by cfitz on Sun Dec 15, 2002 2:08 pm
In general, smaller dot-pitch makes for an image that appears sharper, and the new flat-screen monitors have less distortion and glare. However, I wouldn't recommend buying a monitor without checking it out in person.
The best way to evaluate the visual quality of a monitor is to get to a retail store and view it with your own eyes (or, in this case, with your friend's eyes) at the settings with which you will use it. After all, the end user's eyes will be the ones looking at for long hours, so it should appear clear to those eyes and be easy to view without eyestrain. It also helps to find a store that carries all the models you are considering so that you can compare them side by side - that will make the differences stand out clearly to you.
Evaluating reliability and longevity is another issue. You might be able to get a feel for the construction by playing with the controls. And you can gauge the manufacturer's confidence by the length of the warranty.
Of course, you've also done the right thing by posting a question to see if anyone else already has experience with the monitors you are considering. I, unfortunately, do not. By the way, your first link doesn't work because it has a session ID in it, and that session has expired. Maybe you could post the actual model numbers or SKU numbers.
cfitz
