Tips on Buying A New Display (completed tip)

I've received many informative replies to my questions on this site, so I thought I would post my recent monitor research. The info presented is my opinion, and based on my experience - your results may vary.
The technology used in mid-priced panels is about the same, at least for displays offered by better quality manufacturers. Interestingly, it all comes down to the specifications of the videocard on one's computer. To save money, manufacturers of flat displays for residential/small business use, basically create, what I call 'dumb panels' - they don't carry much, if any, circuitry that could boost their image processing capacity, so it all falls back on the computer's videocard.
Bottom line: The better the videocard, the better the image it can 'drive' to the monitor. Additionally, one has to make sure the chosen display offers the kind of connector one's videocard favors.
It's also important one gets a special program - quite a few can be found on virus-checked, software download sites - called a 'Pixel Checker.' One runs it on their new LCD screen to see if there are any dead, or stuck, pixels.
Regarding where to buy, look for a place that offers at least a 14-day, no-questions-asked, no restocking fee, return policy.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Whatis_the_difference_between_contrast_ratio_and_dynamic_contrastratio
All in all, videocards rule the roost. But, if one has a need to read small-fonted print, or can perceive the 'moving shadow' some people see in many low-to-mid priced LCD screens, then higher priced displays (plus, installing a high-end videocard to drive them) will be the only solution.
Hope this information helps with your research :>)
J.C.
P.S. Special thanks to BDAqua for his tip on Pixel Checkers.

Fantastic post/info/synopsis J.C., thank you kindly!

Similar Messages

  • Tips On Buying a New Display - Tip Complete

    Tip is complete, and ready for an Apple Host to review.
    Thanks.
    J.C.

    Fantastic post/info/synopsis J.C., thank you kindly!

  • Tips On Buying a New Display

    I've received many informative replies to my questions on this site, so I thought I would post my recent monitor research. The info presented is my opinion, and based on my experience - your results may vary:
    The technology used in mid-priced panels is about the same - at least for displays offered by better-quality manufacturers. So, interestingly, it all comes down to the specifications of the videocard on one's computer. To save money, manufacturers of flat displays for residential/small business use, basically create, what I call, dumbPanels - they don't carry much, if any, circuitry that could boost their image processing capacity, so it all falls back on the computer's videocard.
    If one looks at the pricepoint for a high-quality 22" LCD panel, it hovers just south of $1,000 plus tax. At a more reasonable pricepoint, you'll find LG and Samsung offering okay-quality panels. Bottom line: The better the videocard, the better the image it can 'drive' to the monitor. Additionally, one has to make sure the chosen display offers the kind of connector one's videocard favors.
    It's also important one gets a special program - quite a few can be found on virus-checked, software download sites - called a 'Pixel Checker.' One runs it on their new LCD screen to see if there are any dead, or stuck, pixels.
    Regarding where to buy, look for a place that offers at least a 14-day, no-questions-asked, no restocking fee, return policy.
    I found the following display a good value for the price (About $340.00 plus tax):
    LG L227WTG-PF 22" Widescreen LCD Monitor (1680 x 1050, 10,000:1, 2ms)
    There's a cheaper LG that looks almost identical, but it's not the same one I'm referring to here; unscrupulous salespeople could unload one on you if you give them the chance.
    Now, it does have a glossy screen, so can't be used in high ambient-light environments. Some say it has the best picture for under $350.00, even though its dynamic contrast ratio is half what the latest Samsung offers (Note: Supposedly, the LG in question, and the Samsung, both have the same static contrast ratio. See the following link to understand the difference:
    http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Whatis_the_difference_between_contrast_ratio_and_dynamic_contrastratio
    The next monitor is the latest from Samsung (Priced around $330.00 plus tax), and it's good for the buck; but I prefer the LG because the picture is a little sharper.
    Samsung Touch Of Color T220 22" Widescreen LCD Monitor (1680 x1050, 20,000:1, 2ms)
    All in all, videocards rule the roost. But, if one has a need to read small-fonted print, or can perceive the 'moving shadow' some people see in many low-to-mid priced LCD screens, then displays between $500 - $1,000 (plus using a high-end videocard to drive them) will be the only solution.
    Hope this information helps with your research :>)
    J.C.
    P.S. Special thanks to BDAqua for his tip on Pixel Checkers.

