Right now I'm sitting on my tax refund check with an itchy spending finger. I've been lusting after an IPS panel to replace my 226bw for a while now, and the U2311H fits my budget perfectly, especially since it's on sale. My problem is I constantly second-guess myself, so I guess my appeal is to the crowd. Specs are in my sig. Can anyone else come up with any ideas for me? I was thinking a 560ti but if I get that I won't be able to make full use of it cause I'm stuck at 1680x1050. Then there's the voice in my head that says "you stare at your monitor for 6 hours a day!" which makes me think I can get a nice monitor. But then the other voice in my head (I'm quite insane, mind you) tells me "You HAVE a pretty decent monitor, fool!" Then there's the rusty old Cooler Master Centurion 5 sitting there, being old. Then there's Sandy Bridge.... all I'd need is a new mobo and the CPU... 2500k @4ghz sounds tasty... So um, clearly I'm off my rocker. If anyone feels like throwing ideas at me, feel free. I'm thinking about $300 for my budget.
Get the LCD. I have over 2 years old HP LP2475w and still don't regret it (except the buzz it make sometimes). Then get a decent case and the rest after that. You don't need to hurry with the Sandy Bridge, Ivy Bridge will use same socket .
Get a new case, personally I'm a fan of this one: http://specialtech.co.uk/spshop/customer/product.php?productid=12044 (not sure of the best place to buy it in the US though). Your current CPU is fine, no real need to go for Sandy Bridge.
Newegg recently started selling those nice Silverstone cases... But that's booooring. A monitor would be really neat. Uxon is right, I don't think upgrading my platform is the best option right now. Ok, here's the plan (likely to change 3 seconds after I post) 1. Buy the Dell U2311H 2. Ebay my 226bw for $100 3. Buy a 560ti 4. Ebay my 460 for $100 5. ???? 6. Profit! (not really) 7. Break out of Vorkuta 8. Dragovich, Kravchenko, Steiner, all must die!
I would argue with the choice of Coolermaster, there are better cases for that price (*cough*Fractal Design Define R3*cough*), but they are just starting to be sold in US. And really, getting a good IPS display is a very good idea.
Well I bought the U2311H. Looking forward to seeing how it does. The review on TFTcentral is pretty positive.
[Edit] CRAP I was too slow! Sorry... [/edit] You current CPU should be enough (considering you don't overclock it) for the next 5 years. Overclocking it will push it further, or allow you to have a cushion in the case more CPU intensive programs appears than expected. So far, we are far far far away in using games or software (unless you special needs, but in such case you would have not gotten the Core i5, but the top of the line CPU) that actually pushes your CPU to it's limits. Every computer I have last me 5 years without OC, except the last one (AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ 2.2GHz, Socket 939), where I had to OC it to play Street Fighter 4 and Batman AA, but other than these games.. no problems. The only thing I upgraded was Windows (XP to Vista to Win7), and my GPU once, which I still use today, and still able to play to latest and greatest games at max max max settings (except Crysis) @ 60fps+ without problem @ 1920x1200. Going with Sandy Bridge will provide you with no visual difference in performance, everything you do daily will be the same speed (unless you use CPU intensive programs to convert, or encode video's and such, or perform resource intensive simulations, or work with huge resource intensive projects). Getting an entry level IPS panel such as the Dell U2311H will be the best addition to your computer. Especially if you are the type of person who enjoys colors, for the sake of enjoying them. In addition, the wide view angle, will make it easier to watch movies or play games from distance (what I mean is that a content adjustment of the screen to get the best picture won't be needed). AT the end of 2008 I got the Dell U2410, I am sooo happy with it (my first IPS panel), that a month ago, I got another one for my computer at my father place. Every-time I look at it, even Windows 7 background, I stop for a second or two, amazed by the color, especially after spending a day at school with my laptop (despite being a laptop with a what reviewers call a "good display"), or after my day of work, where I use a TN panel there. When you order your monitor from Dell, be sure that you call Dell Small Business, and if asked if it's for personal or business purposes.. say business (else they will transfer you to Dell Home). If they as you for your business, just say family business. And if they really need a name, invent one (you don't need to be registered). Example: Neogumbercules Premium Services - Where our services are slightly less disappointing than our competitor. Now why go to all the trouble... well it's simple really... you can negotiate a price over the phone despite being on special already. Save the money for something else PLUS, you get (I believe I never tried it with an non-computer from Dell, but should), that you will get Dell Business warranty, which is better than Dell Home. First, they are more relax, and second they are local (same country) during office hours. Well for Canada it is the case. I have a Dell business laptop, and the warranty I have with them is very good, and I can even say explanatory compared to other computer manufactures that sale pre-build computers (HP, Acer, Sony, Apple, etc..). Now I might be wrong for the warranty on the monitor as I never had any problem with mine, but at least you can have an extra 50$ or so off the price in addition to the special.
