RE: filmscanners: pc monitors

[Hersch Nitikman <hersch@silcom.com>]

 From the (frequently sad) experience I have had with monitors, I usually 
advise people to examine images on the actual article they wish to buy, and 
especially check the sharpness of text. I have seen too much variation from 
sample to sample of the same maker/model#/specs to be willing to buy out of 
a box, when I am happy with the demo. I simply request the demo, and let 
them set up the other from the box. If the sales people are unwilling to 
comply, I go elsewhere.
Also, I can vouch for the short life of an NEC. I had a 2-year-old 17" 
multiscan suddenly, irrevocably, go black on me a few months ago. Repair 
would have cost more than a replacement.
Hersch
At 12:49 PM 03/01/2001 -0800, you wrote:
>         I have lots of experience with Nokia monitors, specifically the
>445xi Plus. I do not recommend these monitors at all. A former employee here
>ordered a large number of them based on their impressive specs. They are not
>sharp, the screens seem excessively curved and they are difficult to look at
>for long periods of time. I would recommend almost anything rather than a
>Nokia.
>         After about 7 years experience at home and in several businesses
>using various monitors and seeing 1) how easy they are to look at for long
>periods of time 2) how sharp and accurate they are 3) how long they maintain
>their brightness, contrast and color accuracy, I strongly recommend SONY
>monitors for any purchase in the low to medium price ranges.
>         If you cannot afford one of the 19" or 21" SONYs, a smaller monitor
>that is more accurate and easier to look at may give you greater
>satisfaction in the long run.
>         NEC monitors are pretty good, but don't seem to last as long as the
>SONYs. Various color distortions, focus problems and brightness/contrast
>fading seem to become problems for NECs before those problems arise on
>SONYs.
>         I bought a used IBM P200 monitor (20" approx) a while back for about
>$300 that I am quite happy with. Not sure if this is typical of IBMs. I
>don't have any other experience with their monitors. The P200 is a few years
>old, but got good reviews when it was current.
>         If you don't get a SONY, try to get something that has a Trinitron
>tube (made by SONY). They generally seem to be superior.
>         I have found *no* correlation between dot pitch and image quality.
>Dot pitch is one of those specs on which people base buying decisions, and
>manufacturers seem to know this and use it as a selling point as if it was
>the best indication of image quality. The Nokias we have were bought
>specifically because they had a small dot pitch spec. Unfortunately, the
>person who made the purchase never bothered to look at the image quality
>before purchase or compare it with a different monitor.
>         Good Luck!
>
>         Eli
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: JFMahony91@aol.com [mailto:JFMahony91@aol.com]
>Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2001 8:35 AM
>To: filmscanners@halftone.co.uk
>Subject: filmscanners: pc monitors
>
>
>i am considering buying a nokia 21 inch #445xi. it has a . 22 dot pitch and
>resolution of 2400x1600. the monitor is refurbished and is guaranteed for 3
>years. price is $359. has anyone have any experience with this monitor and
>what do you think? thanks, joanna