    Hi J.C.
    Thanks for the submission.
    The generic part of the tip looks good, like the pros an cons of glossy vs matte, insure the connections are correct, etc.
    For User Tips however, we'd prefer not to have recommendations of specific makes and models. Model numbers and prices get out of date quickly and we prefer the User Tips to stand alone over time without the need for constant updates.
    Could you make it a more generic "what to look for" tips article, without specific model recommendations?
    Thank,
    Nubz N.
    Apple Discussions Staff

  • Where can i buy a new display for my iPhone 4?

    My display (juste the lens) has broke. It can be fixed? Where can i buy a new one? Anyone knows if the white display fits on the black iPhone 4?
    Tks from Brazil

    The iPhone's warranty doesn't cover accidental damage, but you can search the web for another company that can repair the iPhone.
    WTH.

  • I have a cpu w/ 2 displays that I want to replace. Problem is, the cpu is a g4or g5, I can't remember. Can I buy 2 new displays that will work in this thing? it's got 2 24 pin ports.

    I have a cpu that I need new displays for. Do they make an adaptor that will work with a 24 pin or do I need to buy a whole new computer? I work in Final cut and I really just want new displays, without replacing the whole system

    Hello, are he DVI ports?
    http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2707
    If so we need to know if Single or Dual-DVI...
    http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/powermac_g5/faq/powermac-g5-adc-ports-dvi- ports-resolutions-supported.html

  • Buying a used 30" - any tips?

    looking at buying a used 30" - any tips from you owners or used buyers on what to check for and look over that might not be so obvious?

    My advice is - don't buy a used display unless it is really, really cheap. Visually displays do deteriorate over time, and new displays are constantly much better and much cheaper.
    Personally I do not consider a refurbished new display in the same category as a used display.
    -Allen Wicks

  • New iPhone battery tips?

    Hello.
    I might be buying a new iPhone (5C maybe) soon. Sometimes, people adviced me to leave the phone charging 6 hours to optimize/extend the phone's battery life, and others said to drain the remaining 50% first before charging. Which advice should I follow or any other suggestions?
    And other tips for getting started / setting up a new iPhone would be appreciated.

    The following from Apple Support gives some good information on iPhone batteries http://www.apple.com/batteries/iphone.html

  • New logic board, and new display, but now completely dead.

    Hi guys,
    I've got an iBook G3, running 10.3.9.
    In December 2006, the logic board failed, so I bought a MacBook, because I didn't have time to be offline waiting weeks for Apple to replace the iBook's logic board.
    After much badgering, Apple reluctantly replaced the iBook's logic board under the extended warranty program.
    While the iBook was with the Apple repair store, they replaced the display for new as well, even though I didn't ask them to, and even though I wasn't charged for it.
    I presume that was because the store discovered that the display was duff enough to be replaced under another extended warranty program.
    When I got the "repaired" unit home, with a brand new logic board, and a brand new display, I turned it on, and it seemed to be working fine, so I turned it off, and continued to use my MacBook.
    A few weeks ago, the second logic board on my MacBook failed (another long horror story entirely), so I began using the iBook for the first time since it had been "repaired" some six months earlier.
    Almost immediately, the iBook began exhibiting a major problem, specifically that I'd be typing away, and suddenly the display would go black.
    I could just about see the icons and documents on the screen, but the unit was unusable.
    So I pulled restarts, full shutdowns, disk utility, zapped the PRAM, etc, all to no avail.
    It seemed to be an intermittent problem.
    For example, sometimes, from a cold start, the unit would work for two or three hours until the display went black.
    Other times, I'd pull a cold start, and it would go straight to the black display.
    By chance, I discovered that if I gave the iBook a shake, the display would come back on.
    But then it would go black after a second or two.
    And then with another shake, it would come back on for a second or two.
    And then it would go black after a second or two.
    And then with another shake, it would come back on, sometimes for a couple of hours at a time.
    So I figured that it must be a cable which, during the installation of the logic board, and/or the new display, wasn't seated correctly by the technician.
    I phoned Apple, and told them about it.
    They said that because I had reported the issue beyond 90 days since the logic board had been replaced, it was no longer Apple's problem.
    I explained to Apple that I hadn't used the iBook for six months, because I had a MacBook.
    After much badgering, Apple has agreed to replace the logic board if it's faulty.
    However, Apple has refused to replace the NEW display, even if that's also faulty.
    Apple is also insisting that I have to pay all the labor charges.
    Meanwhile, I've noticed that the iBook is now incredibly hot.
    I mean, the MacBook is infamous for running hot, but this "repaired" iBook makes my MacBook feel like a block of ice by comparison.
    I don't remember the iBook running so extremely hot before the "repair."
    Which has made me notice that during the last few weeks, I've never heard the iBook's fan come on.
    I presume that an iBook has a fan ?
    Please confirm.
    Therefore, another loose cable ?
    Today, the display went black again, as usual.
    So I gave the iBook a shake.
    But this time, nothing happened.
    No display.
    No fan.
    No hard drive spinning.
    Just silent and dead.
    What do you reckon, guys ?
    Duff logic board ?
    And/or duff display ?
    And/or duff fan ?
    And/or duff cabling by the technician ?
    As far as I'm concerned, I don't see why I should have to pay for yet another repair, to correct hardware and/or workmanship which was so bad that after only three weeks of ACTUAL use since the "repair", the unit is now completely dead.
    All opinions and advice gratefully received.
    With thanks and best wishes,
    Michael
    London, England

