Flat screen computer monitor question

[lordkenmore]

One of my computer fantasies is to upgrade to a flatscreen computer monitor. (This may, in time, actually be less of a "fantasy" and more a "must" too--I've noticed locally the supply of good used CRT monitors has dried up. I suppose everyone who has one is still using it, like me, or has shipped it to recycling.)

But I have noticed that current monitors--at least the ones easily found in local stores--are all now the widescreen type. Which leaves me wondering--what happens when one of these is attached to a computer that predates widescreen support? Does the monitor try cute tricks like stretching the image out to fill the screen (even though it'll look awful?). Or does it just display the signal it gets, and put black bars on the sides of the image, sort of like what happens when watching a widescreen DVD on a standard format CRT TV?

 

[aladude]

I'm afraid I do not know the exact answer to your question but NewEgg has 70 different 4:3 monitors for sale since programmers prefer them to widescreen monitors and they are often cheaper as well.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007617%20600030156&IsNodeId=1&name=No

 

[whirlcool]

I have a 21" inch LCD monitor and the screen just fills up with your normal screen. It doesn't look stretched or anything. But you do have a hell of a lot more room on your desktop! And everything is so much easier to read.

I'm running Windows XP. I don't think what's on the screen is dependent on your operating system as I didn't have to make any adjustments to mine. My normal video drivers were able to handle it after I loaded the drivers for the new monitor. They came on a CD in the video monitors box.

 

[lordkenmore]

Thanks for the answers so far. It's certainly helpful knowing that 4:3 monitors still exist--although finding one locally might not be easy. (I don't like doing mail order on something like this--I want to actually have a chance to see it.)

"I don't think what's on the screen is dependent on your operating system as I didn't have to make any adjustments to mine."

My worry is less the OS than it is the hardware. My main Internet computer has one of those wretched Intel integrated video designs. I gather, from casual research the last time I had the upgrade monitor fantasy, that getting this video system to work properly with a widescreen monitor can be a pain at best. It is my hope to eventually upgrade the computer...but when that day comes is anyone's guess.

Interestingly, the computer I'm using right now might be able to support widescreen. I just checked the preferences. Assuming that those modes might work--and this computer does have a real video board, I suppose widescreen might be an option on this machine. But then I lose other things, like support for Flash. Low end computing: you fix one problem, but another comes up to replace it!

 

[rp2813]

Low end computing: you fix one problem, but another comes up

I wouldn't stop there.  It's more like all ranges of computing.

 

[mattl]

At this point I would not be without a widescreen monitor, so much content is designed for it.  Before you buy just check what resolutions your video card supports.  If you go into Properties for the display you will be able to identify the various resolutions.  if you see 1280x720 it will support wide screen.  I find it best to operate the monitor at it's native resolution, though some may find some of the graphics too small.  Some versions of Windows will allow you to adjust the various elements of the display and keep the native resolution.

 

[whirlcool]

The video I am using is built into the motherboard. I had a Diamond high performance video card in this machine at one time, but graphics speed testing showed no real improvement over the Intel video on the motherboard so I took
it out.

I don't see how Flash could be having a problem with a new monitor. It's really just an application, it doesn't care what kind of monitor you have. I think all you have to do is load the drivers that will come with the new monitor and you'll be all set.

 

[lordkenmore]

"Low end computing: you fix one problem, but another comes up to replace it!"
"I wouldn't stop there. It's more like all ranges of computing."

Isn't that the truth?

 

[lordkenmore]

I'm back to my regular Internet machine. IF I can believe the monitor settings listed, widescreen might actually work here. Problem is...I'm not sure I do believe what I read. I have had too many bad experiences with things that "should work" but don't. I'm particularly leery of the video. It may be the Intel design, it may be something else, but I've had too many video related problems over the years.

I suppose the only way to know for sure is if I get to a point of being able to upgrade the monitor do so. But make sure I have 100% money back guarantee.

 

[lordkenmore]

I don't see how Flash could be having a problem with a n

It actually wasn't the monitor I was thinking of. I dashed off my post above a little too fast.

The computer I mentioned earlier (not my primary Internet computer) is an old Apple G4, which I got for next to zero this last summer. Next to zero is about the right price, given that there is next to zero current software support. The G4 uses a PowerPC G4 processor, not Intel.

I'm running MintPPC (Linux) on this G4. It's been a good secondary computer--and it could be my primary in an emergency. (The practical reason for getting it was just to have a backup computer.) At times I have even considered making the G4 my primary for various reasons. If I actually upgraded monitors, and if the upgrade worked better with the G4, then that would be a compelling argument for using the G4 as my main Internet machine. But that means losing Flash, since Flash does not exist on Linux PPC.

