Best 19" CRT < $300 ?

[vixro]

I can't stand LCD monitors. I've tried recommended ones, cheap ones, expensive ones, and I just can't get happy with them. My last purchase was a Benq 19" FP93G-X because I heard it was good and you could game with it. Yea right, all LCD's ghost and blur, some more, some less than others. Call me anal, but I can notice it on all of them and I hate the "screen door" effect even at recommended resolutions that you can see when you get close.

Not wanting to send the monitor back, I put it on my desk and has become my secondary for IRC/AIM/MSN/Winamp to view while I'm playing my games or surfing the internet and I'm content with that choice. I would never view pictures or watch videos on it, it's grainy and the colors aren't how they should be (compared to my CRT).

I use a CRT on my desk and the picture is great, the quality is great, the colors are great, and I love shadowmask. The reason I want to upgrade is that it's 17". Sure I can game with it, watch movies with it, but it's 17"! I used to game at 800x600, then 1024x768. Now even those seem small and I caught the bug. I game at 1280x1024x60hz now and it looks good, my screen just isn't big enough. I want at least a 19" monitor with a quality picture at 1600x1200x75hz+ resolution. I have an x1950xtx 512mb I want to use and I just feel dirty with this 17" monitor and this computer system now. Please don't suggest any LCD's, I am seriously through with them.

I am willing to pay $300 or so, would prefer in the low $200 range for something quality that will last me a few years. Right now I use a NEC MultiSync FE770 and I really like it. I prefer shadowmask over aperture grille.

Free shipping or something I can buy at a store locall is a plus.

The only reason I am here and not off shopping for my own is the obvious answer. The "consumer" market has gone to LCDs and I just can't stand them for gaming and movies or picture viewing. The quality just isn't up to standard of a CRT. All the reviews I find are from 3+ years ago and aren't even recent. I did find 1 or 2 useful recent reviews and when I went looking for the monitors, no place sold them. Newegg used to be the place, now they carry like 10 CRTs and 500+ LCD's. I am stubborn but that's just the way it is, I do not want an LCD, the picture isn't good enough!!!!


Any help is appreciated, sorry if I wrote a novel.

[SolidxSnake]

How about a Viewsonic 19"? They don't sell the one I have (A90f+) anymore AFAIK. I got it brand new for $220 at bestbuy (coulda bought it far cheaper however). It's an incredible monitor. I'd probably pick up an NEC if I couldn't find a Viewsonic CRT.

http://www.viewsonic.com/pdf/us_eng/products/G90fB-4_ds.pdf

Try that out. $240 retail, can most likely find it cheaper.

[funnyperson1]

I would check out craigslist, chances are that you can find 19-21" CRTs for less than $100, I know i missed out on a 21" Trinitron for $50 in the DC area. People are buying the LCD hype, and you can really nice used CRTs for dirt cheap.

[rseven]

I would skip the 19" and go for the 21 or 22" and get it used for cheap. I bought a 22" Diamondtron for $150 shipped this time last year and it looks and works like new. BTW, I got it for the same reasons as you.
http://www.azatek.com/pricelist.asp?CID=59

[mista ting]

if your going to get a CRT the Trinitron FW900 24' widescreen CRT for ~200$ is the way to go http://search.ebay.com/FW900_W0QQfrppZ50QQfsopZ1QQmaxrecordsreturnedZ300 one of the best CRT ever made hands down few years ago this thing was 1k$+ :D

Edit: it was actualy 2,300$ a few years ago
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=952788

[vixro]

I was reading reviews on the monitors at azatek and they seem good, but not excellent. There were problems with convergence, or text being blurry at high resoltions, or the monitors not lasting very long. The prices look very good, but I am willing to pay more (even for a used one), if it's going to have perfect image quality. It would suck to upgrade in size from my monitor which is excellent, and have something not so excellent, know what I mean?

So far, I am liking this one: http://www.azatek.com/details.asp?iid=483

Would you consider it a good choice?

http://www.azatek.com/details.asp?iid=707

This NEC one also looks nice but didn't get as good of reviews.

[vixro]

I decided to buy the dell one.

http://www.azatek.com/details.asp?iid=483

Hope it turns out great!

[rseven]

Good luck with it!:santa:

[Skeith]

you should see the stuff Ive seen at my local pawn shop. 17" and 19" monitors CRT like new for between $20 and $40. I wish I had desk space or I would pick one up.

