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Monitor Recommendation Please

L

Lou Cipher

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Dec 16, 2008
11
0
I just bought a Mac Pro one quad core 2.8GHz tower to get lots of power and flexibility for low cost. I could have gotten the high end iMac for the same price so I think this was a great value purchase.

Now, I am looking for help getting a high quality set of monitors to do HD video editing and music multi-track recording.

Any advice as to what size monitor and which brand and model to get at the best price...?

The Apple Cinema displays are too expensive for my budget and wanted same quality but lower price.

Hoping this is allowed to be asked in this forum - I don't want to upset anyone with this question so please let me know if I am not allowed to ask about buying a non-Apple monitor.

Thanks so much for your help if I get it!
 
There are a few threads on this already, and offer a good bit of information. So a search could help you get started. ;)

For anyone to help, some details will be necessary.

Budget
Use intended
Size
What features are important

It could really help members see which direction to aim you in. ;)

Good luck. :)
 
My friend has this one hooked up to his Mac Pro. He likes it fine, and the price is right: http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...etail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=320-7345
monitor_s2409wfp_overview1.jpg
 
Hey, I tried the 20" HPw2007v first. There's no DVI output and the resolution is a measly 1680*1050 - I could live with it though - but the unit I got was making this buzzing type sound - a little like my CRT TV downstairs after it's been on for a while. Anyway, I got a recommendation from a guy on here for the 22" Dell S2209W. Although it's 22" its 1920*1080 so it's HD compatible and it supports HDCP. The screen is matte and so far I've been very impressed. Plus, it only cost me £142 from PC World. It's basic but very good.
 
nanofrog said:
There are a few threads on this already, and offer a good bit of information. So a search could help you get started. ;)

For anyone to help, some details will be necessary.

Budget
Use intended
Size
What features are important

It could really help members see which direction to aim you in. ;)

Good luck. :)
Click to expand...

Hey Nanofrog - you make some good points - thank you!

OK - based on what you asked:

Budget - about $500 per monitor
Use intended - HD video editing, multi-track audio recording
Size - 1920 X 1200 (full 1080p)
What features are important - image clarity, low power consumption, durability

Hope this helps and I'll do a search...I did a search already before posting however I saw more on the Apple Cinema Displays
 
If you are aiming for high quality, avoid any monitor with a TN panel. Unfortunately, you'll have to do a fair bit of research to find out what kind of panel each monitor contains, because manufacturers are not exactly forthcoming on what parts they use.

You'll want PVA or (ideally) IPS panels in your monitor.
 
Look at the dell 2408. Right now on sale for 510. Has a lot of inputs and a good panel. 24" panel, true HD. Might put you over 500 with tax and shipping, but a very good monitor.
 
Demigod Mac said:
If you are aiming for high quality, avoid any monitor with a TN panel. Unfortunately, you'll have to do a fair bit of research to find out what kind of panel each monitor contains, because manufacturers are not exactly forthcoming on what parts they use.

You'll want PVA or (ideally) IPS panels in your monitor.
Click to expand...
This. Here's a bit describing the different panel types: http://www.pchardwarehelp.com/guides/lcd-panel-types.php.

The cheapest IPS Panel I know of (same technology used in the Cinema Display) is this HP. http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews/hp_lp2475w.htm Never used it myself, but I've heard good things from the internets.
 
Lou Cipher said:
Hey Nanofrog - you make some good points - thank you!

OK - based on what you asked:

Budget - about $500 per monitor
Use intended - HD video editing, multi-track audio recording
Size - 1920 X 1200 (full 1080p)
What features are important - image clarity, low power consumption, durability

Hope this helps and I'll do a search...I did a search already before posting however I saw more on the Apple Cinema Displays
Click to expand...
If you're looking to do a lot of HD editing, etc, and particularly if you plan to make money at it, you would have to look at professional models. If this is the case, $500USD won't cut it. :(

1920x1200 translates to a 24". :cool:

BTW, as I still don't know exactly what you need, could you provide a little more detail?

There's other members who use professional models that can give a lot of input. (No matter if you need a consumer or professional unit).

integrat.ethis said:
This. Here's a bit describing the different panel types: http://www.pchardwarehelp.com/guides/lcd-panel-types.php.

The cheapest IPS Panel I know of (same technology used in the Cinema Display) is this HP. http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews/hp_lp2475w.htm Never used it myself, but I've heard good things from the internets.
Click to expand...
The HP LP2475W seems to be a good monitor. Keep in mind it's a consumer unit, not a professional one. Street prices are hovering around $600USD or so.

Again though, it depends on what you really need. If you don't need a professional monitor, the right consumer model can make you quite happy I think, and won't break the bank. ;)

I do concur that a TN panel won't work for what you've listed. Just not good for color accuracy. Look at PVA, MVA, or IPS based technology. It is sort of hard to find out which type a monitor actually uses, but not impossible.

Some good links have been given, and I would recommend giving them a look. :)
 
kellen said:
Look at the dell 2408. Right now on sale for 510. Has a lot of inputs and a good panel. 24" panel, true HD. Might put you over 500 with tax and shipping, but a very good monitor.
Click to expand...

I'm thinking of getting this monitor for the 1.83 ghz Mac Mini C2D I'm about to pick up tomorrow off of Craigslist. I'm thinking of getting it refurbished from Dell Outlet though to get it under $400 (w/ a coupon)
 
Rizvi1 said:
I'm thinking of getting this monitor for the 1.83 ghz Mac Mini C2D I'm about to pick up tomorrow off of Craigslist. I'm thinking of getting it refurbished from Dell Outlet though to get it under $400 (w/ a coupon)
Click to expand...

Not a bad monitor from the reviews I've read. Several forum members are using them as well, and their posts backup the reviews.

At $400USD, I'd say order one before the stock is depleted. :)

BTW, what kind of warranty terms come with this as a refurb?

I've been considering this route with an HP or NEC, but they don't give much of a warranty. 90 days IIRC. :( By the time I add the extended warranty, the savings is all but gone. :eek: :rolleyes:
 
Rizvi1 said:
Hmm.. yeah, someone had given me a heads up about that here on slickdeals:http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?p=15803126#post15803126

I never followed up with this.

Here's another post on slickdeals where I discussed a little pricing:
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?p=16052373#post16052373

Trying to figure out which way to go
Click to expand...
I've found myself in the same position. Due to the cost of the added warranty, it just didn't seem worth it IMO (HP LP2475w). There's still some savings with the NEC 2490, but again, not much (~$70USD IIRC).

Hard to figure out, and I wish you luck. :)
 
nanofrog said:
I've found myself in the same position. Due to the cost of the added warranty, it just didn't seem worth it IMO (HP LP2475w). There's still some savings with the NEC 2490, but again, not much (~$70USD IIRC).

Hard to figure out, and I wish you luck. :)
Click to expand...

Thanks. $517's a hard pill to swallow for the new 24" Dell 2408 and the $399 for refurbished does go down nicer. But short warranty's not so nice. My Mac Mini will be here tomorrow so it'd be nice to have SOMETHING...What to do, what to do..
 
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