    Hi S,
    Many thanks for your helpful and swift response.
    I agree with you regarding the likelihood that these problems would have surfaced immediately during normal usage, regardless of how much or little time had passed since the repair.
    As advised, I will inform Apple Customer Relations UK about the new developments.
    Indeed, when I resubmit the iBook, I'll include a print-out of this discussion.
    I agree with you about the fan.
    Prior to the failure of the first logic board, I ran that iBook for YEARS, without noticing any heat issue.
    Indeed, if there had been such incredible heat, then I'd have searched these discussion boards, and reported it to Apple HQ.
    Therefore, the astonishing heat is definitely a new development since the "repair."
    Consequently, I take on board your comments about the lack of a working fan since the "repair", which I shall also mention to Apple HQ.
    As for running the Apple Hardware Test, the unit is completely dead.
    The power cable is green, but the unit is now completely silent and black.
    I also note your suggestions regarding the cable which connects the display to the rest of the unit, which I shall also mention to Apple HQ.
    No repair sheet was ever given to me by the Apple Repair Centre (ARC).
    Indeed, no receipt was ever given to me when I delivered the unit to the ARC, nor was any paperwork ever given to me when I collected the unit from the ARC.
    However, Apple HQ can see on their screen that the logic board and display were both replaced for new by the ARC.
    What else was and wasn't done by the ARC is a mystery.
    I'll phone the ARC and ask for copies of any and all paperwork, so that I can submit it all to Apple HQ, which I note is your recommended option, rather than returning the unit to the ARC.
    However, the complicating factor is that with the exception of the logic board, it is my understanding that Apple is denying any liability on any part of the "repaired" unit, including the brand new display.
    If I understand Apple HQ correctly, they're now saying that all other hardware and labor costs will be mine.
    I'm sure I could buy a WORKING second-hand iBook G3 for the same price as a repair, if not cheaper.
    Therefore, perhaps I should return the unit to the ARC, and give them the opportunity to correct their previous workmanship, at their OWN cost.
    Because as far as I'm concerned, the ARC had two customers during the repair: Apple and the end-user, as evidenced by the fact that the ARC has invoiced its first customer Apple for workmanship which was clearly not up to Apple's own standards, and the ARC has then delivered the unit to its second customer, the end-user.
    In addition, regardless of Apple's 90 day warranty on repaired hardware, UK law includes the Sale of Goods Act 1979, and other relevant legislation: http://www.dti.gov.uk/consumers/fact-sheets/page38311.html
    Furthermore, if the ARC is completely unhelpful, I could jump all over them, by writing to Apple HQ, with cc's to the UK editions of MacWorld, MacFormat, and MacUser magazines.
    As advised, if the unit goes to Apple HQ, I will suggest that the unit is looked at carefully during disassembly, to see if errors were made during the ARC "repair."
    I'm always polite when on the phone to Apple, because I love the company so much.
    Indeed, even though during the last twelve months, I've been having very bad luck with the iBook, as well as with a MacBook which has exhibited so many problems that Apple has now agreed to replace old for new, I still love my Mac.
    And joy, sweet joy, I've just seen on the TNT courier's tracker website, that my replacement MacBook, built by Apple in Singapore, then flown to Arnhem in Germany, then flown to Northampton UK, then delivered to Heathrow UK, left the Heathrow depot 30 minutes ago, for delivery to the customer.
    And the sun is shining.
    Thank you again for all your kind and wise advice.
    With best wishes,
    Michael
    London, England

