TFT Monitors

Well, I think it's time someone started a discussion on TFT Monitors There is very little here about them!

I have just acquired one - an Acer AL732 17 ". Very nice, very sharp etc. but only at its native resolution of 1280 x 1024. Unfortunately, it does not work so well at any other resolutions which is now causing me some eye strain!!

I downloaded a program called Liquid Surf which allows you to magnify web pages - couldn't find anything on Internet Explorer which would allow me to do this - I wonder why?
This works fine but I always like to play games and I find that I cannot enlarge game windows without changing my resolution back. Anyone know of any other way to deal with this?

I would be interested to hear of other people's comments on TFT Monitors and how they have coped with the higher resolutions. I have been so used to working at 800 x 600 on my old CRT.

Look forward to a good discussion!

 

Still think the CRT's are better for grahics... But a TFT as a space saver in your office or home they are fine. If your goanna go and spend over $800 on a monitor why not get a really good 19" CRT monitor??

 

I have to agree that the CRT was better when it comes to graphics, especially viewing photos and gaming but I do like the space saving aspect. And with a 17" TFT, you do get a larger screen area than with a 17" CRT.

Another question: Should I update my video card so that I can use the digital output? I have an NVidia Riva TNT2/TNT2 Pro and I think it's 16mb.

Would this make any difference to the clarity?

 

Hi

I was going to post a question about TFT monitors when I found the post already started.

I am in the process of having a PC built for me & am considering a TFT as I like the neat aspect for the desk.
I have a 19" monitor at the moment but it is very bulky.

I read details on a few sites about that new TFT's are more advanced now at coping with problems they once had.
I do not play games so this bit would not be a problem for me but I am concerned when I read about the photographic element as I would be using the PC for this.

Given that I am going to have a completely new PC and the graphics card etc will all be as new as ' new' can be in the tech. world
I would value other feedback on this also. I have a laptop with a TFT monitor and find I can work well with this.

I was considering an NEC or Samsung ( although price comes into part of it.) It is more important to me that I spend the money now to buy the best one so it is not exactly limited to price. ( hope this makes sense )

Great to find a post about this already.

miniB

 

Great to find someone else who is interested also!!

My latest news is that my Acer AL732 is being sent back to the manufacturers as, after only one week of having it, there is a thin green line right down the side of it so I would NOT recommend that one.

I have now decided to change it to an even "better" one which is a Samsung SH181T 18" (cost just over 800 Euro). Should have it within the next few days so I will post back and let you know what it's like. I also have to update my video card which might help as the one I have is quite out of date now.

I also use the pc for viewing photos etc. and I did find that on the Acer monitor they weren't as sharp as on my old CRT. It will be interesting to see if they are any better on the new Samsung.

Am interested to hear how you get on also so keep posting!!

 

Hi

Thought this little bit of info. may interest you. I most certainly come under the ' private users requirements '

I have spent quite a while looking at NEC monitors today. I may have more info. on both brands by the weekend. To date I know of 2 satisfied NEC & Samsung users. Will keep posting when I find out which brand & model I am going to decide on. A LOT of homework on this topic

miniB

 

look the only way you (anyone) will see how (****) TFT's are compared to a CRT is to go into a decent computer shop and make them set up a dual monitor system useing a TFT and a CRT...i did this yesterday with a a Hyundai TFT (image Quest LS05) and a brand new Smartron 17inc CRT...The CRT wopped it in 3d graphics, but in gerneral desktop mode...i think the CRT had a deeper colour depth, which is weird as i had both monitores running off (new) PCI TNT 2 grphics cards...yes i can get them....and they were set to the same settings.....The blue on the ocean BG pic seemed to get darker and ricker in blue, why the CRT just faddied into it...if you know what i mean.

Anyway, i really like Samsung stff of late, i read (in last months PC user....i think last months) that Samsung are leading the way in TFT's.....Oh and the reason i used a hyundai was it is about the same price as the CRT smartron.........

So anyway, i tink the hole argument or discussen comes down to what you wanna do!!!!!!!!!! If you love your games i mean really love get a great CRT and you wont be unhappy, but if you just care about looks and flashy plastics get a TFT.....I mean if you care about the space you save and dont care about the worth of the dollar in your pocket get a TFT...arrr even that sounds like i hate them...i dont hate them but just dont see the point in spending over $800 dollars on a monitor when you could spend pretty much the same and get a better picture.

I AM NOT AGAINTS TFT's..Sorry if it looks that way, but when they catch up (there not too far behind) to CRT's ill get one.

Regards
Redghan

 

Agree with the "You get what you pay for" philosophy.

Flat screens - TFT's or LCD's look mighty fine on top of a desk but they don't do much for the bank account. During the last year, I picked up three 21" Nokia 445Xpro's and probably paid less than what one good 19" flat screen would cost. Further, I'm not aware of any flat screen that will match the performance of this monitor regardless of cost. On the other hand, they sure do save a lot of desktop (or wall-mounted) real estate.

