How to choose a computer monitor?

[Fletch456]

Hi,

I need to choose a monitor to go with my laptop but am a bit confused. It is simply to have a bigger screen attached to my laptop which is nice to carry around but the screen is a pain when trying to be precise when lining things up in Powerpoint and large spreadsheets.

Having used a friends large laptop (17") one of the smaller monitors at 18-19" will be enough. But what ports do I need - HDMI / VGA? But whilst HDMI sounds over the top for what I need VGA sounds low res. I think of SVGA etc - or is that dictated by the software and not the monitor which would have the same connection regardless of VGA / SVGA? There is no plan to use it for more than computing - eg powerpoint, excel - and just need the size and angleable (if such a word) screen.

That's all I need help on but from the monitors in the links below any you may suggest. Or good ones you enjoy owning?

http://www.ebuyer.com/search?page=1&store=5&cat=12&filtersubcat=354 http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/search/ref=sr_nr_n_7?rh=n%3A340831031%2Cn%3A%21340832031%2Cn%3A428652031&bbn=340832031&ie=UTF8&qid=1294234705&rnid=340832031#/ref=sr_nr_p_n_feature_browse-b_0?rh=n%3A340831031%2Cn%3A%21340832031%2Cn%3A428652031%2Cp_n_feature_browse-bin%3A319910031&bbn=428652031&ie=UTF8&qid=1294234708&rnid=319909031
Thanks

 

[GrasB]

The first thing you need to know is what ports do you have on your laptop. From there you chose a monitor.

 

[Fletch456]

Ports = HDMI and what I think is the old classic video out - D shaped with 3 rows of pin holes. Everything else are inputs I think.

 

[GrasB]

Then you'd be better off with a HDMI or DVI monitor, those two are digital & that means that for the same resolution they deliver a better quality image.

 

[beanzontoast]

Also check what resolutions your laptop's graphics chip supports.

[Mods - would this post be better viewed in Electric Cafe?]

 

[slowmotion]

I've been using an Acer V193 Bdm ( manufacturers product code ET.CV3RE.B18 ) for the last year, and I think it's really good. It is a 19" model and I chose it because I didn't want a widescreen display. It comes with both VGA and DVI-D inputs. If you decide to get one, be sure that it has the product code above if you want a DVI-D input as well as VGA. Here is a link..

http://www.okobe.co.uk/ws/product/Acer+V193Bbdm+1280+x+1024+19+LCD+Monitor/1000014047?ref=pp_pr_2

 

[ColinJ]

I use a 19" widescreen TFT monitor at 1440 x 900 pixels resolution through an old VGA type connector and it is perfectly clear. No problems with it.

 

[2Loose]

Then you'd be better off with a HDMI or DVI monitor, those two are digital & that means that for the same resolution they deliver a better quality image.

OP states that there are HDMI and VGA (Analogue) connectors, there is no DVI connector, therefore any monitor with a HDMI or VGA Analogue connector would do...but yeah, go for the digital HDMI connector if you can, 'tis the future you know

ps. links don't work.

pps. The first link, Samsung for £111.18, top class picture & service, those Samsung's.

 

[2Loose]

I use a 19" widescreen TFT monitor at 1440 x 900 pixels resolution through an old VGA type connector and it is perfectly clear. No problems with it.

22" @ 1680x1050 via VGA connector too, I doubt anyone could tell DVI or VGA in use tbh. The only reason I would go for HDMI is that every (new) thing has a connector. PS3, HD tellies etc. whereas VGA was (is) computer specific.