Where to shop for a non TN panel? Who has a return policy?

[videobruce]

I just made my rounds locally; BB, CC & OD (nothing at Office Max at all), and all I found were those cheaper, terrible TN panels.

1. Has anyone found displays that weren't TN panels locally??
2. Where do you go online that has a return policy since many don't (Newegg & Tiger Direct for starters)?

I'll be damned if I'm going to spend $600+ on something sight unseen w/o a return policy. Funny, I can buy a 56" HDTV with a return ploicy, but can't but a 24" computer monitor with one.

 

[pak]

I believe BB and CC have some non TN panels. But availability will depend from store to store. If not, you could always visit the dell kiosk in the mall. I know the one at my local mall keeps 1 of each size monitor close by from 19-30 inch panels. If not, they can normaly get them quick. And at lease this way you dont have to deal with shipping and let them do it when it comes to returns and stuff.

--pak

 

[videobruce]

I don't think there is a Dell outlet here anymore.

 

[ratbuddy]

When I went to Staples today, they had a big sign in the front window saying they now carry Dell stuffs. Didn't see if they had the monitors, but I'd assume they must..

 

[nd4spdbh2]

best thing would be to read reviews... i know samsungs XX5T series are all S-PVA (245t 275t 305T)

And Dell's 2408WFP , 2707WFP 3007WFP-HC and 3008WFP are all either S-PVA or S-IPS pannels (s-ips on the 30inchers)

But really i dont know of many pannels ur going to find instore that are of higher quality ... cus more often than not thoes do not appeal to the average joe.

 

[cursor]

I've done some research and I think TN panels may be getting a bad rap. Their response times are among the best. While I agree that they may not be the best in color reproduction and viewing angle, those things are less important to me. I'm never going to have to match a Pantone number using my monitor, and that's OK for me.

But no way am I buying a bargin basement model either--that $280 24" Soyo that one of the office stores has been pushing--that thing is a POS. If you read the Fatwallet thread, you'll see people complaining about how it constantly makes a high-pitched whine. Who gives a quality monitor a 1-year warranty? Nobody does.

 

[videobruce]

I looked at a few of those TN panels and the vertical viewing angle is terrible. I can't imagine anyone finding that acceptable. Just by moving forward or backward in you chair, the brightness, contrast & color changes dramatically.

Even for casual image editing, that alone makes them useless.

 

[mattspalace]

If you buy a 22" LCD, 95% of them are TN panels. To stay away from a TN, you'll need to get a 24" or larger, or some 20" are good too.

Good 20" is from Dell. Their 20" LCDs are very good and hold their value extremely well. Most of the 24" are using higher quality panels as long as you stay with a higher end brand.

 

[videobruce]

I'm looking at the Samsung 245T.
20" is too small and 24" is probably too large, but it makes more sense that way especially since there is a larger choice.

But, I'm mostly interested in where, not what. I'm not sure about Amazons policy withy this type of purchase as they just state TVs' over 27" and computers can't be returned. Nothing about computer monitors.

 

[mattspalace]

I'm being a bit partial here, but Dell makes fantastic 24" displays and they have the best warranties hands down. 3 years standard. Samsung is a great LCD as well, but the Dell monitors always have great reviews and come loaded with little extras.
Mine has standard height adjust, full 90 degree swivel, and tilt. Also has 4 USB ports and a 9-in-1 card reader.