Can anyone help?

vizcacha

I have trawled the advice archives but have not been able to find the answer to this question - maybe coz it's too obvious ! - but here goes...

I have a Dell Dimension XPS T600r computer and want to get a new monitor for it (a 17" flat screen monitor)

Can I assume that any monitor will be compatible with my computer or is it safer to save up and get a Dell one?

I don't want it for computer games - just for normal internet use and nothing elaborate. Just want less radiation and to save space....

Many Thanks

star1_2

Just check if your PC Video output is Analogue or DVI - and make sure the monitor suits. Most PC's have Analogue cards (or via the motherboard).

Virtually all monitors will work with the respective output - the only thing that you may need to check is the resolution and scan rate of the video output of your PC and the rating of the monitor you wish to purchase.

I would suggest being for the largest screen you can afford, with the highest re-fresh rate and finest pixel resolution. This makes for the smoothest images/video playback and puts the least strain on your eyes. You might want to take a look an compare at say PC world and you'll see the diffrence. But when it comes to buying one check out the on-line suppliers like ebuyer and dabs for some good deals.

wolfman

Arrrghh, a Dell tft would be very nice. Pricey, but arguably some of the best tft's you can get.

You should be ok whatever tft you buy. There'll be two forms out output as mentioned above. d-Sub which is your traditional analog output, and DVI which is the newer digital output. You're laptop may have one or the other, or even both, but you can get convertors so it shouldn't be a problem.

http://img2.pcpop.com/ProductImages/Big/0/67/000067799.jpg
The white type of connector is DVI, the blue d-Sub. Check for those on your laptop.

With regards to a monitor a 17" or 19" tft will run at the same native resolution of 1280x1024, so the only thing you gain with a 19" is a slightly larger screen and often slower response times (not good).

Your best bet is to read around before buying. Have a look at:
https://www.tftcentral.co.uk
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/labs/126/17in-tft-monitors/products.html
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/shopper-labs/214/lcd-monitor-price-test-2006/products.html

You should be fine with a 17" tft. Something like the NEC mentioned in the links above. Or the Sharp LL172GB if you can still find it, I've got one myself, excellent monitor and it won numerous awards. £170-200 will get you a decent tft. Good luck.