Help me pick 1 of these 4 LCDs

[Fangs404]

I currently have a 17" Samsung 710N with analog input, and I'm looking for a 19" widescreen with DVI. I'm debating between these models:

SAMSUNG 941BW Black 19" 4 ms (GTG) DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 500:1 - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824001088)
Acer AL1916W Ab Black 19" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824009092) - this one is not DVI...oops
Hanns·G JW-199DPB Black 19" 5ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824254001) - I don't like the speakers that are in the front
Hanns·G HW-191DPB Black 19" 5ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824254005)

I have several questions. Right now, I'm primarily considering the Samsung and the Hanns-G 191 simply because I know Samsung is one of the best screens in the business, and they both have free shipping. The Hanns-G has the superior contrast ratio (700:1 vs Samsung's 500:1), the Samsung has the superior refresh rate (4ms vs Hanns-G's 5ms), but other than that, there's not much difference spec-wise.

So, which would you guys go for and why?

[edit]
Since I first posted this, I crossed off 2 monitors. Now, it's only between the Hanns-G 191 and the Samsung.

[majinwar]

One quick question before I reply.. I know my question is kind of unrelated to yours.. but are you willing to go away from widescreen? :rolleyes:

Edit: Oh and what will you be using it for?

[Fangs404]

One quick question before I reply.. I know my question is kind of unrelated to yours.. but are you willing to go away from widescreen? :rolleyes:

Edit: Oh and what will you be using it for?

Gaming, movies, programming, programming, gaming, and movies primarily. I'm a CS/math double-major, so you can imagine what I do on the computer.

I've had my heart set on widescreen for a while just because of movies and gaming. What else would you recommend?

[majinwar]

Well, I have always liked Samsung, never had problems with them and always love the results they have given me. If you were willing to part with the widescreen, I would get a higher quality 19" LCD 1280x1024, like 1000:1 contrast ratio n 5ms, something along those lines. I believe I saw a Samsung on newegg with close to those stats if not exactly for 240ish? All depends if you want Widescreen or not, or if a 500:1 contrast vs 1000:1 is really going to bother you in the end? Hopefully this helps, if not.. then umm.. hopefully someone else will jump in and add their 2 cents. :beer:

[BossBorot]

I would get one of these (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Category=19&N=2010190020+50001289+1309821320+131061713&Submit=ENE&Manufactory=1289&SubCategory=20). Most people would say to get the first one due to the price and higher contrast ration however the first panel uses what appears to be a 6 bit tn panel where as the second one appears to use some 8 bit panel (I belive this baised on the amount of colors each reports to be able to display and the different viewing angles). IMHO 6 bit vs 8 bit is the most important thing to look at when buying a monitor. Oh btw all of the 19" monitors that you linked are 6 bit which along with resolution (and thus the pixel pitch difference) is the main reason the people choose to spend so much more on a 20.1" monitor over a 19" monitor even though they are very close is size and both can come with dvi.

[Sinster]

I own 3 Hanns-G.. thats how much I think they are a great LCD.. 196, 199, and the 194 and all my models have DVI.. and I paid under 150.00..

[bizhar]

Fangs404:
I know this is not on your list but I would recommend this monitor.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824002134

[Fangs404]

I would get one of these (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Category=19&N=2010190020+50001289+1309821320+131061713&Submit=ENE&Manufactory=1289&SubCategory=20). Most people would say to get the first one due to the price and higher contrast ration however the first panel uses what appears to be a 6 bit tn panel where as the second one appears to use some 8 bit panel (I belive this baised on the amount of colors each reports to be able to display and the different viewing angles). IMHO 6 bit vs 8 bit is the most important thing to look at when buying a monitor. Oh btw all of the 19" monitors that you linked are 6 bit which along with resolution (and thus the pixel pitch difference) is the main reason the people choose to spend so much more on a 20.1" monitor over a 19" monitor even though they are very close is size and both can come with dvi.

Man, those are some absolutely gorgeous monitors. How can you tell if it uses a 6-bit or 8-bit panel?

[damarble]

I vote for the Samsung. I have the 931BW (2ms version of they one you listed) and love it, it's the only LCD I've ever been able to game on without ghosting problems. The backlight is a little uneven around the edges but not bad enough to bother with.

The Hanns-G is a great screen too, I demo'd one and it felt pretty fast but the color was not the greatest and the overall quality felt cheap.

[Fangs404]

I'm having a really hard time picking between these. I'd like to get the Sceptre 20.1" Gamer because of its 8-bit panel and increased resolution, but I've read mixed reviews on its quality. The Samsung and Hanns-G, though, are still looking pretty good, too. Would the 500:1 contrast ratio on the Samsung be too big of a detriment? How is the build quality of the Hanns-G? I'd really like to avoid spending more than $225 or so, and I want to make sure I get the best for my money.

[Spoudazo]

I say Sceptre, the added real estate will help you multi task better. :D

[Fangs404]

Well, I wound up scrounging up some more dough, and I went with the Dell 2007WFP. I've just read too many good things about it to pass it up. I got it refurbished, and with that 21-day no-questions-asked return policy, that's hard to beat. I had a hard time finding an 8-bit DVI-enabled widescreen monitor for under $500, and this is really the best one I could find.

Thanks to all for your help. :)

[blitzkrieg1110]

I have heard nothing but good things about Dell LCD's. That is a pretty sweet warranty as well (didn't realize they had a no-questions-asked warranty with refurbs).

[crfracer290]

I have heard nothing but good things about Dell LCD's. That is a pretty sweet warranty as well (didn't realize they had a no-questions-asked warranty with refurbs).

3 2007wfps, hated them all.

Now you heard something bad.

[Fangs404]

I'm reporting back. I got the 2007WFP today. This is the most amazing monitor I've ever dealt with. I have 0 dead pixels, and I got the S-IPS panel. This thing is glorious. I'd definitely recommend this monitor to anyone considering it. :D