  • Buying a used iMac G5, tips and things to look out for?

    What tips could you guys give me on when looking for a used iMac G5? I like the 20" models specifically and it seems the models are all over 1.6GHz so the speeds are fine.
    I currently own a G4 1.67 PowerBook and did a bit of reading up on that before I bought it, seeing what things to look out for what things turned faulty after a while and such. Such as the logic board and the 1 RAM slot going faulty on a few models, recalled batteries, which helped a lot in buying a used one.
    I'm looking for a new desktop but can't afford to fork out over 1 grand for the new iMac's and the speed of my PowerBook is enough for my usual browsing and processing and few photos. So please don't bother telling me to buy a new one cos new is always best, I don't mind spending reasonably less and having a decent machine still - 1.67 15" PowerBook has proved well :P

    Don't buy a new intel. buy a refurbished one from Apple. The PPC architecture is on its way out, few programs are being written for it, and most new applications are only for intel. I realize that even a refurb might cost a bit more than you planned to spend, but it will be worth it down the road.
    Look in the [Apple Store|http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac?mco=MTE3NjY], the choice changes daily, so just keep you eye open for the one you want and snap it up. And get Apple Care as well.
    Let us know what you ended up with please,

  • Thinking to buy a new 15inch macbook pro retina display. Aim to use it for video editing and compositing... Is ıt worth for it?

    Hi... I am a freelance filmmaker. Now I have 2008 model mac pro and I am thinking to buy a new macbook pro 15 inch retina display. Do you think its worth for it? I aim to use the macbook mainly for video editing, video compositing (after effects) and photo editing. My current old mac pro has 12 GB and the graphics card is ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT 256 MB (Yes I still use it). My main question is, do you think its better to move to macbook pro or upgrading the old one? Making it 32 GB of RAM and buy a new NVIDIA cuda capable graphic card? I dont have enough budget to make it together... Want to hear your suggestions...

    I'm not sure, I've seen pro animators use MBPs but usually with a large monitor. Especially doing video editing, compositing and editing it might make more sense to upgrade the Mac Pro to an SSD as the boot drive. What kind of CPU setup is in your Pro?
    Check these out:
    mac pro SSD upgrades?
    SSD as system disk while users folder + data on HDD
    Early 2008 8-Core Mac Pro GPU Upgrades
    I deal exclusively with OWC. I'd call them and walk them through your system and see what they say.
    What you do takes a lot of CPU, RAM, graphics and boot disk power.
    I've upgraded my two computers to SSDs and the first thing I noticed was that Photoshop CS6 opens in 7 seconds vrs. 50 seconds when the application was on a HDD.

  • I updated my 4s to ios7 and the phone is now completly dead. I tried to restore it with the new itunes but it won't restore. If you can't get the download be glad! Anyone have any ideas other than going out and buying a new Samsung phone?

    I updated my 4s to ios7 and the phone is now completly dead. I tried to restore it with the new itunes but it won't restore. If you can't get the download be glad! Anyone have any ideas other than going out and buying a new Samsung phone? I don't really need a paper weight.

    No not jailbroken. After the update which took about 45 minutes. The phone went black. Dead. Wouldn't restart. Using the new itunes I tried to restore it. It went through the motions; the white Apple and progress bar appeared on the iphone screen. Then I got a message "Itunes has detected an iphone in recovery mode. You must restore this iphone before it can be used with itunes." Then the phone went completly dead again. I Repeated the process and got the same results. Is there another way to restore the phone if it's dead, besides itunes?