BTW the dell CRTs are great. I have an older P990 Ultrascan I got used for $20 19". Its image is so crisp and clear. Its amazing. My mother has a refurbished Dell 19", cant remember the model. It has nice picture but is a bit fuzzzy at realy high res. It just needs a focus adjuctment but im lazy.

[vixro]

I just got the monitor in the mail today.

I ordered a supervga cable from the same company at the same time, the package came today, without the cable (which I was charged for), and the monitor was severely damaged.

It appeared to have been packed well, UPS just decided to play football with an 80pound box is my guess. The box appears to be well handled at first glance, then the inside the monitor is basically destroyed.

http://images14.fotki.com/v362/photos/8/873576/4351067/IMG_0255-vi.jpg
http://images20.fotki.com/v369/photos/8/873576/4351067/IMG_0257-vi.jpg
http://images20.fotki.com/v366/photos/8/873576/4351067/IMG_0259-vi.jpg

The thing that throws me off the most is the fact that the box looks normal at first glance, so I had nothing to tell the driver but thanks when I signed for it.

http://images20.fotki.com/v360/photos/8/873576/4351067/IMG_0249-vi.jpg


The box had 2 large layers of styrofoam on the top of the monitor (where the box opens, and meets the glass), but the sides and bottom were not protected by styrofoam.


According to the website, the product shipped with the cable and the monitor in one package. According to UPS there are 2 packages and one has been shipped (the one I got) and the other just says billing information received.

[Enablingwolf]

Since you obviously have an RMA thing going now. I have an academic question. Please don't take this as a bash or soliciting a flame. I would like to compare your experiences to mine. I am not even going to try and sway you, that is the furthest from my intentions. You sparked an honest question with your one comment. :D

I can't stand LCD monitors. I've tried recommended ones, cheap ones, expensive ones, and I just can't get happy with them. My last purchase was a Benq 19" FP93G-X because I heard it was good and you could game with it. Yea right, all LCD's ghost and blur, some more, some less than others. Call me anal, but I can notice it on all of them and I hate the "screen door" effect even at recommended resolutions that you can see when you get close.


I read the part that is not in the strikeout, and thought. I do not see what you are referring to on my LCD. I am far from a LCD fan boy. Though I wondered how close does one have to be to get the screen door effect you mention.

I used my own eyes up very close. I seen the pixels. Sure, part of the animal for any display. I had to get really really close to see it though. Then being curious. I took off my LCD and hooked up my trusty CRT. :D

Same thing. I seen the pixels, Both monitors are far from top end. Still had to get very close to notice the pixels.

To investigate further. I pulled out my magnifying glass. :O I adjusted it to a good focal point, and same thing pixels. On both my CRT and LCD.

To get even more in depth, I pulled out my digital camera. Placed it directly on the screen of the LCD. I had it so close it distorted the screen image in the photo. It showed the pixels.


My question....


How close are you getting to see the pixels, and are what you doing to be needing such close experiences?

My monitors I used are (far from top end)Specs on respected pages :
ACER AL1716 D (http://global.acer.com/products/monitor/1_series.htm)


Env!s!on EN775e (http://www.envisiondisplay.com/products.asp?EPage=products&SMenu=en775e)

Like my question as first presented. I am not trying to sway you on LCD or CRT. How close are you getting to see the pixelated effect? I haven't seen grain on LCD's in ages. I have a older LCD that shows grain even at normal viewing distances. So I understand what you are seeing. As a comparison of our experiences, I do not see what you are reffering to. Until I use magnified means. I would rather not stick my nose to the screen to test out our comparetive experiances.

My current LCD. I have to use external means to see the pixels even at close range. It is clear and very nice to view. In some case out performs my trusty CRT in image quality.

[vixro]

on my CRT, all colors appear to be flush, unless VERY close (as you have also noted). I had to get extremely close, my nose touching, to see it on the CRT. I use the same resolution as on the LCD also. (1280x1024)

on my LCD I can see the "grain" on any light solid color from a normal viewing distance. For multiple colors or darker colors, I have to get close. Its VERY minor but for some reason it bothers me.

[Enablingwolf]

It would bug the heck out of me too.

