While I've googled my little fingers numb learning about what to look for in a monitor, I still have issues with the purchase as well. I've done searches over at the Audio/Video forum but it seems geared more toward LCD TVs than monitors.

My suggestion is to read some of the posts in both places (do a search) and then Google/Wikipedia what you don't understand. Go to NewEgg.com and some other online stores and search monitors there and read the specs. Pretty soon you'll discover that most monitors are pretty much the same.

So, while I've learned much of the lingo, where I am running into trouble is deciding if I should buy online (multi choices) or BestBuy (limited choices) and what the repair rate is. The problem I'm discovering is that perhaps not that many people own 24" screens as most people respond with their 17" 20" 22" prerferences. Also some products are so new that reviews just aren't available.

As for the TV tuner, running into trouble there simply because every single option out there is both loved and hated by the majority! This one doesn't work for him but it's the bee's knees with her. Fuzzy picture there but great reception here. Again head to newegg or tigerdirect and read some reviews. Personally I'm not as concerned with the TV tuner simply because it costs $100-150 versus $500-$600 for the monitor. Now that's something to lose sleep over!

Thanks everyone. It seems like much of the problem with choosing is that most are pretty much the same. As one poster said, some were a bit more expensive and some had no reviews at all. I was looking at the new Asus 24" but it's so new I can't find a review anywhere. My biggest issue is wanting to know the repair stuff - how often does it need it and how easy/quickly is it to get the job done (especially since it will be both a monitor and TV). Who bought at a store nearby and who bought online? If online, what's been your experience with returns, etc? Did you get addn'l warranties?

I've noticed tha Acers are pretty inexpensive - my first PC was an Acer (17-18 yrs ago!) and was pretty good. Viewsonics are everywhere and in the mid range. The 22" HDTV/Monitor combo was my first choice before several people posting on Gamespot talked me into looking at a 24". BestBuy has a ton of LGs on sale this week but their instore setup must have been faulty because every single monitor in every brand had this wide shadow along the larger objects. (Please tell me this isn't normal!) I know LG has a 24" S-IPS thats another 100-200 more, which BB doesn't carry.

I've read about the TN panels but the biggest difficulty in not buying one is they are seldom identified as such. Oh well, the viewing angle is a clue. I'm not that worried about the viewing angle - small room and pretty much just me. They are a bit pricier and, add that to the jump in price on the 24s and it starts becoming prohibitive...not just because of the budget but hating to spend that much money on something I'm not even sure about! The majority of the monitors I've been looking at range from $450-$550.

Didn't know about the S-PVA/MVA so will add that to the list. I assume HDMI is better than DVI but can resolved with the appropriate cable.

Maybe I should look into dual screens (17") in case my 24 goes for broke. Crap, another decision! :?

I've posted a list of 24" monitors I've been looking at for comment but with little/no response. I've also checked out other threads asking for monitor help and there just doesn't seem to be that flurry of activity that other posts generate. Don't get me wrong - I love you guys and am completely grateful that so many people have been willing and able to assist. I'm just thinking monitors are a bit trickier to choose for most - the irony of it all - difficult to choose so assistance is limited but assistance is necessary because it is difficullt to choose!

That said, I'm wondering if the members here would be willing to post what monitors they have - they like or they don't - or if there are particular brands to choose from or avoid. For myself, I'm looking at a couple of monitors that are new to the market and reviews just aren't there but input on the manufacturers would be extremely helpful.

This week, Best Buy(USA) has the following monitors on sale...any thoughts?

LG W2600H-PF $549.99

LG W2452T-TF $449.99

Hannspree HF 289HJB $529.99

Are any of these worth considering? Any comparison with monitors listed in the original post?

Thx!

It looks okay - the Gamer one a little better ... however, it didn't get very good reviews at Toms Hardware. I'll flag it and keep looking for now.

Thx!

I've just about finalized my new build... when I discovered that Vista doesn't require turning of the PC so there goes my idea of getting the 22" ViewSonic DiamaniDuo! [I'll be using my monitor as a TV as well and was afraid it would be harmful to leave the computer on longer than I might otherwise.]