Thanks for the detailed response GB. I already ordered my monitor before you posted this. Maybe I can cancel it out and negotiate as you say. Is it really as easy as that? I'm not too good at talking turkey with salespeople. What should I say to them?
If your order is not shipped, you may be able to cancel it. You have several approaches you can do in negotiating. But first you need to to know something: New guys on the job are not who you want to talk to. Obviously, it's difficult to know over the phone, especially that they have their text in front of them. So this is a hit & miss. A new person on the job wants to show he is good and everything to their superior, and also they usually don't know comfortably the system and what they can do or not. In such cases, they will won't budget the price. The experienced (at Dell) sales rep knows the system, knows what he can do, and wants to make big sales. He doesn't care about the 1-2 monitors.. he wants the 80 computer order. From what I can deduct, is that they are not on commissions, but Dell wants sales numbers, so that Dell can say "We are number 1, people prefer us over HP, Acer, etc...". Right know Dell is not number one, so they care about you. Not that senior sales person, needs to serve you well... he can't deny you. So one of the negotiation tactic is time. Take you time. Spend 2 hours on the phone if you have too (ok, maybe not 2 HOURS, but you get what I mean). He is not going to say "No I can't do anything about the price" after 2 hours talk on your questions, where you end saying "no, i can't afford it", and he lost many other sales opportunities. So, if you take that approach, ask questions after questions.. even if you know the answers, just ask. For example, what is warranty?, how long is it? can it be extended? what it covers?, what is this "bright-pixel" thingy? do you have accidental damage protection? (they don't), what is IPS panel? What are their benefits? What cables it comes with? How much the Display Port cable? (I think it doesn't come with it). and so on... When your done spending a lot of time with him, then ask the price and what is it after taxes? and be hesitant on the phone... you can say "Can you do me a price? I am undecided between this monitor and another monitor with similar specification, also IPS panel, but from HP? He says a price, if not... well... play a long a bit... ask for his supervisor if he can't do anything. Now: > If he give you a price, try and push more. If he says "If you buy 2, I can make them xxx for each." Then ask what if you order 4, he will probably answer you the same thing. Then you got him.. as he just said the lowest price he can go. So now say how much is it for 20, 30... it will all be the same lowest price... so then you can say what I said.. what the difference if I buy 2 or 30 or 1... After this long of conversation, he will probably say "You want it as xxx.xx I can give it to you!". > If he says "that is the lowest he can go, after that I have to let you go" or something similar. Say that if he give you a free Display Port cable, you'll take it immediately. Usually he will say yes, as cables are pennies. Even if you don't need the Display port cable.. it's a free Display port cable Beside, more and more laptops and desktops have Display Ports.. so at least you'll have the cable to use it > If he doesn't budge... then you got a new guy... Say no, end everything. Call back in 5 min, and repeat. Another approach, and the easier, but higher chance of failure.. but you can try several time also, is just asking a few entry questions about the warranty, and what are the procedures if there is a defect and all that (easy: they send you a new one (or refurbished, depending on the product and how old the product is), they send you a pre-paid shipping label by e-mail. Then when you receive the replacement monitor, put the old one in the same box, print and put the label on, and call the delivery company (UPS where I am), to come and pick it up, or you bring it to the delivery company store. Anyway, and then just ask for the total, hesitate a bit, and ask for a price, and say how undecided you are, ask for something even better onto what you are offered.. ask them on their supervisor... and see if something more can be done.. and then like the previous method, as for the Display port cable and you'll take it. This tactic is the easiest, but you won't get the best possible deal.. but we are taking about 10 or at most 20$ difference.. depending on how big the special is. Both tactic worked with me perfectly. Negotiation is an art and skill that you develop. The more you do it, the more you know what to say and not say. ALSO, VERY IMPORTANT. BE DIFFERENT, from everyone else. The Sales rep (even the techs) they have scripts... they repeat the same mundane speech every freaking time... they hate it... for them to get out of track. For example: "Hello, my name Neogumbercules, How are you on this nice day?" Uusally they will hezitate to answer and ignore you for the first time, which you need to repeat yourself, why? Because they don't expect it. Add after "I am sorry, may I ask your name again, I did not catch it? (even if you did), if it's a female: "ah lovely. Thank you!" and so on... If they say they need you to put on hold for a minute: say "Ah please, take you time!" This is the ultimate sentence... as you see, its very psychological.Because you say that, they feel more comfortable in taking their time to get what you want.. but at the same time, feel a small urge to come back to you ASAP, and you won't feel forgotten. Even if he comes back after 20min.. say "No problem!, Thank you!" in a cheery voice I know it's stupid... but say it. Be Mr. Happy! on the phone. Usually the long wait indicate that the sales rep (or tech) honestly tried to do the best for you. So that is why you should not be mad, and reward him or her. Be Mr.Happy & Polite, you'll get great service. ESPECIALLY if it's a tech. Uusally they get screamed at, especially on an issue not resolved. Here is my experience in using this tactic. My laptop wireless card was defective... fair enough can happen. I called, they send me a tech (as I have the next-business day on-site service for my laptop), to replace my card. Well guess what. Despite the tech being very professional, the unexpected happen.. he drop his screw driver on my laptop lid.. it did a scratch. PLUS I got a BSOD at boot. Well, everyone would be crazy over that... but no.. I acted my my Mr. Happy & Polite... the most nicest person that exists... Dell build me a brand new laptop with a came with new battery. (my laptop was 1 month old, though).
