Samsung 931BF... Should I?

[hairy_tomato]

My current monitor is an 8 year old 14" compaq CRT... I'm tired of looking at it. It actually works decent but I think a newer monitor would really give my room a more modern look.

I've been shopping around and decided it's time to get an LCD because I'm studying computer science and spend alot of time staring at my screen so I want something that will be easier on my eyes. I don't think I want a widescreen monitor at this point because I'm nervous about the strech effect. I think 19" would make the most sense because more of the non-widescreen monitors I've come across have much crappier features than the 19". I'm not sure what I'm going to be using it for but since I'm in comp. sci. there is a chance I might need to do some serious graphics stuff... Of all the monitors I've looked at the Samsung 931BF seems to be the safest bet overall and its being sold at a computer store where my friend works so I can get it at cost (its retailing for only $269 anyway).
This is the monitors specs provided from the store's website:

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The Samsung 931BF 19" is a premium monitor with a super fast 2ms response time - ideal for games, movies and home video. Settings can be adjusted manually or automatically using MagicTune or MagicBright II. The monitor is VESA compliant for standard arm or wall mounting. More Info

WebID: 10073771
Mfr. Part Number: LS19MEBSBD/XAA
Monitor Type TFT LCD
Analog vs Digital Analog And Digital
Brightness 300cd/m2
Built in TV Tuner No
Contrast Ratio 2000:1
Maximum Resolution 1280 x 1024
Other No
Product Dimensions 42.77(W) x 42.79(H) x 21.93(D) cm
Product Weight 5.5 kg
Response Time 2ms
Screen Size 19"
Speakers Included No
Warranty 3 Years Parts & Labour

More Information


FEATURES:

* With a 19" viewable image size and a resolution of 1280 x 1024, you'll see beautiful, defined images with room to spare.
* An incredibly fast 2 millisecond response time for enjoying fast-moving DVDs and games.
* MagicColor feature creates more vivid colour, exceptional clarity and contrast.
* MagicTune automatically optimizes the monitor setting.
* Built-in Power Supply.
* Maximum Resolution: 1280 x 1024 at 75Hz
* MagicBright II (Text/Internet/Movie/Sports/Game/Custom)
* VESA Compliant (75 x 75 mm)

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Some people said in their product reviews that they wouldn't recommend it for serious user's that want to do photo-editing/graphics stuff but I don't understand why? It seems to have better specs than most of the newer popular monitors being sold today as far as I can tell...

My current graphics card is the Radeon 9800 PRO.

Its already selling for under 300$ and it'll be dirt cheap for me since I can get it at cost but that's not why I'm considering it, I'd be willing to spend at least $500 for a good monitor.


What do you guys think??

Thanks!
- Nick
_________________
- Nick

[Google]

[hairy_tomato]

Well... After succumbing to the peer pressure from the folks here at TN I got a new monitor. Well, to be more precise, I ended up getting one as a gift from someone who pitied my 14" CRT and feared for my life .

I received a 19" widescreen acer model AL1916W AV and a Samsung 931 BF (the subject of this post). I've been trying them out but I'm not sure which one I prefer yet... The Acer is nice but I'm weary about going widescreen... The Samsung came with DVI cable, acer doesn't even support DVI... They were both rougly the same price...

Here's a low quality picture (sorry I took this with my palm pilot) of the two side-by-side on my desk. The Samsung is the one that is on.

I'm really indecisive. What do you guys think? Which is the keeper?[/img]
_________________
- Nick

[hairy_tomato]

oops sorry.. forgot to include the link...
what happened to the edit function??


_________________
- Nick