19" CRT Buying Advice Requested

I am shopping for a 19" CRT to use for text and image editing. Possible candidates so far include the Iiyama 454 and the NEC Mitsuibshi DP930SB Diamondtron. Can you help me to choose a new monitor?

I have read so many posts from people that bought a new monitor which they found to be defective, that it makes me nervous! Especially since I am probably limiited to mail order. I read the most complaints about NEC Mitsuibshi poor reliability and policy of replacement with refurbished monitors. But, it is hard to find the Iiyama in stock in the USA.

It will be used with a multi- (triple) monitor card (Matrox P750). Currently I have a Dell Trinitron P991 19" and another Dell Trinitron (old!) that is 15". I calibrate with a ColorVision Spyder and PhotoCal.

What monitor should I buy?

Thanks,
Teffy

"Teffy" wrote in message

I am shopping for a 19" CRT to use for text and image editing. Possible candidates so far include the Iiyama 454 and the NEC Mitsuibshi DP930SB Diamondtron. Can you help me to choose a new monitor?

I have read so many posts from people that bought a new monitor which they found to be defective, that it makes me nervous! Especially since I am probably limiited to mail order. I read the most complaints about NEC Mitsuibshi poor reliability and policy of replacement with refurbished monitors. But, it is hard to find the Iiyama in stock in the USA.

It will be used with a multi- (triple) monitor card (Matrox P750). Currently I have a Dell Trinitron P991 19" and another Dell Trinitron (old!) that is 15". I calibrate with a ColorVision Spyder and PhotoCal.

What monitor should I buy?

Iiyama uses the same Mitsubishi CRT in some of their models. I believe the 454 is one of them.

Virtually all manufacturers have the same policy these days,
i.e. replacing defective new units with refurbished units.

Of the few remaining manufacturers who're still producting monitor CRTs, Mitsubishi's Diamondtron is brightest and
has the widest color gamut. It's used by LaCie, Iiyama
and several others.

Rick

(Teffy) wrote:

I have read so many posts from people that bought a new monitor which they found to be defective, that it makes me nervous! Especially since I am probably limiited to mail order. I read the most complaints about NEC Mitsuibshi poor reliability and policy of replacement with refurbished monitors. But, it is hard to find the Iiyama in stock in the USA.

I bought that NEC Mitsubishi model and it did indeed fail within the first 90 days. I purchased it online/mail-order. NEC Mitsubishi telephone support was about the fastest and most hassle-free of any I've dealt with. I received a replacement (and yes, it was factory refurbished) in three days. Put the old one in the same box the replacement came in, pasted the enclosed label on the box and took it to UPS. I did have to pay shipping on the return -- about $10 if I recall correctly.

So, your fears are justified in my experience. On the other hand, it wasn't the much of a hassle and the monitor (when operating properly) performs beautifully. Fantastic color rendition and resolution and tremendous adjustability.
-------------------------------
Tom

Unsolicited advertisements cheerfully ignored.

Since you are nervous about quality, why not just buy another monitor from Dell. You know they'll handle anything defective for you.

"Teffy" wrote in message

I am shopping for a 19" CRT to use for text and image editing. Possible candidates so far include the Iiyama 454 and the NEC Mitsuibshi DP930SB Diamondtron. Can you help me to choose a new monitor?

I have read so many posts from people that bought a new monitor which they found to be defective, that it makes me nervous! Especially since I am probably limiited to mail order. I read the most complaints about NEC Mitsuibshi poor reliability and policy of replacement with refurbished monitors. But, it is hard to find the Iiyama in stock in the USA.

It will be used with a multi- (triple) monitor card (Matrox P750). Currently I have a Dell Trinitron P991 19" and another Dell Trinitron (old!) that is 15". I calibrate with a ColorVision Spyder and PhotoCal.

What monitor should I buy?

Thanks,
Teffy

On 9 Aug 2004 12:08:24 -0700, (Teffy)
wrote:

I am shopping for a 19" CRT to use for text and image editing. Possible candidates so far include the Iiyama 454 and the NEC Mitsuibshi DP930SB Diamondtron. Can you help me to choose a new monitor?

I have read so many posts from people that bought a new monitor which they found to be defective, that it makes me nervous! Especially since I am probably limiited to mail order. I read the most complaints about NEC Mitsuibshi poor reliability and policy of replacement with refurbished monitors. But, it is hard to find the Iiyama in stock in the USA.