Of course, I could switch the computer to OS X. But the only versions of OS X that would run on a G4 are losing support rapidly. (Yet the install discs still run at insanely high prices used!) Flash exists--but only as an older version.

 

[alr2903]

Salvation army and GWill both have odds and ends lately around here.  Both computer screens and televisions. We still have CRT in our bedroom a 1990's JVC with beautiful color, there was one just like it at sally ann's the other day for $35. But to stay on topic they did have monitors  CRT and LCD.  It might be a way to experiment within budget.

 

[whirlcool]

Our local GW store had a bunch of CRT televisions & monitors for sale. Prices started at $15.00 and went up to $25.00. That's dirt cheap.

 

[dirtybuck]

LK:

Believe me, when you do make the upgrade to a flat screen monitor, you're really going to LOVE IT! The picture is sooo much clearer, and there's absolutely NO GLARE! And, what whirlcool said about having more space, definitely a true statement.

Mine will be 3 years old in February. It's a Compaq I bought at Circuit City when they were having their store closing sale. I hemmed and hawed about buying it that day, but if I had waited until the following week to go back, I'd have been SOL!

I'm sure the prices have come down on them a bit more (I think with tax, it came to about 130.00), and they now have better clarity and higher DPI per screen, but still, I'm quite happy with what I have.

 

[lordkenmore]

"Believe me, when you do make the upgrade to a flat screen monitor, you're really going to LOVE IT! The picture is sooo much clearer, and there's absolutely NO GLARE!"

I know, which is why this is on my fantasy list. Otherwise it would be like my usual wait until the old item breaks or otherwise becomes unusable. I particularly like how readable text is a flatscreen--I spend most of my computer time doing one thing or another with text. A bit more space would really be nice--I'm running at 1024x768 now. It's adequate most of the time, but I regularly wish I had at least a few more pixels to the side. Having many more probably isn't necessary, but certainly would be handy at times.

"I'm sure the prices have come down on them a bit more"
I'm not sure what prices are like in my area. But it seems like I see monitors from companies with names I know for the low $100 range. I think I've seen prices for ones from companies I've never heard of before under $100.

Of course, how low one can go and get something decent is another question.

 

[lordkenmore]

Cheap CRT monitors in thrift shops

seem to be non-existent in my part of the world. One MIGHT turn up, I suppose, but it's been a long time since I've seen one in Goodwill.

But there are plenty of CRT TVs to choose from.

I have seen older 4:3 type LCD monitors at Goodwill stores. But--no matter what the technology--I'm not inclined to buy from Goodwill. Neither Goodwill system I shop accepts returns on computer stuff, and neither prices the stuff to be an acceptable gamble. (Plus one of the Goodwill systems is one that I refuse to support as a charity. I do shop their stores, and I do reluctantly buy from them IF they have a good deal, but I won't GIVE them anything.)

 

[whirlcool]

I can get computer monitors wholesale. For example:

ViewSonic LCD VA1932WM 19inch Wide DVI/VGA 100000:1 1440x900 5ms Speaker $132.98

or

Lenovo LCD 2580AB1 D186 18.5inch Wide VGA 1366x768 600:1 $98.79

There would be shipping from Dallas, Texas. These are brand new with a full factory warranty.

I know that Viewsonic monitor retails at Frye's for about $189.00 or so.

 

[mattl]

You can also watch New Egg open box and clearance items.  I got my 23" Samsung monitor last year for $130 delivered, retail was $290.

 

[whirlcool]

That's a good idea!

 

[lordkenmore]

Yes, clearance (and really great sales) are wonderful things. I know one person who got her monitor on clearance at either Office Depot or Staples and saved a lot over the old regular price. She may have saved more elsewhere, but the savings were much better than the old retail price, and it was good timing for her.

I've noticed monitors are--at least where I live--one of those things that seems to go on sale. Of course, many sales are probably not that great. But every now and then there might be a really good one. I was interested last night when I stopped by one store to do some other shopping. I paused in the electronics department, and noticed that they had monitors from Samsung and some no-name brand. They were all running, and the Samsung was noticeably better. Strangely, due to the current sale pricing, one Samsung--while not as cheap as I'd like--was about the price of the no-name model.

Under my present circumstances, and knowing myself, I'd probably hold out for a really, really good price before upgrading. Maybe in the meantime I'll find the right computer upgrade, and get something that can handle a new monitor with no problem. That would be nice, since it would also mean other niceties like a speed boost!