Mac Mini 'Budget' Monitor Discussion

[D34th]

Hey everyone, I know there are a lot of monitor threads out there already, and I've read every single one. I just wanted to get a more specific scenario here instead of hijacking someone else's thread.

Some background, been using Macs for 10 years now, I will be buying a Mac Mini which will be my first Apple desktop since one of the original iMacs. I am having trouble deciding on a display. My budget is about $200, so I am in need of something on the cheaper side. I am an amateur photographer and use Aperture/Lightroom, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc. I am not a pixel peeper and do not need the highest quality, perfect display monitory, hence my budget. I DO need the monitor to have HDMI inputs (speakers not necessary). I am looking in the 20-24" range. Probably the most important thing is that I will eventually want two, of the same, monitor. I am starting off with one but plan on purchasing another for a dual setup in the near future. Ideally, the dual monitor setup will have the exact same monitors.

I have been intrigued with this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824116530

And just recently intrigued by this:
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...noteSearch&baynote_bnrank=12&baynote_irrank=0

Shopping for monitors is pretty new to me since I have been using laptops for the past 8 or so years. With most of my daily computing going to my iPad, it makes sense to me to have a desktop station mainly for my photography processing tasks (again, only amateur). Any help pointing out the pros/cons that some of you may have experience with in regards to the above options and my planned workflow would be greatly appreciated. And of course, other recommendations within my $200 budget also welcome.

Thanks everyone,
Joe

 

[mordecailee]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+23...18661379222&skuId=5563113&st=hp ips&cp=1&lp=2

My wife picked up a couple of the monitors linked to above from Best Buy on sale around $160 bucks. She had to calibrate the color of a bit to get them decent for video editing but over all I think they look great for a monitor of that price.

That being said, when I hooked them up to my MBP they weren't as crisp as the laptop's screen. It wasn't that noticeable when they weren't side by side.

 

[Hellhammer]

There are two things you will want:

1. IPS panel
2. Antiglare display

Monitors with IPS panels are usually a bit more expensive, although you can find ones for less than $200 nowadays. IPS panels have better viewing angles and better colors, which are vital for photography.

I have two Dell U2311Hs but they are a bit our of your price range.

 

[D34th]

Thank you for your replies.

Hellhammer, I have read a little bit about IPS and hear similar things. Thank you for confirming and pointing out pros regarding these displays in relation to photography. I will be looking into these, might end up stretching my budget a little bit, but it seems to be the way to go for my needs.

Thanks again,
Joe