It will be used with a multi- (triple) monitor card (Matrox P750). Currently I have a Dell Trinitron P991 19" and another Dell Trinitron (old!) that is 15". I calibrate with a ColorVision Spyder and PhotoCal.

What monitor should I buy?

Thanks,
Teffy

The Iiyama and the Mitsubishi both use the same (Mitsubishi) tube. But the Iiyama is a far superior monitor. I've been using this brand for years and never had a problem with them.

--

Hecate - The Real One

veni, vidi, reliqui

"Hecate" wrote in message

On 9 Aug 2004 12:08:24 -0700, (Teffy)
wrote:

I am shopping for a 19" CRT to use for text and image editing. Possible candidates so far include the Iiyama 454 and the NEC Mitsuibshi DP930SB Diamondtron. Can you help me to choose a new monitor?

I have read so many posts from people that bought a new monitor which they found to be defective, that it makes me nervous! Especially since I am probably limiited to mail order. I read the most complaints about NEC Mitsuibshi poor reliability and policy of replacement with refurbished monitors. But, it is hard to find the Iiyama in stock in the USA.

It will be used with a multi- (triple) monitor card (Matrox P750). Currently I have a Dell Trinitron P991 19" and another Dell Trinitron (old!) that is 15". I calibrate with a ColorVision Spyder and PhotoCal.

What monitor should I buy?

Thanks,
Teffy

The Iiyama and the Mitsubishi both use the same (Mitsubishi) tube. But the Iiyama is a far superior monitor. I've been using this brand for years and never had a problem with them.

Not true. Mitsubishi uses much better supporting components than Iiyama. Take it from someone who knows. ;-)

Rick

Save yourself some money and get a great monitor by buying a refurbished/discontinued Viewsonic -- bought direct from Viewsonic. I've got two Viewsonics (21" and 17") (running a dual monitor setup) and they are fantastic performers IF you stick with the Pro or Graphics series. These are entirely different from the low end Viewsonics you see at Best Buy and CompUSA. They've got a great deal on a discontinued 21" monitor that has been a top scorer in tests:
http://store.viewsonic.com/html/ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?section =11744&item=2269 In addition to my two, I've bought several for offices and have never had a problem or been disappointed with a Pro or Graphic Series Viewsonic. There's a review of it here:
http://www.cadalyst.com/cadalyst/article/articleDetail.jsp?i d=79199

http://www.madmousergraphics.com
web design, print design, photography

On Mon, 9 Aug 2004 18:52:16 -0700, "Rick" wrote:

The Iiyama and the Mitsubishi both use the same (Mitsubishi) tube. But the Iiyama is a far superior monitor. I've been using this brand for years and never had a problem with them.

Not true. Mitsubishi uses much better supporting components than Iiyama. Take it from someone who knows. ;-)

Amazing how Iiyama (a monitor manufacturer) always beats Mitsubishi (an "if you want it, we'll make it manufacturer) in Monitor tests then isn't it? (Speaking as someone who has Mitsubishi monitors on another computer and wouldn't use them for anything serious).

--

Hecate - The Real One

veni, vidi, reliqui

"Hecate" wrote in message

On Mon, 9 Aug 2004 18:52:16 -0700, "Rick" wrote:

The Iiyama and the Mitsubishi both use the same (Mitsubishi) tube. But the Iiyama is a far superior monitor. I've been using this brand for years and never had a problem with them.

Not true. Mitsubishi uses much better supporting components than Iiyama. Take it from someone who knows. ;-)

Amazing how Iiyama (a monitor manufacturer) always beats Mitsubishi (an "if you want it, we'll make it manufacturer) in Monitor tests then isn't it? (Speaking as someone who has Mitsubishi monitors on another computer and wouldn't use them for anything serious).

Which reviews would those be? You're utterly clueless.

Iiyama is in the same league as Viewsonic -- they take
tubes from other manufacturers, cut corners on whichever supporting components they can, and sell them at a lower price. There are only a few manufacturers that don't
operate this way and use decent supporting components.
LaCie is probably the best known of these.

Rick

What do you folks think about buying a "reconditioned" monitor from the manufacturer with a 90-day limited warrantee? Is that too risky for $200 (USD)?

Teffy

(Teffy) wrote in message news:...

I am shopping for a 19" CRT to use for text and image editing. Possible candidates so far include the Iiyama 454 and the NEC Mitsuibshi DP930SB Diamondtron. Can you help me to choose a new monitor?

