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Good non-apple external monitor for MBP?

J

jsnuff1

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Oct 4, 2003
730
340
NY
Ill pay the apple tax on a MBP when the new ones come out, but as nice as the apple displays look, I cant bring myself to spend an extra 500 for an apple external display.


So with that being said what are good alternative external displays for MBPs? Would the MBP have problems driving the newer 1080p displays that are out?
 
Does the MBP output enough resolution to operate this monitor at native resolution?
 
Outputs at that resolution no problem. You might also want to look at Dell monitors. They're not the best out there but for the price they offer on various monitors, can't go wrong.
 
mikeherdes said:
I use the H233H 23" LCD. Looks amazing with the mac, and as soon as I plug in the cable the screen turns on and I use both displays.

At $219 its probably the best option.

http://canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=021934&cid=MTR.863
Click to expand...

Quick question for ya, I bought my girlfriend the H233H monitor to use as an external display with her 2009 MBP a few months ago. Have you had any issues with dead pixels? I've gone through two already with dead pixels around the borders and I'm wondering if it's just a fluke thing or if the "you get what you pay for" is applicable here. It's great picture quality and size for the price, but I researched a lot before purchasing and it seems that most monitors of that size are more expensive.
 
jimbowdang said:
Take a look at the NEC EA231WMi. 23" IPS at 1920x1080 plus it supports DisplayPort so you wouldn't need any fancy active adapters for a newer MBP. I own one and it looks great.

Can be found for $310 here: http://www.buy.com/prod/nec-display...nitor-23-1920-x-1080/q/loc/101/211579088.html although other sites may have better prices, I didn't really look around.
Click to expand...

this monitor above (the NEC) or the Dell Ultrasharp 2209WA. Its an eIPS monitor like the NEC but 22", 1680 x 1050 resolution and 16:10 aspect ratio.

If you call Dell Small Business, you can get them for $212. See this thread:
http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1181717

Nothing short of spending $500 competes with these two monitors.
 
If you have a TV with a VGA connection, I would advice trying it out. You'd save up some money.
 
I have to agree with the LGs – I've just added a 27" LG monitor to my MBP, and it's working like a charm. Full 1080p, with a nice smooth look. With a bit of tweaking in Display settings, the colour looks very sharp.
Picked one up from Overstock for $280 – LG W2453V-PF 24-inch
 
With my 2007 15" MBP, I use a 21" Dell monitor at work - then throw my MBP in my bag and use a 23" Acer H233H at home, both at a resolution of 1080-ish. Both are less than 4 months old.

They both look good, especially after spending 15 minutes calibrating. Now they're not SUPER great like an Apple Cinema Display, but certainly good enough for my needs of larger screen real estate.

I really just need the larger screens for my audio creation programs (Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton). I'm not concerned with graphics capabilities.

I researched and found both of these on sale (at different times) for $150 US or less. At that price, and considering my increased productivity as a result, I'm extremely pleased!!
 
Currently using A HP 2159m, 21.5'' 1080p, dvi, hdmi and vga inpupts, speakers(my xbox 360 is connected to it as well). LED Backlit, I'm not sure whether it's an IPS screen or not, the colors are brilliant, vibrant, it has an anti-reflective coating on the glossy screen so reflexions aren't too much of a problem.
 
jsnuff1 said:
wow that is a pretty impressive monitor...nice design and best stats ive seen for a computer monitor.

This just might be the one.
Click to expand...

If you think this is impressive, check out the Samsung XL2370. I have it and its mind-blowing.
 
jsnuff1 said:
wow that is a pretty impressive monitor...nice design and best stats ive seen for a computer monitor.

This just might be the one.
Click to expand...

While the LED backlit LG seems like a decent option, Dell also sells some cheap LED backlit TN based monitors at similar prices.
Nonetheless, the entry level IPS monitors: Dell UltraSharp 2209WA, NEC EA231WMi, Dell UltraSharp U2410, HP LP2475W, and Apple Cinema Displays are going to be much nicer displays.

Since you seem to be leaning towards the cheaper TN panels like that LG, you should take a moment to read up on the differences between the technologies.
http://www.pchardwarehelp.com/guides/lcd-panel-types.php

IPS Pros
Better Contrast (whether it use a CCFL backlight or LED backlight)
Wider Viewing Angles
Less Eye Strain
Wider Color Gamut (True 8 bit color)
No Color Shift
Normally have a longer warranty
Better Dead/Stuck Pixel Policy
Most IPS displays come with height adjustable stands

TN Pros
Cheaper (especially for 24" or larger screens)
Faster response (better for gamers)
Availability of LED backlights without huge increases in price

Basically it comes down to for less than the price of the LED backlit LG, you could have an entry level Pro Monitor either the Dell UltraSharp 2209WA or NEC EA231WMi and for a little more than the LG, you could move up to a 24" entry level Pro monitor, the Dell UltraSharp U2410 or HP LP2475W. Your Eyes will appreciate it too. Also read professional reviews, manufacturers tend to list specifications which are not always true, especially when it comes to contrast and color range.
 
snaky69 said:
Currently using A HP 2159m, 21.5'' 1080p, dvi, hdmi and vga inpupts, speakers(my xbox 360 is connected to it as well). LED Backlit, I'm not sure whether it's an IPS screen or not, the colors are brilliant, vibrant, it has an anti-reflective coating on the glossy screen so reflexions aren't too much of a problem.
Click to expand...

HP only uses TN panels in their consumer line of monitors. If you want IPS or PVA panels, you have to order from their small business lineup.
HP LP2475W - H IPS
HP LP2275W - S PVA
HP LP2065 - S IPS
HP LP1965 - S IPS
 
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