Spec me a dual port monitor

[Jordan97]

What monitor would you suggest that I can use for both my desktop and my Xbox?

It needs to be a good size; at least 20" but not brake the bank.

Also, what cable will I need to use the monitor with the Xbox?

Thanks.

 

[TheYoungster]

Go for a 22" hd monitor (1920x1080) that has at least hdmi for your xbox, and ports for your pc
I'd expect this to cost you about £130 give or take a few bob

 

[cmndr_andi]

+1 If you aim for at least a 22in (21.5in usually) then you will fit into the current ideal "bang-for-buck" monitor bracket since 22-24in 1080p monitors are currently very popular and well priced.

For your uses I would echo the requirement for at least one HDMI port (for easy connection to the Xbox). For connecting up a modern PC a DVI or HMDI port is fine (depending on your graphics card - a display port connection will also be fine). So look out for monitors with two HDMI ports or one HDMI and one DVI.

One important question is: how do you plan to get the sound out of your xbox? Most monitors don't come with speakers and even the ones that do (there aren't many and requiring them would severely restrict your options) universally sound rubbish. Therefore I would strongly suggest either using an existing sound system for the Xbox (if you have one) or purchasing a cheap set of speakers like these for console use.

Some example of good monitors (ignoring the sound issue - these monitors don't have speakers):

- Samsung B2230H (£120) - the cheapest 1080p 21.5in monitor on OCUK that has HDMI and DVI inputs.
- Iiyama ProLite E2409HDS (£144) - Cheapest 24in 1080p monitor on OCUK - also comes with HDMI and DVI inputs and passes through HDMI audio to a 3.5mm stereo port for easy speaker connection to the console


May I ask what make and model graphics card you are using?