Which monitor? Help me decide!

Dang! · 10 Oct 2009 at 18:03

Well, after far too much deliberation, I've finally managed to narrow my new monitor shortlist down to these two: the NEC EA231WMi, a brand new release boasting 23" of e-IPS goodness, and the 22" e-IPS Dell 2209WA, which has a lower res but 16:10 aspect ratio (1680x1050 vs 1920x1080 on the NEC).

So then guys, which one? I'm upgrading from an ancient 17" Vusys HD17A, so the extra inch of screen estate lost with the Dell isn't likely to be an issue for me, but it's the age-old 16:10 vs 16:9 debate that's really chewing me up. Usage will mainly be Photoshop work and Full HD video editing, along with the obvious email and web browsing. I also game occasionally, but nothing serious.

I'm very much drawn towards the NEC, purely for the fact that the higher resolution will mean I won't have to downscale when viewing raw HD footage, but my only concern is that I will regret the vertical space lost in not getting a 16:10 screen. I've used 16:9 monitors in the past and found this to be the case, but they were only 19". Will the extra four inches of the NEC offset this? Is the widescreen aspect ratio likely to be enough of a hindrance that I'd be better off with the lower res panel?

Any opinions you could give will be much appreciated, and obviously I do understand that this sort of thing can be pretty subjective. Thanks!

cmndr_andi · 10 Oct 2009 at 18:13

The dell is a fantastic monitor, I have one and I can tell you it looks great and is good as all the reviews say. I am certain it would make a great monitor for you and not put a hole in your pocket.

The NEC also looks fantastic, larger total area and crucially higher resolution. However, it is over £100 more expensive and I have not seen any reviews for it yet.

Personally, I would wait for some in-depth reviews come out for the NEC before making your decision. But if you need a monitor now, get the dell - its a great screen and you won't be disappointed.

Plec · 10 Oct 2009 at 21:37

As above with regard to the DELL - exceptional value for the quality.

However, andi makes a good point about the NEC - patience may pay off here as reviews may prove that it fulfills all your criteria and may warrant the extra money.

Dang! · 11 Oct 2009 at 02:28

As good as the Dell is, I think I'm going to have to discard it purely on the lack of the 1920 res; definitely a good idea to wait for some reviews of the NEC to come up methinks. That said, there's still the all-important question: is 16:9 going to be annoying for Photoshop/Premiere/After Effects -type work? Worth the dosh to upgrade to a 16:10 24"? Thanks for the feedback guys, really helping me out here

pageboy81 · 11 Oct 2009 at 09:36

I'm used to 16:10 monitors and currently use a Dell 2209WA and love it. But I don't do any full HD video editing. The NEC sounds like the best bet for you if it reviews well and don't forget a 24" e-ips monitor will be (i think) more than twice as expensive as a 22" e-ips. As your'e going to a larger screen anyway I'm sure you'll get used to 16:9 very quickly, but, for what I use it for the 2209WA is a great monitor.

Ryan-3 · 11 Oct 2009 at 13:09

I have a Samsung T240HD.

Excellent monitor. Can be used for all sorts. With HDMIx2, Component, DVI, VGA etc...

Comes in 19", 20"(i'm sure), 22", 24" and 26".

But I think they are 16:9. And they have built in speakers as it doubles as TV.

Dang! · 11 Oct 2009 at 14:19

Funny you should say that Ryan, I actually had my mind made up about the Samsung SM2443BW, but when I noticed these new e-IPS panels going for not too much more, I figured I may as well go for it. TN would probably be bearable for my uses, but there are likely to be situations where viewing angles will come into the equation; others editing with me, for example, to the side of the screen. Given that this is probably going to have to last me a long time, I'd rather spend a wee bit more on the better panel for the sake of the colour accuracy and quality I'd gain.