Need Help deciding on a Monitor?

[kiaconcepts]

I recently had my Sync Master Samsung 19 inch die, I am looking to replace it, I am looking for 24 + It mainly be used for normal PC stuff, But I do graphic design also, Would also like to play my XBOX360 on it sometimes, I got a couple that I am looking at, One being the ASUS VW266H Black 25.5" 2ms(GTG) HDMI and the SAMSUNG 2433BW High Glossy Black 24, They are both on Newegg for around $300+ I don’t much about monitors, but I have never heard ASUS making them, Are they any good? Who makes there panels for them? Well you see I am kind of Confused on what Monitor to buy, If someone could give me some help on my purchase I would greatly Appreciate it Thanks

[mattspalace]

One thing you'll find is once you narrow down your selections, they seem like they're quite possibly the same monitor - and it probably is. There are only a handful of panel makers out there and most are used by a variety of resellers.
You're basically limited to a TN panel at that cost, so narrow it down by the features you want and go from there.
Personally, I'd stick with a quality company as they'll probably do a bit more QC on their products - less chance of dead/stuck pixels.

[Chixofnix]

1. There are only a handful of panel makers out there and most are used by a variety of resellers.

2. You're basically limited to a TN panel at that cost, so narrow it down by the features you want and go from there.

3. Personally, I'd stick with a quality company as they'll probably do a bit more QC on their products - less chance of dead/stuck pixels.

Agreed 100% on all 3 points. I'd like to expound on #3 though.

A "quality company" is something that will afford you better odds at the QC roullette game, but will also cost you extra in turn. My personal approach is that you shouldn't rule any one company out until you get to the buying stage (after selecting your make/model). If you decide a lesser-known brand name in displays fits your budget/desires best, then just ensure you pay the extra $30 or so for an "extended warranty" from whoever you make the purchase from. Worst case scenario is you just lost $30 bucks because you get a perfect monitor. If it turns out to be a dud though then you're set for a return/replacement ;).

In summary, don't let brand names influence you during the "research" stage of your purchase. Take a hard look at all options that fit your budget range and you will ultimately get the best bang for your buck.

PS if your goal is to play your xbox360 with your display, be sure you look up end-user reports for the models you're interested in. Odds are somebody has tried and succeeded/failed with any given model display.

[kiaconcepts]

Agreed 100% on all 3 points. I'd like to expound on #3 though.

A "quality company" is something that will afford you better odds at the QC roullette game, but will also cost you extra in turn. My personal approach is that you shouldn't rule any one company out until you get to the buying stage (after selecting your make/model). If you decide a lesser-known brand name in displays fits your budget/desires best, then just ensure you pay the extra $30 or so for an "extended warranty" from whoever you make the purchase from. Worst case scenario is you just lost $30 bucks because you get a perfect monitor. If it turns out to be a dud though then you're set for a return/replacement ;).

In summary, don't let brand names influence you during the "research" stage of your purchase. Take a hard look at all options that fit your budget range and you will ultimately get the best bang for your buck.

PS if your goal is to play your xbox360 with your display, be sure you look up end-user reports for the models you're interested in. Odds are somebody has tried and succeeded/failed with any given model display.

Yeah thanks for the good advice, What do you think about Ben Q? I heard they are pretty good, There is this one @ Newegg for $300 the BenQ G2400WD I am trying to stay around $300, The cheapest Samsung With HDMI is $400 I would love to get the Samsung, But $400 is out of my budget right now
Oh and by the way I have been reading up on the BenQ G2400WD for the past couple hours I guess it is a really good monitor, Its actaully better than the Samsung 2493HM according to this site http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=31&threadid=2049206 So I might be getting that BenQ