Monitor Advice for a dated individual...

Jingo... · 23 Feb 2009 at 15:41

Afternoon to the posters & lurkers alike,

I'm currently speccing up a new build system after having laptops for about 6/7 years and are somewhat outdated with the current market technology.

Currently browsing the selections of 20/22inch monitors I have found many positive reviews for Samsungs, notably the T200 and T220.

Upon closer inspection there appears to be some debate about "TN" monitors, and from what I understand are of lesser quality, especially when used in a design/photo/video environment.

I will be using the new system primarily for 3d, CAD and Graphics work but will also be enjoying the odd splurge into gaming.

Can someone kindly explain "TN", the alternatives and a nice summary of their appropriate strengths/weaknesses?

Cheers in advance,

EsaT · 23 Feb 2009 at 16:01

TN lacks vertical viewing angle and as result upper edge is darker even when viewed directly from center:
http://www.behardware.com/articles/686-8/review-of-the-dell-2407wfp-hc.html
Also solid colours get "interesting" aspects from that deficiency, check examples in end of this page:
http://www.lagom.nl/lcd-test/viewing_angle.php
Or better yet, your laptop probably has TN screen so check those test pics in full screen using it.

And in those sizes probably only monitors with qualtiy panel are Eizo S2231W and Lenovo L220x.
(L220x has nice 1920x1200 resolution)

D D Danneh · 23 Feb 2009 at 17:19

Like EsaT said, TN panels suffer from colour distortion when viewed at an angle. Unfortunately, for a price less than £200, these are probably your only option. They do give you the best response times though, so a hardcore professional gamer would probably use a TN panel over the others (but then, if you were a hardcore professional gamer, you'd use a CRT if you had one)

The other two panel types are S-IPS and S-PVA. S-IPS is probably the best overall panel, but they are the most expensive (reaching £1000+), and aren't THAT much better than an S-PVA panel, although they do offer better response times. S-PVA has the best contrast ratio, better viewing angles than TN, and comes at a medium price. If you are paying more than £200-£250, go for an S-PVA panel.

Personally, I have no problem with TN panels, but some people would never have one. I think the best way to choose is your budget. If you can afford it, go for an S-PVA panel. If you REALLY want to spend a lot, go for an S-IPS.

philjohn · 23 Feb 2009 at 18:27

Look out for the Dell 2209Wa (the a is important), it's an e-ips screen which is a slightly "detuned" s/h-ips. It's around the 200-230 range.

Jingo... · 23 Feb 2009 at 19:44

Thanks for the responses and information; clarifies the situation somewhat

Upon further reading / reviews on the samsung T-range it would appear this may not be the choice for graphics works - apparently if the monitor is not viewed dead-on-centre a lot of white will appear yellow which just cannot do. EDIT: That said, the laptop I am using now is fine for the job - am I using a TN technology in my 4/5 year old inspiron? If so I think this 'yellowing' could well be being described by 'monitor critics'.

Any ideas on the best quality monitors available for such works ? I don't particularly want anything bigger than 20inch, but budgets are still looking top end of £150-175.