I have not noticed it in any color range on my monitor. Why I asked. I looked at mulitple fields of colors and lighting. I was very curious. Since I love to do photoshop I am very picky on how the screen looks. Sometimes, I get close to get minute details in an image, or view details. I use white backgrounds alot and I still have yet to experiance the grain. I have to be very very close to see it. To reiterate, I did not spend very much on my (far from top end) panel.

Now what bothers me about my panel, that my CRT does not do. It bugs the heck out of me too. It gives a yellowish-green tint(not really bad) if the viewing angle is off to the sides.

Thank you for answering my question. :thup:

[rseven]

That is a major bummer, Vixro, not to mention what a PIA it is as well. The monitor looks as if an elephant kicked it. It was likely dropped, but since the box was solid it only destroyed the TV in side. I know mine was very well packed, but if it's mishandled nothing will keep it from being damaged. I feel badly, having referred you to this company. Hopefully, will all be resolved to your satisfaction.

[Skeith]

on my LCD I can see the "grain" on any light solid color from a normal viewing distance. For multiple colors or darker colors, I have to get close. Its VERY minor but for some reason it bothers me.
And that is the very reason that I dont like LCDs. Plus LCDs have a slower response rate than CRTs. I am very picky on video quality.

[Elephanthead]

This is the same reason why I have a CRT hdtv. I warm soothing glow of a CRT can't be beat. To bad marketing majors are running the world (into the ground).

[vixro]

I also forgot to mention when I look closely on my LCD, I can actually see the colors "swirling" and moving. I know I don't see that on the CRT. ;)

Like I said, I think the LCD is good for viewing websites, IRC, MSN, all of my side programs while I game on the CRT.


As for the company, they should have packed it from all sides with styrofoam, instead of just one side. Dropping the box with *This Side Up ^* Pointing the right direction would have damaged it, because the bottom of the box only had some brown paper protecting it. I don't understand how a reseller of monitors would poorly pack their main product they constantly ship.

I called the reseller's 1800 number and was redirected to a cell phone answering machine. This was at 1pm (I believe 2pm arizona time) on Tuesday and they are supposed to be open from 9am-5pm. I will call back in an hour and see if I can get through.

[bchur83]

The problem you are having is that you are using low Res LCDs. Also, a 17" and a 19" LCD have the same amount of pixels. They are both 1280x1024. So the 19" is simply using larger pixels. That is why you can see the "Screen Door Effect". You need to move to a bit larger LCD, like a 20" with either 1600x1200 or try to find a rare 19" with 1600x1200 resolution (there are a few out there).

[uzibear]

jeez dude, i just bought a mint sony trinitron 21" for $90 cash off craigslist in socal; they're abundant; don't go buying online, total waste of cash; get on craigslist, find one you like, talk them down a bit on email, go over and test it vigourously in person, talk down again, and buy; i mean, why bother buying a heavy (mine is 70 freakin pounds) crt online? waste waste waste; the used market it flooded with them

[uzibear]

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/sys/235434865.html

this one

[uzibear]

I would check out craigslist, chances are that you can find 19-21" CRTs for less than $100, I know i missed out on a 21" Trinitron for $50 in the DC area. People are buying the LCD hype, and you can really nice used CRTs for dirt cheap.


i swear, i have to breach this in every other thread around here; i'm done; if you want to waste your cash online, go ahead

[vixro]

craigslist only has two monitors that size in my area, and neither are very good. I checked there already. ;)

[Lord Rage]

Simply check by local stores. I picked up a 21" CRT for $45 at a local store.

Never ship monitors or anything via UPS. A friend sent me a 19" CRT a while back, and when I got it, the screen had been shattered. Since there was no damage to the box, UPS wouldn't believe that it was carelessness by the company, and I know one of my best friends wouldn't waste the money to ship it to me if he had broken it.

[JRW]

I must of gotten lucky , My FW900 traveled over 3,000 miles via DHL Ground shipping and arrived in flawless condition, CRTs need to be heavily padded when shipped which people seem to overlook ...mine was wrapped with a lifetime supply of bubblewrap to the point it was pretty insane, the box was about 2x larger than I expected because of it.

[vixro]

No call back from my messages left to the 1800 number (and nobody ever picked up the phone).

No response from my email that I sent yet either.

edit: 12-06-06


Azatek.com, Inc.

