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Advice about buying monitors

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xShadow:
Long version:
(click to show/hide)Well, my computer's been upgraded some months ago, but I notice that I'm still rolling with this crappy 1280 by 1024 monitor that looks like it came from the dark ages (okay, that's a huge dramatization, it's at least an LCD).

Now, I'm no complete newbie about getting PC parts, like graphics cards and whatnot, but monitors is something I've pretty much never invested seriously in. All of my monitors have been crap quality, and I never thought twice about it... until I saw my friend's huge-ass 2x-inch ASUS running at 1080p. Then, I realized that something was seriously missing from my build.
tl;dr version:
I can't even view 1080p things half-decently (even my vertical res is lower than that, ffs!). I realize there have been other monitor buying threads before, but those are at least a few months old.

These are things I want from the monitor:
[*]Good picture quality for both gaming and watching anime (I can't list contrast ratios that I want and whatnot because I nave no clue how they work)
[*]Sized around 22 inches (higher the better)
[*]Resolution has to be at least 1920 by 1080.
[*]Priced under 250 bucks (if it's higher, I don't mind working a little for it, but there better be some great reason for it)
[/list]

So, I need some advice from you folks, since I think 1080p-size monitors is probably something a fair share of this kind of community would invest in (y'know, with the 1080p anime and whatnot). I just need advice on three things:
[*]What monitors in the current market look good (based on the needs I've listed)?
[*]What brands are good?
[*]Where would it be best to purchase them (mainly in order to avoid dead pixels)?
[/list]

I don't mind having to pay a little extra as long as I can make sure there aren't dead pixels. Also, if there's some crazy technology that's going to revolutionize monitors forever and make everything cheaper or something, I don't mind waiting to purchase this. My monitor doesn't specifically bug me, like lagging on a video game would. I can go without a new one for around a month or so.

Currently, this is a monitor that I found on Newegg that I think (with my zero experience in monitor purchasing) fits my needs:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001378
^ Not quite.

Again, the problem may be the place I'm purchasing it from. As an FYI, I'm in the Atlanta area, so I can probably find a lot of electronics stores here. The problem is which ones have what I need.

So, if you guys are using some crazy good monitor you purchased from somewhere, or have some advice on this in general, I'd be happy to hear it. Thanks

</wall of text'd>

Louise:
Hmm... My mom had that, The image quality was pretty good. But Im not sure how it would do when it comes to video playback,etc. (I only saw it bieng used for internet browsing and stuff) then its typical samsung supplying not many connection options (only DVA & HDMI?) I'll let the others be of more help.

borgbean:
As someone that's also been doing some research my first question would be: how important is color accuracy and contrast to you? Unfortunately you're not going to find a LCD with excellent response times AND good color accuracy. It is easy to get a cheap monitor with good accuracy OR response times, though. The monitor you linked will have good response times, but the accuracy is low compared to monitors that don't focus on response times. Granted, it will still be good enough for watching anime if you aren't too picky. You'll drive yourself insane looking for something with perfect response times and excellent color accuracy, though, as such a thing does not exist.

fohfoh:
The one you posted looks good.

However, from what I have usually seen, many will recommend dishing the extra cash out to purchase a Samsung Syncmaster (I think that's what it's called).

nstgc:
I was considering this monitor.

This should be merged with the other "buying a new monitor" threads and stickied.

[edit] I made this one a few weeks ago. It was more specific, however.

[edit2] I would buy from tiger direct due to their return policy.

Also, if you want something for gaming you may want a 1920x1200 instead. That one is a bit more expensive than the $250 you (xShadow) mentioned, but its probably better. If I had the money I'd get the larger screen.

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