LCD Pc Monitor???

Hey guys I'm switching from CRT to LCD pc monitor and I need to know what to look for

Appropriate dot pitch (vertical + horizontal)
Good brands
Wheres the place to get one

etc. etc.

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Left out a lot of info, yaknow. <'o'>

1) work or game?
2) budget?
3) widescreen or no?

for working and internet use, i'd reccomend a large one (over 19"), but all the other stats are pretty useless. look to spend about 150-300$, depending on wether or not you wait for a good sale. Max resolution will be about 1240x1024.

for gaming, look for a contrast ratio of at least 300:1, (more is NOT always better) and look for a response time of under 8ms, if you can, get 2ms. 19" reccomended, but larger is always better. look to spend 200-500 for a 19" monitor. Max resolution will range from 1240x1024 to 1600x1200. more will require a video card with twin DVI outs, which you probobly dont have.

Media whore? love movies and game cinematics? get a 800:1 or more contrast ratio (make sure to turn out all the lights for the movie!), get as big a screen as you can afford, and plunk down extra for widescreen. dont worry about response time, 16ms is fine, 8ms is better. expect to spend 300$ for a 19", but you can get a very respectable 27"-32" for well under 1500$.

>>2 here.

i fail as ascii art. ;-;

if you go for a lcd, always ask to test the monitor you buy before buying. check for dead or stuck pixels. I didn't check my lcd before buying but I was lucky enough to get a perfect lcd. You do not want to buy an lcd with more than a few dead pixels.

Response time: If you're a gamer, the lower the better. Look for 8ms or less.
Contrast ratio: Most people recommend 700:1 at least.
Brightness: 300+/cm

Try Newegg. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824014111 is a good deal.

Just remember that unless your monitor is the ONLY light in the room, (even natural light), a contrast ratio of over 500:1 wont mean much. you'll have to darken the room completely, including those LED lights that adorn your case.

Dead pixels are not as huge an issue as they used to be. on all my LCDs (a 32", a 19", a PDA and the DS), only one has a visible defect, and thats my DS. (exactly one  hard-to-see one the touch screen). however, >>4 is right. ALWAYS test electronics before purchase, save yourself a hassle later. any reputable retailer will let you. some places, like best buy, insist you pay first, and return it if you dont like it, but thats just in case you drop it or try to break it or something. According to the law, you're not legally required to pay for things that break in the store. (however, its proper ettiquitte to offer to pay.)

http://www.samsung.com/Products/Monitor/LCD_Digital/LS22DPWCBQXAA.asp

I think this is a montior you might consider. As long as it doesn't die or screw up on you (sounds like just a few in the reviews) It should be a decent montior. I believe this is the one I will buy myself. I have a friend who has one, and it looks like the 2nd lcd I need for a dual montior desktop setup.

Always, always try to buy locally first, and as the guy above me said, try it before you leave. you won't regret it.