210 S. Beck Ave.

Chandler, AZ 85226

Phone: 1-800-847-7330

Fax: 480-763-2916

Mail: Support@azatek.com

We are glad to inform you that we successfully claimed UPS damage, please
pack item back in original packaging same as you received it along with all
packing inserts. UPS representative will contact you by the end of next
business day to schedule inspection.Three pick up attempts will be made.
Your RMA number is (...) write it on all four sides of the box.
We did online claim submiting your pictures also. Claim number is (...)

We are sending another unite shortly.

Regards,
Support team

[vixro]

The new monitor shipped today and is expected to be here by next Monday. 79lbs again and being shipped FedEx this time instead of UPS.

[satandole666]

I would skip the 19" and go for the 21 or 22" and get it used for cheap. I bought a 22" Diamondtron for $150 shipped this time last year and it looks and works like new. BTW, I got it for the same reasons as you.
http://www.azatek.com/pricelist.asp?CID=59

I bought my Dell 21" P110 Trinitron from that site. It is used, but I also paid $150 shipped. 4 years and running strong still. If you want a CRT, I would highly recommend this. I'm thinking about getting another one for a dual monitor setup but I lack the desk space. :eek:

[Elephanthead]

I didn't notice anything spectacular, but overstock.com has a bunch of crt monitors and they have flat 1 dollar shipping. Several were under $100 for 19 inchers, I guess they are refurbisherized.

[Brando]

craigslist only has two monitors that size in my area, and neither are very good. I checked there already. ;)
Just keep checking every day until one pops up. People post items for sale constantly. It's all about timing. I got a 32" Sony XBR TV for $100 just by waiting. Every other 32" was at least $150+, some older than the one I bought. Then I got lucky, saw this one, and jumped on it. I've seen 22" and 21" monitors for $50 more than once. Patience.

[vixro]

It appears I misunderstood the email I received from azatek. The new monitor still hasn't shipped yet, a shipping label was printed on the 6th, but nothing was ever sent. My hopes of getting the new monitor anytime soon are pretty low. *shrug* hate having to deal with crap like this.

[vixro]

I received the new monitor today!!! Damaged!!!

This time it was packed very well, and FedEx kicked a little hole in the side right where there was the least amount of protection and damaged the screen.

The monitor was face down and surrounded by styrofoam but here was the end result:

http://images14.fotki.com/v371/photos/8/873576/4351067/IMG_0274-vi.jpg
http://images14.fotki.com/v371/photos/8/873576/4351067/IMG_0276-vi.jpg

Why can't I just get a damn monitor without it being damaged!!!!!

aaohwefkjwehkjwehfwkejhe4wefjhwef

[Big Mike]

Clearly the company you're dealing with doesnt know how to pack a monitor. Bad handling or not if the box isnt mangled the monitor shouldn't be either. I bought a 22" NEC FE1250+ last year that was shipped in a UPS "27 inch tv box" filled to the brim with those molded styrofoam pads. It arrived looking just like it did when it left, of course it was broken, but that wasn't shipping damage, the older NECs have a nasty habit of losing their vertical hold circuitry and this one had been worked on by a hack at some point and required a bunch of resoldering, but i ended up getting it for free since it didnt work when it arrived. Honestly at this point I'd just get your money back and look elsewhere for a CRT, if you want I can give you the seller ID of the ebayer I got this one from, I think they do a lot of office equipment buy outs. Also ebaying by zip code for this kind of product isnt a bad idea, I picked a seller that was only 300 or so miles away so that the monitor's trip in a carton wouldn't be 2000 miles of getting dropped by ups employees.

[vixro]

I sent an email to Azatek 10 minutes after opening the package with damage pictures and asking for a refund. If a refund is not possible, then to "SIGH" send a new monitor, which has a very high chance of just coming damaged again.

Here was the box, it wasn't perfect:

Right where the hole is, is where the cracked side of the monitor was sitting.
http://images20.fotki.com/v369/photos/8/873576/4351067/IMG_0265-vi.jpg

[Overload]

I would fight to cancel. i would not want to deal with that a 3rd time! besides if you are that anal about lcd which i am as well, i would not want a trinitron with two horizontal lines to drive my crazy. i have a viewsonic g90fb. its several years old but still looks great.

[vixro]

FedEx is supposed to pick up the damaged monitor on Tuesday and I have a tracking number for a new monitor from Azatek which the email said he would have staff pack instead of regular workers.

Bleh? They get one more chance, then I'm asking hard for a refund.