pretty good. They have an IPS display amongst other features and are frequently compared to or rated higher than the actual thunderbolt displays.

http://www.amazon.com/Dell-UltraSha...9310/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1326558931&sr=8-2

 

[Superbrelts]

Though it's atypical for a mac user, the monitor is going to be used for some gaming.

Will a monitor with an 8ms response time be good at this? The reviews I'm seeing is very positive though!

Do you have any personal experience on using this monitor?

All help and advice is appreciated!

 

[MagicBoy]

Another vote for a nice Dell IPS screen.

Any response time under 20ms should be fine. Anyone saying otherwise is just being taken in my the marketing. I FPS game very happily on a 25ms Dell 2005FPW.

 

[Superbrelts]

Would you rate the 23" version as highly?

http://www.amazon.com/UltraSharp-U2...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1326563179&sr=1-1

 

[ml.sail1]

The 23” should be just as good, I just prefer the 16:10 ratio as found on the 24 (the 23 is 16:9), however the difference in price is quite large. In the end I suppose it is just up to personal preference.