Hiya,

I have the following options for my Monitor Upgrade:

1) Dell 19" SE 198WFP (5ms / 300 cd/m2 / 1000:1 Static contrast / DVI+ / Analog) - Rs. 9500 + 4% VAT

2) Samsung 19" 943NWX (5ms / 300 cd/m2 / 1000:1 static contrast / Analog) - Rs. 9575 + 4% VAT

3) Viewsonic 22" VA2226 (5ms / 300 cd/m2 / 1000:1 static contrast / DVI+ / Analog - no DVI Cable included) Rs. 11575 + 4% VAT

I can't choose between the Dell 19" and the ViewSonic 22". Samsung is out of the window because it has no DVI support and I have a DVI capable Nvidia 7100GS. { Will have to shell extra for the DVI cable as Viewsonic India does not supply DVI cable in the package }

This monitor is primarily going to be used for work and ocassional Movies. I'm not a gamer so bear that in mind.

Viewsonic and Dell both have dodgy support in Mangalore where I currently live. If I were back in Mumbai, would have gone for either.

The Dell reviews on the Indian techie websites have been good. Viewsonic unfortunately has been trashed for the useless tech support policies and the extra time it takes for replacement based issues.

I also own two Viewsonic CRT monitors which have been working flawlessly so far. This upgrade is on account of the charts that I use for work and my poor 17" G76f+ @ 85 Hz is kinda getting taxing on my eyes leading to frequent headaches on account of the figures that I have to work with. My daily PC usage is nearly 7-8 hours with breaks in between.

I'm at my wits end to solve this predicament. My wife tells me to go for the 19" and give her the difference for saving my money

What's your take on this?

Cheers,
Zer0

since dell's reviews are better and it includes dvi cable, i think you should go for it. moreover the price is lower than the 22" LCD. but, if you want a better movie experience , go for Viewsonic.

i think 19" dell is better and suffice.

If you are going to use it primary for work and movies 19'' is more than enough. Try those wide screen once. Both samsung and viewsonic are good options

@Krishnan,

There is no way I can have a look at both these monitors. They will be shipped only against my orders from Bangalore. Resellers here don't carry these brands locally.

They prefer Samsung's and LG's. I've given them a skip..[No DVI for Samsung and LG's don't inspire confidence in 19" ]

I'm going with the Dell monitor as you guys have suggested. Now only need to confirm from the vendor that they do indeed ship a DVI-D to DVI-D cable in the package and I'm all set.

Since today the outlets are closed.. Will ask on Monday and post .

Cheers,
Zer0

ZeroSleep wrote:

@Krishnan,.............. Resellers here don't carry these brands locally. They prefer Samsung's and LG's. .......................

Generally, vendors try to push those brands which give them maximum commission.

I too am in the market for a new LCD monitor, and with similar requirements, though I am considering 22 or 24 inch widescreen.

I have a budget of 16,000. Would pay more if it was worth it.

ZeroSleep... looking foreword to hearing your experience.

Any Chennai person --- can anyone recommend a showroom to see a good selection? More than two or three?

You can also try those dell monitors , and a high end viewsonic monitor. You can try the richie street. Try delta , supreme computers , nawkar computers. As you have no budget constraints.

My budget is currently not constrained, but it might be on the day I actually buy it!

Seriously, I am prepared to spend 16000 if it makes it more comfortable to sit in front of.

There's a high-end Dell at 40,000-plus!

@Nick-H

It will be a couple of days till I actually get my hands on this baby. Still haven't been able to confirm whether the DVI-D cable forms a part of the package. We have some local festivals here and it's becoming difficult to get people to work actually in the ensuing melee.

You could look at the Dell 22" SP2208WFP [Listed at 16500/-] 2ms, 300 cd/m2, 2000:1 contrast, supports Analog, DVI-D with HDCP and HDMI

It also has an integrated webcam {dunno if it will have much use for you}

Check out the specs here www1.ap.dell.com/conte...l=en&s=dhs

Dell has been highly recommended, even my techie friend recommends to go for Dell {19" in my case}. Viewsonic tech support is utter crap here in India. Too bad cos they were great in CRT models.

I think I should be able to lay my hands on the Dell 19" by this weekend.

Cheers,
Zer0

I do want to get something with a decent-length warranty from a company that will support it.

That seems tough here in Chennai: nobody is really interested in anything after you leave the shop. It doesn't occur to them that you might come back to buy something else, or recommend someone else.

Dell has lost its reputation for good PCs with support when needed, but it still seems to be highly regarded on monitors though.

@Nick-H

It's tough everywhere.. no vendor supports anything after you leave the shop. It helps that I'm good with computer hardware and maintain PC's on my own, helps cut down AMC costs!! and the vendors' engineer's aren't available when you need them the most.

If you use a decent power protection equipment like an APC UPS or so I guess there is very little that can go wrong with the Monitor.

You can directly order through Dell Online in Chennai I guess. Dell provides Onsite warranty in the metro's. I had to go via the Vendor route cos the onsite is available only in Bangalore.

Booked the Dell 19" SE198WFP @ 9500 + 4% VAT (Rs. 9880 all inclusive)

The DVI to DVI cable is apparently not included in the package and has to be ordered seperately [Rs. 400 /- extra for this one from my local vendor]

I'm getting the shipment on Friday afternoon or Saturday. Will post a detailed review after I get my hands on it.

Cheers,
Zer0

If you want after sales support, then you have to go for branded showrooms. But i never have any problem with service. There are lots of good service centers

How about NEC? Is that available in Chennai? Recommended?

Hey,

I review bunches of monitors all the time, and I've generally found that Dell is quite good. NEC is very good, but getting it in India.. hmmm.. Also, specific model numbers will help me tell you more.

I use a Viewsonic at home myself, one I got from the US. This is a VX2025wm, part of their X series.

Samsung is good too. In fact, I tested ten 22-inchers a few months back, and Samsung just beat out Dell.

Also, BenQ has just launched a 20 inch with full HD (1920x1080).. at 13.5K.. This is pretty interesting, but I haven't tested it yet. Should be testing it soon.

Be glad to help you out with your questions. You can PM here, post on this thread, or just email me at askexpert @ pcworld.in