  • Buying a new iMac; can i use my eMac as a second display?

    Hi, I'm just about to buy an iMac (intel core 2 duo), probably 17" 2 GHz with some extra RAM.
    I currently have an eMac, and now I wonder, is there any way to use it (the eMac) as a second display for the iMac? Obviously, the eMac doesn't have any video input, but I'm thinking that maybe there is some third party solution that could send the second screen image through ethernet, firewire or usb? Or if there is any other way to solve this. Since I'm going to use the iMac for Logic Pro, I find it usable to keep the arrange window and mixer window on seperate screens, and I can't quite afford buying a new screen atm.
    Though, if it doesn't work to do like this, maybe I'll buy an extra screen at some point in the future. Would I, in that case, need a special graphics card on the iMac? Or does it support two screens (with seperate content) as it is?
    Thanks!

    Hello,
    Thanks for this great reply! I marked it as helpful.
    By the way I happened to write another reply myself
    (not to you, to my own post) while you wrote yours,
    just wanted to note that to avoid confusion. I'm not
    very used to these forums, sorry...
    Yes, the forums can take some getting used to.
    I saw your second post, and that is why I wrote my second reply. I thought you were clarifying based on my reply See we all get confused sometimes
    Anyway, I guess a delay would probably grow
    incredibly irritating very quickly, so I guess it
    wouldn't be an acceptable sustainable solution,
    really.
    Yes, the delay would probably be quite a problem in real use. The only way I could see around it would be to move slowly and then stop and make sure that the pointer doesn't end-up beyond where you stopped.
    If you waited say 3 or 4 seconds and then clicked, you would know that the pointer is where it is.
    But, that would slow-down your productivity.
    I think a second monitor would be best.
    So maybe buying a new screen is the best/only
    "solution"... In that case, I think an LCD screen is
    probably best as CRT's sometimes interfer with sound
    equipment... So not having to turn one screen off
    everytime I want to use a microphone would be
    convenient.
    Yes, an LCD screen would probably be much more convenient. I much prefer LCD screens myself.
    So, I'll simply be on the outlook for used LCD
    screens, then... Thanks!
    You're welcome. Glad I could help.
    Let me know if you have other questions.

  • I bought my first  iMac 27" i5 in November 2011 last year. Do you think there would be a update that will Features a Retina Display, Siri etc ?? So my iMac will be the same as the new one that will be released this year, Or will I have to buy a new iMac t

    I bought my first  iMac 27" i5 in November 2011 last year.
    Do you think there would be a update that will Features a Retina Display, Siri etc ??
    So my iMac will be the same as the new one that will be released this year,
    Or will I have to buy a new iMac to get all these new updates ??
    It would be a shame if I did because my iMac is only 6months old if that ..
    Kind regards Simon Trott Apple user and proud of it

    We're not allowed to speculate on future or rumoured Apple products, but we all know there'll always be newer tech coming along.
    The iMac you have is an excellent machine, be happy with it and get a good few years use out of it. By the time your machine is slowing down, whatever comes next will have been updated numerous times.
    I had the 2011 i5 27" delivered about 3 weeks ago. It's a cracking machine

  • Is the retina display for the new mac book pro worth the extra cost? I'm buying a new mac book pro but not sure about the retina display.

    Is the retina display for the new mac book pro worth the extra cost? I'm buying a new mac book pro but not sure about the retina display.

    There is a US$10 adapter from old power adapter to new MacBook Pro.
    MagSafe to MagSafe 2 Converter
    The MagSafe to MagSafe 2 Converter allows you to use the MagSafe connector on your LED Cinema Display, Thunderbolt Display, or MagSafe Power Adapter to charge your MagSafe 2-equipped Mac computer.
    For battery life, check the latest Software Update for the fix for most problems.

  • The purchase in tip: please contact support personnel to complete the itunes deal. My two ID are so, how to do?

    The purchase in tip: please contact support personnel to complete the itunes deal. My two ID are so, how to do?

    Apple - Support - iTunes Store - Contact Us

Maybe you are looking for