I have read so many posts from people that bought a new monitor which they found to be defective, that it makes me nervous! Especially since I am probably limiited to mail order. I read the most complaints about NEC Mitsuibshi poor reliability and policy of replacement with refurbished monitors. But, it is hard to find the Iiyama in stock in the USA.

It will be used with a multi- (triple) monitor card (Matrox P750). Currently I have a Dell Trinitron P991 19" and another Dell Trinitron (old!) that is 15". I calibrate with a ColorVision Spyder and PhotoCal.

What monitor should I buy?

Thanks,
Teffy

Depends how hard up you are for a deal. Personally I
recommend against buying refurbished monitors, because
you have no control over how much usage the CRT has,
or how it was treated in its prior life (or lives).

Rick

"Teffy" wrote in message

What do you folks think about buying a "reconditioned" monitor from the manufacturer with a 90-day limited warrantee? Is that too risky for $200 (USD)?

Teffy

(Teffy) wrote in message news:...

I am shopping for a 19" CRT to use for text and image editing. Possible candidates so far include the Iiyama 454 and the NEC Mitsuibshi DP930SB Diamondtron. Can you help me to choose a new monitor?

I have read so many posts from people that bought a new monitor which they found to be defective, that it makes me nervous! Especially since I am probably limiited to mail order. I read the most complaints about NEC Mitsuibshi poor reliability and policy of replacement with refurbished monitors. But, it is hard to find the Iiyama in stock in the USA.

It will be used with a multi- (triple) monitor card (Matrox P750). Currently I have a Dell Trinitron P991 19" and another Dell Trinitron (old!) that is 15". I calibrate with a ColorVision Spyder and PhotoCal.

What monitor should I buy?

Thanks,
Teffy

What do you folks think about buying a "reconditioned" monitor from the manufacturer with a 90-day limited warrantee? Is that too risky for $200 (USD)?

From Viewsonic, if its one of their pro or graphic series, I wouldn't hesitate. I've bought refurbs and they've been excellent.
For others, it depends on the manufacturer and the quality level of the monitor.

http://www.madmousergraphics.com
web design, print design, photography

What the difference between the Viewsonic graphics series and the pros?

LauraK wrote:

What do you folks think about buying a "reconditioned" monitor from the manufacturer with a 90-day limited warrantee? Is that too risky for $200 (USD)?

From Viewsonic, if its one of their pro or graphic series, I wouldn't hesitate. I've bought refurbs and they've been excellent.
For others, it depends on the manufacturer and the quality level of the monitor.

http://www.madmousergraphics.com
web design, print design, photography

wrote:

What the difference between the Viewsonic graphics series and the pros?

The Graphic series are all shadow mask monitors except for one 17" model. All of their Pro series monitors are aperture grille technology.
-------------------------------
Tom

Unsolicited advertisements cheerfully ignored.

The Graphic series are all shadow mask monitors except for one 17" model. All of their Pro series monitors are aperture grille technology.

Nope. The P225 (P for Pro) is Shadow Mask.
Viewsonic's PF series -- Perfectly Flat -- are aperture grille. Those pop up in both Graphics and Pro series monitors.
Between the Graphics and the Pro series there are differences in refresh rates and aperture sizes, with the Pro series the top of the line. Both Pro and Graphic are meant to be used for long periods of time for design and CAD applications.

http://www.madmousergraphics.com
web design, print design, photography

(LauraK) wrote:

Nope. The P225 (P for Pro) is Shadow Mask.
Viewsonic's PF series -- Perfectly Flat -- are aperture grille. Those pop up in both Graphics and Pro series monitors.
Between the Graphics and the Pro series there are differences in refresh rates and aperture sizes, with the Pro series the top of the line. Both Pro and Graphic are meant to be used for long periods of time for design and CAD applications.

Sorry if I got those specs wrong. They came from here:
http://www.viewsonic.com/pdf/products/compchart_crt.pdf

I guess some of the information on their web site is slightly out of date.
-------------------------------
Tom

Unsolicited advertisements cheerfully ignored.

On Wed, 11 Aug 2004 01:27:03 +0100, Hecate
wrote:

[snip]

Amazing how Iiyama (a monitor manufacturer) always beats Mitsubishi (an "if you want it, we'll make it manufacturer) in Monitor tests then isn't it? (Speaking as someone who has Mitsubishi monitors on another computer and wouldn't use them for anything serious).

I really think that quality really is very variable.