Wow thanks for the good response. Sounds like you're used to this kind of thing. My order has already been charged so I'm just gonna roll with it, but the next time I do business with Dell I'll definitely take your advice. At least there's a chance someone else will be able to see your post there and put it to use.
Ok here's one for the crowd. When my monitor gets here I'm gonna set it up side-by-side with my 226bw in a clone configuration. See, I'm doing this because my girlfriend wants to be convinced that this fancy-pants IPS technology is worth the money I spent on it. I'm interested in making the comparison myself. Is there any software I would need to make cloning work, or is it something I can just set up in Windows display properties? It'll be the most impressed she's been (with my pants on ) in a long time! Does anyone have any good sample images/videos I can use as examples?
Windows display properties is enough. The only issue will be that it will run both displays at same resolution, which means the new monitor will not run at native resolution.
Correct. So the better setup is to set the second monitor as extended. And open 2 instance of the program/picture editor/web browser (wtv you want to sue to compare), and put them side by side. You can use this website to test out the monitor, and compare between both: http://www.lagom.nl/lcd-test/ Windows 7 backgrounds (and the additional themes available on MS website) can be great picture to compare. Be sure that both monitors are attached via a digital port (Not HDMi, it doesn't ensure that the colors are accurate from your GPU to your monitor.) To extend the monitor, all you need is found in the Windows display properties panel (the place where you set up your screen resolution)
OK. I'm sold. I had my two monitors set up side by side, with the 226bw and U2311h calibrated as best as I could manage to get them (I used the settings and ICC profile from TFTcentral for the Dell), and WOW. I had no idea how bad the 226 looked. Under direct comparison, the 226bw is shallow, and white=pink. Seriously. Pink. All of the colors were drastically wrong. The color depth, contrast, and the grays. Oh the grays! I thought everything I was looking at was normal but there's no comparison. It's just amazing how much better IPS really is. Other than that, text is so much easier to ready and everything just looks... great. As GoodBytes suggested I was just flipping through the Win7 backgrounds. The one with the cartoon flying turtle and all the colorful characters on it was the real eye opener. As far as the GF in concerned, she had a bit of an "eh whatever" attitude, until I sat her down in from of the monitors and her jaw hit the floor. She was as blown away by it as I was. "We've been looking at this thing all along and thought it was normal! But it isn't even close!" I'm sure this is old hat to a lot of you, but there ya go. Another converted IPS user. I had set up my TV with my computer a long time ago and noticed it looked better, but the side-by-side really put it into perspective. As for response time/ghosting/etc.... I can tell the difference if I do something like focus on the mouse cursor in Borderlands and move it around. The U2311h has slightly more ghosting/blur on it. Once I sat down and played some more of that and a good stint of BFBC2 and Just Cause 2 I honestly couldn't tell you it made -any- noticeable difference at all. Once you're playing the game and really into it, you can't tell at all. I cannot fathom how any "every man" PC gamer could sit down in front of this thing and complain about ghosting. The U2311h is better than other IPS panels in this regard, but it's still "slow" by TN standards. The drastic, amazing, mind-blowing improvement in literally every other technical aspect removes any question in my mind of whether the slower response time is worth the trade off. I think I made the right choice.
