Buying a new LCD monitor, seeking advice... 1

[ostrich69]

I am planning on buying a new LCD monitor and I had a couple of questions.

1.

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pr...665000FS10058986&catid=22334&logon=&langid=EN

Is this a good monitor? I do everything from playing games, to watching dvd movies on my PC, to just plain reading.

2. Is it a good idea to get an extended service plan when buying a monitor? Futureshop has a 5 yr ESP @ $109.99 (Canadian).

 

[greyted]

ostrich69:

Have used a Samsung 713bm for a month or so with no problems and I am impressed with it to date.
Do not use mine for gaming and it is seventeen inch.

Have you tried Google for reviews?




Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened.

Sir Winston Churchill

 

[rvnguy]

ostrich69,

Viewing is a personal choice, best if you can view what you are considering.

From a spec stand point
Things to consider:

Cost Of course
Resolution higher = better
Brightness: higher = better
Contrast Ratio: higher = better
Response Time: lower = better
Native Interface: Digital preferrable

Specs are not standardized so again personal viewing is the final test.

rvnguy
"I know everything..I just can't remember it all

 

[kmcferrin]

From the specs it looks like a very nice monitor. I was suprised at the price until I realized that it was Canadian dollars and not USD. Samsung LCDs generally are very well liked, and tend to be in the sweet spot for price/performance. I would look through some of the user reviews on that site and other sites as well to see what others think about it, since what constitutes a good monitor can be pretty subjective. I will say that I have been eyeing the Samsung 940b, and I'm about to pull the trigger on that purchase if Santa doesn't bring me one.

Regarding the replacement plan, that really depends on what you want and what the plan offers. Typically, ESPs are an electronics retailers biggest profit booster, because they add a significant markup to the sale and are rarely needed or put to use by the consumer. In this case they are charging an additional 25% for a 5-year plan. However, the monitor already comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty, so you're essentially buying the ESP for years 4 and 5. Will you still be using the monitor at the end of 3 years? At the end of 4 years? At the end of 5 years?

What will a new 19" LCD cost 3 years from now? Probably half of what they do today. What will your $110 be worth 3 years from now if invested? Probably closer to $150. That will probably be almost enough to buy a new 19" LCD, except that 3 years from now that 19" LCD will be much better than what we use today.

If you have to use the manufacturers warranty then you may be without a monitor while waiting for repair. You may get a refurb monitor as a replacement from Samsung. For some people that's a hassle, and they would rather just take it back to the store for a new replacement unit.

What does the ESP cover? What does the Samsung warranty cover? How much damage has to be done before either one will take the unit back? What is the dead pixel policy for Samsung and the vendor? Do dead/stuck pixels qualify for a free replacement under the vendor's ESP? If so, how many do there need to be qualify? If it's only one pixel, it might be worth it to get that guarantee, though Samsung tends to have very few dead pixels in their LCDs.

In my experience, most electronics equipment falls into three main categories:

1. Works with no problems, and continues to do so for it's useful life.
2. Arrives DOA, needs to be replaced.
3. Works on arrival, but dies during burn-in period (after a few hours/days of use).

You manufacturers warranty covers all three cases, so IMHO the ESP plan isn't worth it. But some people don't want the hassle of shipping their equipment out for repair, and so they go with the ESP.

 

[felixc]

The monitor itself is covered by a warranty. Futureshop makes its money by selling these wararnties.

In two years from now a 19-in monitor will likely cost $200. You'd have paid $110. for a warranty.

I never take extended wararnties for items under $1000. I would take one on a DLP or Plasma TV screen. These technologies aren't mature. But an LCD monitor is mature technology.

 

[mainegeek]

ostrich69,
These are nice but expensive.....

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony...17099/catOid/-12965/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

 

[ostrich69]

Thanks everyone for replying! It was a lot of helpful info, much appreciated.