I have a Mitsubishi 22" CRT which I've had for 4 years. It's really great with USB image control...brilliant for calibration and wonderful colour. I have a Iiyama 19" TFT on this PC too but that's a different story.

On my other PC (bought last year) I have a Iiyama 22" CRT...it's the 4th one! The previous three all went wrong but Iiyama did replace them all free of charge. But there's no USB image control and so a real bugger to calibrate. And I don't know what it is but I prefer the image on the Mitsubishi.

And on my previous PC (from many years ago) I had a Iiyama 17" CRT and that had to be replaced once over a 4 year period.

However I do realise that different models are different so I wouldn't say no to an Iiyama in the future...but USM image control would always tempt me!

--
Kulvinder Singh Matharu
Website : www.metalvortex.com
Contact : www.metalvortex.com/form/form.htm

"It ain't Coca Cola, it's rice" - The Clash

On Tue, 10 Aug 2004 21:25:37 -0700, "Rick" wrote:

"Hecate" wrote in message

On Mon, 9 Aug 2004 18:52:16 -0700, "Rick" wrote:

The Iiyama and the Mitsubishi both use the same (Mitsubishi) tube. But the Iiyama is a far superior monitor. I've been using this brand for years and never had a problem with them.

Not true. Mitsubishi uses much better supporting components than Iiyama. Take it from someone who knows. ;-)

Amazing how Iiyama (a monitor manufacturer) always beats Mitsubishi (an "if you want it, we'll make it manufacturer) in Monitor tests then isn't it? (Speaking as someone who has Mitsubishi monitors on another computer and wouldn't use them for anything serious).

Which reviews would those be? You're utterly clueless.

And you have the manners of a half-tamed polecat, so what's new.

Take a look at the monitor reviews in PC Pro over the last couple of years, for example.

Iiyama is in the same league as Viewsonic -- they take
tubes from other manufacturers, cut corners on whichever supporting components they can, and sell them at a lower price. There are only a few manufacturers that don't
operate this way and use decent supporting components.
LaCie is probably the best known of these.

Whilst I agree with you about the quality of the LaCie monitors and about Viewsonic, the rest is rubbish.

--

Hecate - The Real One

veni, vidi, reliqui

"Hecate" wrote in message

On Tue, 10 Aug 2004 21:25:37 -0700, "Rick" wrote:

"Hecate" wrote in message

On Mon, 9 Aug 2004 18:52:16 -0700, "Rick" wrote:

The Iiyama and the Mitsubishi both use the same (Mitsubishi) tube. But the Iiyama is a far superior monitor. I've been using this brand for years and never had a problem with them.

Not true. Mitsubishi uses much better supporting components than Iiyama. Take it from someone who knows. ;-)

Amazing how Iiyama (a monitor manufacturer) always beats Mitsubishi (an "if you want it, we'll make it manufacturer) in Monitor tests then isn't it? (Speaking as someone who has Mitsubishi monitors on another computer and wouldn't use them for anything serious).

Which reviews would those be? You're utterly clueless.

And you have the manners of a half-tamed polecat, so what's new.
Take a look at the monitor reviews in PC Pro over the last couple of years, for example.

Monitor reviews don't take component quality, and
therefore monitor longevity into account. I see 4, 5 and even 6 year-old Mitsubishis in the field all the time, still working and still perfectly calibrated, while I've yet to see a single Iiyama of that same age that wasn't either
sitting in a dumpster or a recycling bin.

You can easily check this for yourself. Pick a monitor
repair facility, any one you choose. Call and ask them
how Iiyama and Viewsonic stack up to Mitsubishi in
terms of component quality and longevity.

There's your answer.

Iiyama is in the same league as Viewsonic -- they take
tubes from other manufacturers, cut corners on whichever supporting components they can, and sell them at a lower price. There are only a few manufacturers that don't
operate this way and use decent supporting components.
LaCie is probably the best known of these.

Whilst I agree with you about the quality of the LaCie monitors and about Viewsonic, the rest is rubbish.

Claiming something doesn't make it so.

Rick

Kulvinder Singh Matharu wrote:

On my other PC (bought last year) I have a Iiyama 22" CRT...it's the 4th one! The previous three all went wrong but Iiyama did replace them all free of charge.

And on my previous PC (from many years ago) I had a Iiyama 17" CRT and that had to be replaced once over a 4 year period.

However I do realise that different models are different so I wouldn't say no to an Iiyama in the future...

The only conclusion I can draw from your experience is that you are a masochist.

