LCD recommendations?

[Xombie]

I'm considering moving to LCD displays and need a little help. First off, I know next to nothing about LCDs. The little bit I've heard is that they aren't "fast" enough for certain applications like video. Of course, they could be wrong. And when I dug around, I see it's at least partially due to optical rise/fall time? Feh. Perhaps I'll just stop there before I make a total fool out of myself.

Anyway, since I do a large amount of work on the computer, I'm wondering if there really is a noticeable difference as far as eye strain goes. And while I don't go around with tinfoil hats, the (non?) radiation thing seemed nice. And the size, can't forget that. What I was looking for was something around 20 inches. It would be very nice if there was an option to hook external video equipment via s-video or otherwise.

The one that's caught my eye so far is an Iiyama Pro Lite 5131DT <page here> (http://www.iiyama.com/web2002/product/35p_5131.htm) but I can't find any reviews for it and most of that stuff doesn't mean a thing to me. Except that rise/fall time of 25ms seems pretty low compared to other ones I've seen. And it has option s-video connections.

Help?

[edit: Almost forgot, I watch a lot of videos and play a few games (not many games and not so many FPS) so I'd also need to know if the Iiyama or any recommended lcd can do a good job with videos]

[abatis]

I am also close to taking the plunge into a LCD for my main home computer. I have played many games on my laptop screens and they seem to do OK. I am really looking for the space savings and decent function. Thanks for the lead on where your research has taken you. I need to figure a budget and than buy the best i can find fr that price.

[kenshin]

i recommend samsung range of LCD monitors..

i currently have a 15" Samsung 152T LCD monitor it's awesome... planning to get a 15" Samsung 152S to match it for dual monitor setup :)

you might want to read the LCD monitor buyer's guide at http://www.prawlings.net/tech/lcdbuyingguide.htm

models i recommend you look into

15"
Samsung 152S analogue
Samsung 152B analogue - discontinued but still a good mon :)
Samsung 152BM analogue
Samsung 152T dvi/analogue

17" Samsung 171N, 172T and 172W (widescreen)

19" Samsung 191N, 191T and in Q3 192T

all are 25ms response time except 192T which will be 12ms response time thanks to Samsung's 5th generation production plant technology and increased production capacity :)

LCD will eliminate eye strain... trust me as i spend 18+hrs/day on the monitor using 15" CRT for 7yrs and now changed to LCD mon and it's a relief on the eyes :D

i'd get at least 400:1 contrast ratio and 250cd/m2 brightness.. and 25ms response time

specs aren't the same for all LCD brands - i.e. some reviews reported Viewsonice 19" 600:1 contrast ration LCD looked poorer than Samsung's 450:1 contrast ratio spec'd LCD monitors

Samsung is the #1 lcd monitor manufacturer in the world.. quality is definitely there :)

HTH

[FranchiseJuan]

@kenshin are you on the OCAU forums?

Anyways, I agree with you on the Samsungs as they are really good. I have had both the 152s and now have the 152T and they rock. In my time with building computers, I have used also the Hurcules 720, and it is really good too.

the Samsung 171N is good, and is at a really good price at the moment, and with recent price drops, the Hurcules 920DVi is becomming really good value as well.