 

Hi again

Thanks for the info. on what I should be looking for. I will certainly look into the whole scenario in depth before I purchase.

Really interesting opinions & facts to go on - just need to convert the $ into £ to work out the price range I should be looking at

Very much appreciated. Thanks Arie for the clear explanations of the terms used. They do get at times.


miniB

 

TFT's can be Excellent!

Guy's, I can't speak for 99% of the digital lcd monitors out there, but I can tell you honestly the following.

I am into gooooood graphics, games, videos, dvd's, you name it. My freind and I buy cards together, we switch out between top o' line ATI' and nVidea's. Both cards have native digital connects.

The Monitor I put myself in hock for over 7 months ago was a ViewSonic VX800. It's native res is 1280x1024 and is Purrrrr-fect at all other resolutions.

This "is" one of the few times I didn't look for cheap to get away with paying nothing. I did look for price though.... After all the different possible problems I've read that one can come across, I've come to one conclusion with these digital monitors. You get what you pay for (most of the time).

All colors, text, graphics are as good as I've seen. I've only used Sony and NEC type analog monitors. Also, I have heard of "Ghosting" when playing games with some digital (lcd) monitors. I have yet to see this myself. If I did I would NOT be using digital, plain and simple.

Hope this helps.

Keith

 

Nice to have a positive reply!! Just got my Samsung TFT monitor today. Much better than the Acer one I have to say. It is also 18" but still not great at any other resolutions other than the native 1280x1024. Maybe it has to do with me needing an update on my video card so i run it on digital. Now that you've mentioned video cards, any chance of a bit of advice on that?

My operating system is Windows 98. Bought my Dell computer in 1999. Will I have problems with compatability?

 

Maybe....

Ahhh, Samsung is the other I'd consider, and Sony, but not all of Sony's models are created anywhere's near equal. That much I know.

As for Video cards, I use ATI, or nVidea. I'm a model behind, but when spending (putting ones self in hock) I want to see and/or feel a difference! ... Both of these cards do digital perfectly. I can't tell you about the FX cards by nVidia but I'm almost certain they'd perform as well with digital.

As for your DELL system. if it has an AGP port there shouldn't be a problem. That doesn't mean there won't be, just shouldn't be. When I help people I know locally, those that have name brand pc's usually have most the problems. Name pc's want to be an EVERYTHING World to it's user, so they'll come back and buy again.

Fortunately, the pc's with the least problems are those home built. One reason may be that these have what you need and want, and not a lot of what you don't want or need. But even Dell is getting smart(er) in that they're trying to appeal to the gaming and power type of user somewhat. and if they scimp they'll pay the piper in lost revenue eventually. So if you have a recent Dell, I would think you'd have no problems.

You didn't ask for all this, so I'll stop here. But you have a well made monitor, I haven't seen a bad Samsung yet. So the problem you may have is quite likely with a video card and not the monitor.

Hope I helped ya.
Keith

 

Hi Adele

I am still loooking at the TFT monitors & trying to decide which to go for.

e-buyer has a few reviews on one of the Samsung monitors.
One person has advised

This may help with your idea of graphic's / video card. I am
about the digital viewing aspect as when I asked a friend he told me that he didn't know when I would need this

I hope to make my mind up very soon as I am getting a new PC built so I want the monitor at the same time

miniB

 

Regarding the graphics card, I have been onto the Dell US forum where I was able to search for my particular computer and I have got LOADS of information. Still haven't decided which one to go for though! It will probably be an ATI Radeon but I am still worried about the compatibility side of things. Will keep "trawling" and let you know the outcome. I would definitely recommend the Samsung though. Am very pleased with it, even with my outdated graphics card.

 

Hi Adele

I am going to have a look at a Samsung tomorrow. One thing I have found out which may be the reason for your resolution dilemma - all of the monitors use the same resolution with TFT.
A 17" TFT uses the same as a 19 "( the 19" just lets you see a bigger picture ) a 17" would therefore be a sharper picture as it is still using the same resolution

I know this is not technical but it's just a simple understanding of things ( I hope !! ) It's when it comes to 23" +++++ that the resolution standard changes significantly.

I was going straight for a 19" until I read this. I am really pleased to have this feedback on the Samsung as I really study these now. I am not sure if the model you have bought is available in the UK - not even sure if the model number would equate either ! At least I know you are happy with the quality

Thank you for posting back miniB

 

Check out www.dccs.co.uk. They have my Samsung SM181T there for £599.99.

 

http://www.microdirect.co.uk/default2.asp?source=espotting

follow this link - amazingly low prices on Samsung Monitors

 

Hi Adele

Just to let you know I am going to order the Samsung monitor you have. I have been looking at the various ones & this one has come out tops !

Thanks for sharing your TFT advice I will let you know when I get it - just finalising my new PC now & then the monitor !!

It has been hard work but almost there now.

Thanks again miniB