On Thu, 12 Aug 2004 13:37:30 GMT, wrote:

Kulvinder Singh Matharu wrote:

[snip]

However I do realise that different models are different so I wouldn't say no to an Iiyama in the future...

The only conclusion I can draw from your experience is that you are a masochist.

LOL!

--
Kulvinder Singh Matharu
Website : www.metalvortex.com
Contact : www.metalvortex.com/form/form.htm

"It ain't Coca Cola, it's rice" - The Clash

On Thu, 12 Aug 2004 02:22:05 -0700, "Rick" wrote:

Take a look at the monitor reviews in PC Pro over the last couple of years, for example.

Monitor reviews don't take component quality, and
therefore monitor longevity into account. I see 4, 5 and even 6 year-old Mitsubishis in the field all the time, still working and still perfectly calibrated, while I've yet to see a single Iiyama of that same age that wasn't either
sitting in a dumpster or a recycling bin.

My experience is different, having used Iiyama monitors over the last ten years. Mitsubishi, on the other hand, haven't come out so well. I have one that came with a system, and one that sits in a corner gathering dust because I haven't been bothered to make the effort to dump it, as it's still OK as an emergency monitor if you don't care about colour fidelity. The one that is being used is also on a system where colour fidelity is less important.

Iiyama is in the same league as Viewsonic -- they take
tubes from other manufacturers, cut corners on whichever supporting components they can, and sell them at a lower price. There are only a few manufacturers that don't
operate this way and use decent supporting components.
LaCie is probably the best known of these.

Whilst I agree with you about the quality of the LaCie monitors and about Viewsonic, the rest is rubbish.

Claiming something doesn't make it so.

And nor does your claiming something make it so.

--

Hecate - The Real One

veni, vidi, reliqui

In article ,
LauraK wrote:

What do you folks think about buying a "reconditioned" monitor from the manufacturer with a 90-day limited warrantee? Is that too risky for $200 (USD)?

From Viewsonic, if its one of their pro or graphic series, I wouldn't hesitate. I've bought refurbs and they've been excellent.
For others, it depends on the manufacturer and the quality level of the monitor.

http://www.madmousergraphics.com
web design, print design, photography

How do you identify "pro" and "graphic" Viewsonic monitors ?

What's the diff between Pro and Graphic ?

--
Al Dykes
-----------
adykes at p a n i x . c o m

From: (Al Dykes)

How do you identify "pro" and "graphic" Viewsonic monitors ?

My "pro" model says "Professional Series P815" on the case. My "graphic" model
says "Graphics Series GS 815" on the case. That was easy!

My "pro" model says "Professional Series P815" on the case. My "graphic"
model
says "Graphics Series GS 815" on the case. That was easy!

Exactly. These are designations Viewsonic makes. There are various grades of Viewsonic monitors. What you see in CompUSA/BestBuy is the A series. A good monitor, but it doesn't have the resolution, refresh rates, etc. of the P and G series.
Viewsonic has excellent information on their monitors here: http://www.viewsonic.com/products/desktopdisplays/crtmonitor s/

http://www.madmousergraphics.com
web design, print design, photography

Teffy wrote:

I am shopping for a 19" CRT to use for text and image editing. Possible candidates so far include the Iiyama 454 and the NEC Mitsuibshi DP930SB Diamondtron. Can you help me to choose a new monitor?

I have read so many posts from people that bought a new monitor which they found to be defective, that it makes me nervous! Especially since I am probably limiited to mail order. I read the most complaints about NEC Mitsuibshi poor reliability and policy of replacement with refurbished monitors. But, it is hard to find the Iiyama in stock in the USA.

It will be used with a multi- (triple) monitor card (Matrox P750). Currently I have a Dell Trinitron P991 19" and another Dell Trinitron (old!) that is 15". I calibrate with a ColorVision Spyder and PhotoCal.

What monitor should I buy?

Thanks,
Teffy

I don't think that you buy a bad monitor with either.
After a few weeks of research I bought myself a Philips 109P40 last year and I now laugh at everyone's Iiyamas. The Philips has a great picture, nice colours, perfect voltage regulators, incredible brightness (anything beyond 50% hurts my eyes) and some kind of auto-calibrate function that never needs any additional adjustments. The only downside is that in some resolutions (and especially my fave, 1280x960) some small areas of the screen have a teeny little bit of ghosting.

It's not that Iiyama or any other makes bad monitors, it's just that I fell in love with my Philips. :)

--
Hans Fleischmann

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