Does the Monitor Matter in Web Design?
Hi,
I am in the process of getting a new monitor. I currently have a CRT monitor, but really like the flat screen LCD's on the market?
I do web design and some graphic design using Dreamweaver and Photoshop. Someone once told me that the Flat Screens/LCD's are not a good choice as they have poorer color accuracy. Should I stick to the CRT's for web design or do the LCD's offer a good quality selection?
Also, I have considered a laptop to use for web design, but not sure what the quality would be like on that. I think laptops are a little harder to get accustomed to, but I do like the idea of not being tied down to a small office.
I will probably go with a Dell product.
Any advice?
Thanks,
Sarahb
mairving posted this at 20:05 — 10th August 2004.
They have: 2,256 posts
Joined: Feb 2001
LCD's are much better nowadays than they were several years ago with color management. You will be fine doing web design/gaming on a LCD monitor. After all a lot of designers use Mac's which nearly all come with LCD screens.
Mark Irving
I have a mind like a steel trap; it is rusty and illegal in 47 states
sarahb posted this at 20:39 — 10th August 2004.
They have: 5 posts
Joined: Apr 2004
Thanks Mark for the help.
Any advice for when I go to purchase the monitor? Anything special I should be looking for?
Sarahb
mairving posted this at 11:08 — 11th August 2004.
They have: 2,256 posts
Joined: Feb 2001
I have always had great success with Samsung CRT's and LCD's. They are medium priced but high quality. Dell may be good and now is probably one of the better times to get one with Back to School prices.
Mark Irving
I have a mind like a steel trap; it is rusty and illegal in 47 states
andy206uk posted this at 12:58 — 11th August 2004.
He has: 1,758 posts
Joined: Jul 2002
All I'm going to say on the matter is:
http://www.apple.com/displays/ 30 Inch.
mmmmmmm
compwolf posted this at 17:29 — 13th August 2004.
He has: 72 posts
Joined: Nov 2003
When looking at LCD monitors there are basics to keep in mind ... Contrast ratio, and the refresh rate.
Simple rule of thumb is the higher the contrast ratio the better color definition (and brightness) you will get ... Also the lower the number on the refresh allows for the faster screen writes. This comes in very handy when you are dealing with high end motion images (flash, shockwave, gaming etc.)
Ultimately you need to take your time since the investment is not a small one and you are going to be using it ALOT ... The monitor you choose should feel the best on your eyes and your color sensibilities ... do not trust what you see when it comes to the mass display setups in some stores ... you will want to see it on a computer using the screens optimal resolution to be sure of what you are getting ... Most stores (other than Walmarts) will be happy to demo a floor display model on a machine for you ... after all, they want your money ...
One other passing note ... as a matter of opinion I would look also for a monitor that has both DVI and Analog inputs. The DVI allows for much higher resolutions and clarity over analog ... but if you do not have the capability right now ... you may get it later and you will be glad the hookup is there ...
Good Luck
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