Monitor recommendations?

[Tracer]

I'm a graphic designer who has been putting up with a 17" NEC MultiSync for waaaaaay too long (it's really only 14.5" diagonally).

I'm looking for a 20" flat panel, but I just can't make up my mind. I go to the local Best Buy and stand in confusion in front of the displays -- then leave the store.

Maybe I'm just too used to the ol' NEC, but these monitors seem exceptionally bright -- almost neon -- and I wonder about getting the color right on my jobs.

Price isn't too much of a problem -- I guess I'd go to about $400.

Thanks in advance!

[LeftCoast]

1. Check eBay and Craigslist.org for the Dell 21" cinema display

I got one about six months ago. Paid ~$400 bucks for a brand new monitor. I really really love it. Sure, it'd be nice if it was an Apple Cinema Display, but I would've had to pay three times as much for this size.

Anyway, hope this helps. :hi:

[yellowdawgdem]

2. Not a flat screen fan

Honestly, the flat screens overall are not that great for grafix work. They don't have the best resolution, I think if you're set on that course, you'd have to be careful in purchasing something designed by apple, or for designers. You could pick up a regular 21" or even bigger monitor, and it would be less expensive, and better.

[onehandle]

3. If color is a huge priority, CRTs are still recommended for imaging.

Just Google these words, read through the results and you'll see: color photoshop crt flat screen

I depend on the numerical readings in photoshop myself and do all my work on my 17" PowerBook.

I read good things about the newest NEC flat screens. And yes, the Apple Cinema Displays are Way overpriced.

[Guy Fawkes]

4. "when you know, you newegg."

Good advice, even if it is an advertising campaign. Newegg is a great place to find cheap hardware- monitors included.

http://www.newegg.com/Home/StoreRedirect.asp?ID=113">Newegg's monitor section