Requesting monitor advice

[MaggieMae]

I have been working on an old computer with an old monitor for years. We finally got a new computer and were going to get a new monitor. I tried a widescreen LCD and returned it because everything looked distorted. Of course, it was because I didn't have a clue how to adjust it!

Now I've been having trouble getting my old monitor to look right! I'm making a long story out of this but I know you all work with graphics and I would be so grateful for some advice on size, type, etc. I haven't been scrapbooking because I'm so overwhelmed with the new computer and trying to get my old monitor to look right again -

Any advice and suggestions would be very appreciated!! Thanks in advance for your thoughts and recommendations!!

[Granny]

MaggieMae... don't sell yourself short. If you can afford it, go back and get another LCD. If you get it at a shop like PC Computers, they have their own shop and can set up the monitor for you. Even Best Buys and USComp will do this.

If you are really into graphics and scrapbooking, it's worth the extra effort. You have to mess with the old monitor, might as well mess with a new one. Just a thought!

Granny

[MaggieMae]

Thank you, Granny, for replying so quickly. Messing with Hardware is my Waterloo. Do you like widescreen LCDs or the standard ones?

Thanks again.

[Granny]

You're not going to believe this... I don't have an LCD yet. Every time I get the money to buy one, someone is born, dies, get's married, leaves the country, or whatever, and I have to use the money for something else. Confounded people!

The wide ones look like fun. They seem to offer more room for working, but I think it would confuse me, I like things symmetrical. But I think someone else here that has one would be in a better possition to tell you.

I'm shooting for Sept. 13th to get one. Well see... If anyone else dies... I'll kill them!

Granny

[MaggieMae]

Thanks, Granny! I just wish my old CRT would get back to normal! I think we're going to buy a new one and hope it will just plug and play without adjustments!

Hope you can get your new monitor without anything happening!

[srussell]

Thanks, Granny! I just wish my old CRT would get back to normal! I think we're going to buy a new one and hope it will just plug and play without adjustments!

Hope you can get your new monitor without anything happening!

Just a note, some of the newer monitors may require a software "driver" is order to adjust it correctly with Windows. It'll either come with a CD or you can download the driver from the company's website along the installation instructions.

[MaggieMae]

Thanks for the info, Steve. I've been struggling ever since we upgraded the computer! It certainly takes all the fun out of playing on the computer. Do you like a LCD? If so, widescreen?

Thanks to anyone who has some input re: monitors!

[Lee]

For photographers, LCDs aren't quite there yet. I have 4 LCDs for various non-color critical uses but still rely on 19"-21" NEC CRTs when color fidelity is critical.

Currently, LCDs that work well with color management systems are still close to US$1000. And, for the best color, you need a good graphics board. LCDs are also sensitive to viewing angle. As your head moves, the color changes. My cheap (~US$500) CRT monitors deliver superb color at any angle and work well with average graphics boards.

LCDs are superior where space, power and heat are considerations. All four of my LCDs probably take up less space than one 21" CRT and they certainly use less power which generates less heat.

I haven't looked at wide screen LCDs but I connect 2 monitors to my main production system so I can keep my tools one one screen and edit the image on the other. It would be more complex if everything were on one screen. The only reason I can see for wide screens is if you also watch TV on it.

As for why your old monitor isn't working well with your new PC, it may be too old to be properly supported on your new PC. Were you running Windows XP on your old PC? If not, what were you running and how old was your old PC? If your old monitor only supports an old standard like VGA or SVGA, your new PC may not support it or, as Steve said, you might need different drivers.

[MaggieMae]

Thank you for weighing in, Lee. I think maybe you hit the nail on the head. I've been using XP for 3-4 years, but the monitor itself is 5-6 years old. You helped a lot because it sounds like a good LCD monitor will do nicely for me. Nothing I do is very critical LOL! Since I know so little about hardware, etc., I think I panic when anything is changed.

Thanks again. It's a pleasure to have you in the forum. Your comments and instructions are very helpful!

[Lee]

you're gonna make me blush! I lak it when purty gurls say nice thangs! (That's my Texas accent )

Buy at least a 17" LCD. 19" is better and 21" will make you feel like a hog in a mudhole... (learned that from my grandmother )

Lee