What are the top 3 monitors for under $300? Details inside!

[Stephen Riley]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to buy a monitor to connect to my ThinkPad. It won't be connected to a desktop at least for now, maybe a year or 2 down the road.

A concern of mine is whether or not my T410 will be able to run a 24" monitor. It only has the integrated graphics apart of the i5 CPU - is this okay? I've connected an external 17" at 1280x1024 before, but obviously that's not 1920x1080.

Finally - what are the top 3 monitors below the $300 price point?

[CronicHazel]

should be this one?

the Dell UtraSharp U2312HM

http://accessories.u...04&sku=320-2807

[Stephen Riley]

should be this one?

the Dell UtraSharp U2312HM

http://accessories.u...04&sku=320-2807

This one is bigger, with only difference being 3ms extra in response, no? - http://accessories.dell.com/sna/products/Monitors_Flat_Panel_Widescreen/productdetail.aspx?c=ca&l=en&s=dhs&cs=cadhs1&sku=320-9334&~ck=baynoteSearch&baynote_bnrank=4&baynote_irrank=0

[primexx]

Pick from one of these

Dell 21.5" http://accessories.u...px?sku=320-2736

Dell 23" http://accessories.u...px?sku=320-2807

HP 21.5" http://shopping1.hp....nIAAAEyJjACBwpf

LG 21.5" http://www.lg.com/us...-BN-led-monitor

LG 23" http://www.lg.com/us...-BN-led-monitor

edit: just noticed the LG 22" is actually 21.5", makes a lot more sense now. I was wondering why they had such a weird size

This one is bigger, with only difference being 3ms extra in response, no? - http://accessories.d...aynote_irrank=0

it also has an inferior panel and resolution (24" 1080p is pathetic, on a 23" it is barely passable)

[tomasarson]

Pick from one of these

Dell 21.5" http://accessories.u...px?sku=320-2736

Dell 23" http://accessories.u...px?sku=320-2807

HP 21.5" http://shopping1.hp....nIAAAEyJjACBwpf

LG 22" http://www.lg.com/us...-BN-led-monitor

LG 23" http://www.lg.com/us...-BN-led-monitor

it also has an inferior panel and resolution (24" 1080p is pathetic, on a 23" it is barely passable)

if it's barely passable then why would you link to 2 23" monitors that are 1080p. he's asking for the best of the best for the money. passable isn't what he wants.

[primexx]

if it's barely passable then why would you link to 2 23" monitors that are 1080p. he's asking for the best of the best for the money. passable isn't what he wants.

because he might prefer that trade off?

[tomasarson]

because he might prefer that trade off?

sorry just thought it was funny.

[primexx]

sorry just thought it was funny.

keeping in mind that his budget doesn't allow for anything near the best money can buy. he's really only limited to the entry level premium monitors, and I just linked all of the ones in that price range.

[tomasarson]

keeping in mind that his budget doesn't allow for anything near the best money can buy. he's really only limited to the entry level premium monitors, and I just linked all of the ones in that price range.

for shizzle.

[Stephen Riley]

This one is bigger, with only difference being 3ms extra in response, no? - http://accessories.d...aynote_irrank=0

it also has an inferior panel and resolution (24" 1080p is pathetic, on a 23" it is barely passable)

Honestly, I've been using a ThinkPad for the past 3 years, even a TN panel with half decent color will be a huge upgrade to me. I'll also be using my laptop next to this monitor, so dealing with less contrast might be a good thing, in some weird backwards way :p

Those LGs look like a good fit at ~$200 and less.

[Argote]

This one is bigger, with only difference being 3ms extra in response, no? - http://accessories.d...aynote_irrank=0

Except that one has a ****ty TN panel which will have inferior color reproduction and viewing angles.

The DELL UltraSharp Series are all at least an eIPS panel and a far better choice than other monitors with TN panels.

[Stephen Riley]

If I'm not doing any graphic work at all, should an IPS really be a priority? I've put up with TN panels for 5+ years, I'm just not sure it's worth the $100-$150 premium when achieving 100% color accuracy isn't something I'm craving.

EDIT: Regardless I may just go for this IPS - http://www.ncix.com/...G%20Electronics

EDIT2: That has bad reviews. Guess I'm getting a Dell.

[Brandon H Supervisor]

EDIT2: That has bad reviews. Guess I'm getting a Dell.

yes, if Dell's ever been good for anything it's that they've always had excellent monitors :)

personally I think the very first reply to this thread looks like the best choice here

[BoneyardBrew Member]

The Dell UtraSharp U2312HM for sure. I have one and it's a fantastic monitor.

The resolution is perfectly fine and most importantly it's an IPS panel, which destroys any TN panel you can find.

Edit:

By the way, here's a coupon that brings it down to $239 + free shipping. http://www.logicbuy....itor/33732.aspx

[Mando]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to buy a monitor to connect to my ThinkPad. It won't be connected to a desktop at least for now, maybe a year or 2 down the road.

A concern of mine is whether or not my T410 will be able to run a 24" monitor. It only has the integrated graphics apart of the i5 CPU - is this okay? I've connected an external 17" at 1280x1024 before, but obviously that's not 1920x1080.

Finally - what are the top 3 monitors below the $300 price point?

My thinkpad X201s has the core i7 ULV and it powers 2x28" 1920x1080 just fine bud.