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Date:	Sun, 16 Mar 2003 13:05:18 PST8
From:	"J. R. Fox" <jr_fox@pacbell.net >
Reply-To:	scoug-help@scoug.com
To:	scoug-help@scoug.com
Subject:	SCOUG-Help: Re: Flat Panel Monitors

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On Mar. 6, Peter replied to me:

> I *think* the LCD panels remap the pixels so different resolutions can
> still be displayed. I don't know how fuzzy this makes the images which
> are remapped -- go to a store and try it, don't just take someone's word
> for the image quality. (*)

(* Steve Carter got a lot more specific on the technical side, here . . . )

I have done this a bit, at Fry's and elsewhere. They claim that the re-sized resolutions effectively
compensate for any such concerns, and a brief, casual viewing seemed to support that assertion.
However, several reviews & reviewers I have read *insist* that the smaller-than-native (optimum)
resolutions (emulations ?) are tiring and of unacceptable quality, for sustained work sessions. My
optometrist describes me as a "highly critical observer," so I tend to think that (other than
designed-for resolutions) might not be the best option for me. One review mentioned something called
Portrait Display's LiquidView as something that might truly compensate for running at less than the
"native" res. of a panel, but this s/w is only available for Windoze.

Steve Carter added:

> I must sit away from the monitor (a reading-glasses issue for me). (Peter likes 1600x1200 on a huge
21" monitor, but my eyes protest.
> I find 1280x1024 the highest I can tolerate on 21" tube (20" diagonal) for hours at a time.

> An LCD monitor replacement would force me to sit somewhat closer and change computer glasses. Notice
how close laptop users sit
> to their screens.

I have very similar issues, and have little interest in a major redesign of my workspace.

> This is OK, but presently even the least expensive 18" LCDs are around $500.

The 21" CRT I'll likely have to replace (it's been 3 weeks, and Dragan can't even find a source for the
replacement part, and so cannot even tell me what it would cost) originally cost closer to triple of
that.

> I'm also really looking forward to an 18" LCD because it will draw a lot less power from my UPS bank,
increasing outage
> ride-through time and heating up my home office a lot less,

Also definitely in the Plus column, from my point of view.

Peter continued:

>> I really don't want to get another big, heavy CRT, but
>> picture quality and versatility may tilt that decision.

> 1) Try eBay (or Dragan's shop) for a used CRT monitor.
> 2) Check Fry's, they often have large off-brand CRT monitors on sale for
> less than $200. The one I bought as a backup unit is very light and
> easy to carry (19" 1600x1200 $189).

Which one was that ? I haven't seen any larger ones that could remotely be called light ? The one I
liked best at Fry's (as a backup *only*, something I might be willing to get regardless of how the flat
panel thing shakes out), was the ViewSonic G71F+, around that price, but only 17" and 1280 x 1024. This
one struck me as being head and shoulders better looking than most of the others that size -- more
compact and lighter to boot. I need to find out what the max. refresh on that one is, because that's an
important factor too. Anything beyond the 1280 res. would not be used here.

[Incidentally, there are various rebates in effect for ViewSonic panel monitors -- and some CRTs --
effective into late Apr., I think.]

> 3) If you only use *two* different resolutions, you could get two
> different LCD panels and use a video switch when you change
> resolutions. (I haven't tried this.) Alternately, you could use the
> video switch with an LCD panel and a small CRT monitor if a small CRT
> would be suitable for one of the resolutions you use.

The latter idea is a bit more far-fetched, but not outside the realm of consideration. In that event, I
guess we're getting into KVM switch territory (?), and I'll welcome a specific recommendation from you
at that point.

> Samsung 17" 1280x1024, list $398, see this writeup:
> http://hwextreme.com/reviews/monitor/lcd/samsung_760v/

They carry the Samsung line at Best Buy, and possibly also at CompUSA. While they are much better than
the budget panels used to be, not so very long ago, I'm not much impressed by them. They just don't cut
it, in terms of what I'm looking for.

Thanks to Peter and to Steve for their input.

Jordan

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