posted on July 16, 2003 07:31:25 PM new
Went to Best Buy today to get parts for my computer, thank goodness it was only the modem that got hit in the storm. And that was because I left the adaptor in and the lightening hit the phone. Surge protector on the rest of the computer and it is fine. Well, when I went to pick up the part I looked at computers and Monitors. I can't believe you can get a really good computer for under $500.00 and that includes purchasing a LCD Monitor. A flat screen monitor was only $89.00. If you have an LCD screen how do you like it? If you have a flat screen how do you like it? This survey will help me decide what I am going to purchase. My computer is fine but I would like a bigger Monitor. Both the flat and LCD are 17 inches.
posted on July 16, 2003 07:45:50 PM new
My husband got me a NEC 17" flat screen for Christmas. I had researched & researched & felt that it was the best value for money. Apparently you can have trouble with dead pixials right out of the box, but mine was fine. I love mine! And I have so much more room on my desk.
posted on July 16, 2003 08:45:54 PM new
I have a 17 inch NEC LCD1700V Flat Screen Monitor and think it's great. Got it at Best Buy about 8 months ago - I think it was around $550 or so. A great space saver for sure. We compared a few of the cheaper models - quality wasn't as good though with the cheaper ones.
*Edited to add model #.
[ edited by cta on Jul 16, 2003 08:46 PM ]
posted on July 17, 2003 04:44:16 AM new
It's amazing isn't it? The cost of a new computer? Last year the computer I spent $2,000 on is now already obsolete. It's still faster than my boyfriend's, though. We have an ongoing thing where we try to one-up each other on computers. Fortunately for me, unfortunately for him, I had the money to buy a new one last year. He hasn't been able to for over 2 years. So, while he's tapping his finger waiting for his to boot up, I'm already surfing the web. Ha!
My RL job is in the computer field. I work with both CRT's and LCD's constantly. There have been some really good write-ups in PC World and other magazines comparing the pros and cons of each kind. The main thing is that even with the lower prices, you're going to get more screen real estate with a CRT. CRT's are also considered to be more true when it comes to video and photo editing. However, from personal experience I haven't had any problem doing that one my LCD screens. Dead pixels can also be a problem... and unless you have consecutive ones in a row/column... most manufacturers won't replace or repair if there are less than 5-10. Of course the big advantage of LCD's are space saving. My advice... is to look up one of the reviews (either in a magazine or website) and find out which one is going to fit your needs the best.
Oh... and on another note... did you have your phone line protected by a surge protector??? If not... and this goes for ALL of you that use a modem... PLEASE go out and buy a good surge protector that protects the phone lines as well. (Belkin has one called a surgemaster that retails for just $19.95). While I was working as a computer repair techician, I found that about half of my total repairs were modems that had been unprotected and were fried by power surges. Most people aren't aware that power surges can occur ANY time (not just with lightning storms) and that power surges go through phone lines too! Anyhow.... that's my litle lecture for the day... hope it helps!
posted on July 17, 2003 07:49:41 AM new
Dell 18" here.
Ordered it right from Dell website, free shipping, 10% off price and 6mos. no interest financing.
The price was competitive and with the discount and free shipping it was actually less than a comparable one locally when you added in our outrageous local & state sales tax.
Love it!!!! My desk has tons more room, the picture quality is top notch and I actually don't mind staring at the screen for hours anymore.
posted on July 17, 2003 08:22:00 AM new
Price watch is the cheapest place I've found for computer parts and whole systems ....here's the link http://www.pricewatch.com the price you see includes shipping.
posted on July 17, 2003 02:53:43 PM new
Thanks for all the information. Now I will research. No I didn't have a surge protector on the telephone. I didn't know you could have one. That is what that went out on mine. The telephone was on but the adaptor I used was ruined. Yes my modem went out. It doesn't bother me about the room that the flat screen will take. I don't use my desktop for much so that wouldn't be a bother. Thanks for the help. I really appreciate it. Everyone here is so helpful and it is greatly appreciated.
posted on July 18, 2003 12:14:14 AM new
Although I'd love the space saving aspect of an LCD screen - and they are pretty cool - I use a 19" ViewSonic CRT that is excellent. If you have the real estate available at your workstation, A high quality CRT monitor is still probably the best, and most cost effective, solution.
I recently loaned a 19" KDS monitor to a colleauge who's 17" LCD monitor quit. Now he won't give it back! We had to move a lot of stuff to fit it in, but boy howdy is it much better.
By they way, an earlier post mentioned Belkin. They make great stuff. If you visit their web site, you can find some great refurbished bargains. I just set up a wireless node in my network for next to nothing. Lifetime guarantee, too.
We have an ongoing thing where we try to one-up each other on computers. Fortunately for me, unfortunately for him, I had the money to buy a new one last year. He hasn't been able to for over 2 years. So, while he's tapping his finger waiting for his to boot up, I'm already surfing the web. Ha!