I want to get an additional monitor to use with my laptop at home. I want something on the cheaper side, 17", and something that I can pick up on my home from work tonight-so no mail-order. What should I get?

I found this monitor at circuit city-it's cheap, but is it any good? I have no idea what any of the contrast or aspect ratios mean in a real world sense.

 

check newegg.com I picked up a 17 Samsung for a touch over $200 a month or so ago. I would be very suspect of questionable monitor brands. :1cent:

 

You have a costco membership ATX? I'd buy a cheap generic one there if possible.

 

Things you probably want: response time under 16ms (this is generous but if its only for work it doesn't need to be great), contrast ratio of over 400:1. Aspect ratio is the shape of the screen. Most computer screens are 4:3 (normal) 16:10 (wide), Movies are usually 16:9. If you are just getting a 17'' get a 4:3 and I would pboably buy online even though you said you wanted to go pick one up.

 

<-- cant read

 

This goes against a few things you were asking about/looking for, but seems like a pretty good deal.

Dell 19in LCD $203.15 shipped free, Jul 6
Dell Home Electronics and Accessories has a LCD monitor sale. Exp 7/12 - No tax in some states.

Dell e196FP 19in LCD monitor 500:1 contrast, 8ms on sale for $203.15 shipped free

2% off when checking out using Dell Preferred Account. Select Credit card as payment to see this offer.

http://www.techbargains.com/news_displayitem.cfm/66091

 

You can get an excellent LCD on newegg

17" ASUS for 175 bucks with FREE shipping

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824236002



19" Acer for $240 including shipping

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009087

 

No, but I have friends who do, I will go check them out tonight.

Thanks to all the rest, but I am in need of this for tonight so that I can get some work done, so if it's not available to purchase and bring home tonight, it is of no use to me.

 

buy.com seems to have some reasonable prices for lcd screens.

 

the guy needs it tonight and everyone is telling him internet links

 

but thats only because I internet retailers and I stores (except for costco)

 

Dude, you have a frys in Austin.
http://shop2.outpost.com/template/on...ct_navigation/

 

you know what fuck it, I am going to costco today. Never been there.

 

reading has owned me a lot these past few days

 

i dont know how good this Hanns G brand is, but if its any good this seems like it could be a pretty good deal...
19" widescreen, free 3 day shipping, stickered at 199.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824254001

 

Forgot about them-I usually don;t use them though as they do not take Amex

 

Still working on getting that Black Card are we?

 

You probably wont be blown away, but almost everything is at least a good price (if not a great price), and everything they stock is quality. Their customer service is also top notch.

 

They usually have a really good selection on monitors. I saw a 19" viewsonic onsale there a few weeks ago that was like 229.

 

Yes and no-mostly working on my free trip to Bora Bora

 

Ah, where they out sourced their customer service to? I dropped them when "Gary" from India was an ass.