OT: display monitors

[jlcnyc]

Hey DUC
I'm currently using an Apple 17" display (LCD? - 3 years old)
I'm craving more visual "real estate", but the Apple displays are so pricey!
Any suggestions/recommendations for other brands of displays? I don't want to sacrifice quality for quantity....but if there are reputable, lower priced alternatives....
I'm using G5 PPC dual 1.8 gHz - also 3 years old.
(btw - I apologize but I'm clueless about even the most basic display terminology)

thanks in advance

[wolfskin]

Look at Samsung and Viewsonic, for starters... Very reasonably priced... You can fing 21"+ widescrees for under $300 these days...

[jlcnyc]

thanks
so compatibility with my mac isn't a concern?
are there any specific issues I should look out for?

[wolfskin]

From what I remember, both Mac and PC video cards all use DV9-pin or HDI (digital) connections. There should be no compatibility issues with the monitors...

[M.Brane]

I have a ViewSonic VA2021wb (20" widescreen) running off the ADC out of my GeForce2MX with an ADC-DVI adaptor. Other than a minor issue with losing half the screen after playing some games, and running iTunes visuals (simply changing the colors setting brings it right back) it works great at 1680x1050.

I had no trouble at all running off the VGA port, but the overall quality was not as good. Still good though.

It's not quite as much real estate as my old dual 17" CRT setup, but the increase in quality, and the lack of EMI was well worth it IMHO. With a G5 you shouldn't have any issues unless you go for really large display like a 30". Depends on which graphics card you have.

I second the suggestion for ViewSonic or Samsung. I had an Envision CRT that died in less than a year. They fixed it under warranty without hassle, but it still left a bad impression. I would steer clear of that brand.

[jlcnyc]

DV9-pin, HDI, ADC, DVI, VGA ???????

as I said - I know nothing about this stuff
How do I determine what type connections are available/supported on my mac?

I looked at the system profiler ...but didn't see anything that seemed relevant

thanks for the answers....
and sorry for my ignorance

[wolfskin]

DVI and DV9 are different types of 'plugs' that connect your monitor to your computer...

Seriously, you might simply just look at your computer and the connections. Take a trip to your local electronics store and familiarize yourself with these types of items. Also, the documentation that came with your CPU and video card would be a good place to start...

[jlcnyc]

thanks again for the advice
I snooped around Apple's website and educated myself on the different types of ports on my video card
excited about a bigger viewing surface!
(wonder if it will make my mixes sound bigger???? )

[lwilliam]

No, but it will make them LOOK bigger!

[jlcnyc]

I just picked up the Samsung SyncMaster 225 (22")
WOW! really digging the extra real estate.
thanks for all of the advice