Choosing a monitor. Help!

[whr2206]

Hello all,

I've decided to buy a new monitor. I've owned this Compaq MV 940 for 10 years I think... and it still works perfectly... getting rid of it is hard... but its a monster and it takes up way too much desk space. There are two options I'd like to explore. I can buy a monitor off of Newegg (just because I like them) and Bestbuy (because I have "points" from motorola.. and I wouldn't have to spend real money. Bestbuy tends to overprice, but they dont seem to overprice monitors by that much.. and shipping wouldnt be a factor)

I'd like not to spend over $400... I'll be using this monitor for a considerable amount of gaming, college work etc.

Id like the monitor to be around 22" with a 2ms response time for gaming...

Ive seen a few 22" LCD samsung monitors with 2ms response... but Im stuck on contrast ratio. I realize that contrast ratio is mainly marketing hype, but how much will it matter for gaming? I see a wide range of ratios... 5000:1 1000:1 (but with 20000:1 dynamic contrast.. what is this?) etc etc Is the 1000:1 better than the 5000:1 just because of the dynamic constrast? Im confused.

1. Is contrast ratio important? If so, what ratio would you recomend?
2. Any suggestions for monitors from Best Buy / Newegg? I like some of these samsungs.. but i dont understand why their contrast ratio is so low.

Thanks a lot!

[Alaron]

Contrast ratio is not as important as it once was, because nearly all LCDs can produce a very high ratio.

This is the best article I could find that explains the difference between 'Contrast Ratio' and 'Dynamic Contrast Ratio'. http://www.itnews.com.au/News/85948,opinion-dynamic-contrast-ratio-is-the-new-evil-in-displays.aspx The key is not to be fooled into thinking a huge Dynamic number makes a screen better then one with a comparatively lower Contrast ratio.

If at all possible, go to a store and compare the screens you want to buy.

Samsung monitors are very good quality, you won't be dissappointed in them.

[whr2206]

Ok, so dynamic contrast shouldn't really be the decision maker here.

Three of my friends have Samsung lcd's and love them... so thats why theyre on the top of my list atm.

I see a Samsung I like... 1000:1 contrast ratio though... Meanwhile a comparable LG has 10000:1
I've never owned an LCD of any type, so I don't know if this means much at all... I've also heard that contrast ratio can be somewhat of a subjective measurement.. hmm

[amdalex]

This is a good one if you don't want to spend too much-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009145. I'm getting one for Christmas so I'll let you guys know how good it is. If I had a higher budget I would definitely go for this one-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001268.

[12twelve12]

Highly recommend: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824005109