It was suggested that I look at the 24" monitors, which are generally quite a bit higher ($330 for the VS). I've picked out several that range from around 350 - 550 ... I know, WOW! Obviously it isn't too difficult to decipher which are better than others and I do have my favorite(s) but I was hoping to get an opinion on the importance of these difference in reality. Just to throw out a few...

ViewSonic OptiQuest for $370 - generally not as attractive as others and has a contrast ratio of 800:1 but still pretty similar in other areas

Samsung 245BW runs around $420 with a contrast ratio of 1000:1

HP W2408h at $470

ASUS MK241H for $540 - lots of bells and whistles, like an integrated webcam... (all these "enhancements" it claims) and 2ms

Maybe they have a better PR team but they sure did make the ASUS look good...but it is quite a bit more expensive. It is also too new to have any reviews. It also seems that people have complained about ASUS customer service on MoBos?

Additionally, would it be wiser to buy a monitor from BestBuy or Circuit City rather than getting one online - for fear of problems initially?

And another thing:D Vista Home Prem 64 OS of choice - has a TV program but requires a tuner. Any thoughts on what I should get? I'm with TimeWarner and have a cable box, which I can upgrade to a DVR for an addn'l $5/mo OR I can get a tuner that does the Live stuff. I can also get the PVR 500 which allows watching one and recording another or go with the HVR 1800 and install 2. ($130 + cost of MCE remote vs either $95 or $175)

I'm terrible at making decisions and I've driven myself (as well as you guys) nuts over the past few weeks ironing out all the details so its adding a new level of crazy having to make more choices...again! While money is, of course, an object, if the market makes any gains, that'll offset the added costs. :P And, to through in another wrinkle, should I just go back to shopping for 22s?

Also, what are your thoughts on extended warranties?

Anyway, looking at a Q6600 (or 6700/9450 if prices drop), Gigabyte P35 DS3L, Evga 8800GTS 512, 4G Crucial Ballistix, PC PSU 620W [I think], Seagate Barracuda 500GB ....

I'm doing a first time build also and here's what I've learned (Google and this great forum).

Case- I'm getting the P182 (SE just because it's pretty!). The 182 is $10 more but I've read that it does address some of the weaknesses in the 180 - you might want to google it... BTW, I'm looking at purchasing it from Directron.com (I've read good reviews - it someone knows otherwise, please post!) for $20 cheaper than NewEgg.

Memory - somewhere I ran into a list someone had compiled for the companies that were good for each part. Corsair and Crucial were mentioned for this ... I was told to get Crucial. Don't know about this one but that bright pink is appealing. :P

Processor -what they said... BTW, Clubit.com (again, good review but...) has a Q6600 SLACR G0 for $246. I've heard these are better for OCing? And, rumour has it that prices may go down around April 20th on the Q6600/6700...

PSU - suggested Silverstone, PC Power & Cooling, Seasonic and Corsair. One thing to note for this case - some PSUs don't fit because it goes in the bottom rather than the top. Make sure your choice has a long enough "cord" to make it up to the MoBo. I know the PC P&C 750W does - I'm trying to figure out what 620/650W to get myself. Worse comes to worse I contact Antec.

HD - for another $25 you can pick up 500GB - something to consider if you're going to be working with media.

OS - Vista Home Premium 64 bit

Monitor - just a thought but the one I'm getting is a 22" Viewsonic DiamaniDuo that is both an LCD TV and PC Monitor. My computer is in my room and I'm figuring this will eliminate the need for both a ginormous Monitor and TV. This week it's on sale for $330 at Office Depot (US). However, if it's a 24" you want.... that's a whole other ball of yarn. And, you might want to think about adding a TV tune, if your room is too small.

What keyboard are you looking at? I'm interested in something wireless but I'm also thinking of one that has a trackball/touch screen integrated that isn't miniature.

You know what's really funny? Everyone is really encouraging your choices but they all said I was way overdoing it with the SLI setup - 'cuz I'm a girl?!?! Oh well - good luck and let us know how it turns out as it seems as though you and I are building similar units.