(1920 or 1600) x 1200 - Samsung 204B or Dell 2405FPW. Please help!

[theRabbit]

Multi Table Poker Experts-

I've searched the forums but am still can not get a handle on this. Excuse me if I missed the information. Is there a more knowledgeable group to pose this question to? (I know about computers but never worked with a flat panel.)

I want to upgrade my NEC 19" CRT, a 75 lb. boat anchor getting too blurry for my aging eyes. Readability is primary, both for multi table poker and documents. I only occasionally play PC games anymore, so that should not drive the decision. Color accuracy is secondary. I have a relatively high end computer system, so that is not an issue.

Of course the two monitors are not directly comparable, the Dell is 1920x1200 ($760,limited time at Dell) and the Samsung is 1600x1200 ($365/w rebate at Circuit City this week) so I need help choosing the right form factor and then secondarily the specific monitor. If I get the 204B I could eventually get a second monitor (or more) if I need to. Both will be a big improvement over what I am using now. Is the widescreen exquisite or an expensive toy at this time?

So, 1920x1200 - $760 or 1600x1200 - $365

I would appreciate any user experiences with the different sizes. Uses: poker of course (I like to play mostly at B&M's but my health is failing so I expect to be on line a lot). Other things: tinkering with programming and math, writing, etc.

After deciding on a format, would these monitors be good choices their class.

Money is certainly a big consideration but so too my eyes, heath and enjoyment.

Thnak you in advance.

[Keepitsimple]

For poker I think the 2405 is not worth it. But if you watch movies etc its cool.

[CanIPlay]

In another thread a few months ago it was said that the 204t samsung is better than the 204b. I got the 204t and LOVE IT!!

[Brandon Thomas]

I have the Dell 24" 1920x1600. It is absolutly amazing, though it is alittle pricey. Compared to a smaller 1600x1200 monitor, the tables will be alittle larger and if you play party you can 12-table

[davebreal]

Brandon - I'm thinking about picking up that Dell too actually.

I play O8, on PokerStars for now, but will also play on Party eventually. As far as I know, O8 tables are not re-sizeable yet. How many standard sized tables will fit on this monitor?

Thanks!

[theRabbit]

I saw that thread but, to be honest, I did not really understand why. When it comes to monitors, I am way behind the curve. When I bought my last monitor anything above 17" was way expensive and lcd's were not so reliable.

In spite of all my web searching on the subject, I am still not really clear on the difference between monitors of the same size but at different price points. If you are doing color work then I can see how color accuracy is important. A pixel is a Pixel, right. So why not buy the cheapest one?

I know that's not right but there is no objective readability index or rating so are differences mostly subjective, right?

I would like to avoid buying the wrong first monitor.

[flash8pro]

In case you decide to go with the Dell, you might want to check out this thread and save a few bucks. This will get the price down to $710.

[ QUOTE ]
A pixel is a Pixel, right. So why not buy the cheapest one?

[/ QUOTE ]
The differences between similar flat panel monitors can be more significant than you think. You are correct that in general a monitor is a monitor, but you must realize that there can be significant differences in quality (between brand name and off-brand) and the overall look of the monitor. I have two Dell 9300 laptops, one with an LG screen and one with a Samsung screen. Even though they are the same laptop, the LG screen had a blue tint to it when I first received it. Eventually I was able to tweak my video settings to correct it, and when I did that, its color reproduction was suddenly superior to the Samsung. Evaluating monitors is very subjective and a characteristic that one person will ignore will drive another crazy.

In general, you can't go wrong with an LG or Samsung screen (Dell monitors are rebranded Samsung and LG screens - depending on the particular model).

[Brandon Thomas]

[ QUOTE ]
How many standard sized tables will fit on this monitor?

[/ QUOTE ]

4. The same as a 1600x1200 monitor. A standard 4:3 monitor just might be fine for you. The only reason I bought the widescreen was to stay up with technology. [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[Brandon Thomas]

Also, buy the monitor direct from Dell if you do and if they offer a warranty I would get it. About 8 months after I bought my monitor, it went defective. I bought mine off ebay with no warranty. Luckly, since my laptop has a 3 year full warranty, Dell replaced my monitor because the flatscreen was hooked up to my laptop so it also was warrantied. Just something to look out for.

[davebreal]

Brandon - I'm currently cramming 4 tables onto a 19" with heavy overlap... I'm thinking I could get 6 regular sized tables (hopefully) on the 24", with only minimal overlap.

Am I wrong?
Thanks.