How important is a decent PC screen ?

MickB · 17-07-2006, 18:43

Currently I have a bog standard 15" LCD screen that came with the PC. Just wondered how important the screen is & should I look to upgrade. If so how much do I have to spend & what should I look out for ?

orangepeel · 17-07-2006, 19:24

well given you spend all your PC time looking @ it I'd say pretty damn important.

***Dave*** · 18-07-2006, 09:48

If you are talking for Photo Editing, then very important. Even more so if you are going to start manipulating the photos colour, contrast, detail etc to any degree.

For me it was a case of :-
a) I've spent some serious money on my camera gear
b) I'm investing serious time in teaching myself PS

...so to ensure I make the most of my investments I needed to ensure I had an acurate representation of the original shot I took, plus ensuring any manipulations carried on the saem ethos in final web image, or print.

Also a nice widescreen makes PS work so much easier, as you can keep all the pallettes off the main photo

Posted my thoughts in the review section here

**stepheno** · 18-07-2006, 09:58

OP and Dave have said all I would have said. Particularly......

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

Also a nice widescreen makes PS work so much easier, as you can keep all the pallettes off the main photo

orangepeel · 18-07-2006, 10:03

or save a truckful of money and use the multi monitor approach. When you upgrade your current screen, keep it and use it as a satellite screen.

Most vid cards have dual out. Failing that a very cheap (<£10 from ebay) PCI matrox G200 8MB will work nicely as a secodary source for your dual monitor setup.

I use the 2 outputs on my primary (AGP) video card then use a PCI G200 as a third output.

P-E · 26-07-2006, 20:14

Interesting to see you gave the Belinea screen 10/10 Dave.

You rate it that highly?

Just having a nosey around at the moment seeing what is available in widescreen.

***Dave*** · 26-07-2006, 21:03

Well after getting to know how much effort Steve makes into choosing the right gear, that saved me that effort

......& he hasn't let me down

I've been very pleased with the screen. I put it down to the same as with HiFi or Home Cinema stuff....when you get it right you find you just want to use the items, rather than constantly questioning if that bit is right or not. It just feels right

As soon as I get a proper desk sorted out , I will defintely be getting a 2nd one to have dual monitors for PS work.

P-E · 26-07-2006, 21:08

Appreciate the reply Dave.

I may well be getting the wallet out again

MickB · 30-07-2006, 12:13

Thanks for replies guys. Seems I may have to save sime pennies for yet more new gear

Is there a minimum size for say Photo Shop that is advisable ?

DavidUK · 05-08-2006, 20:02

...I recently talked myself into buying the "Spyder 2" gizmo for my monitor, I have to say the difference it made is definately impressive!

**stepheno** · 06-08-2006, 20:58

Thanks for that David...we have the Spyder2 in the Monitors % Calibration Review section. If you get a mo your review or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

spxxxx · 03-09-2006, 22:09

Hi

I have just upgraded to an EIZO 17" LCD and the difference is astonishing - I suspect that I will cover the costs on saved paper and ink!!!

I didn't know that you could have two separate cards in the PC - I will now get another to run my 15" for the tools pallettes

spxxxx · 03-09-2006, 22:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by orangepeel

Most vid cards have dual out. Failing that a very cheap (<£10 from ebay) PCI matrox G200 8MB will work nicely as a secodary source for your dual monitor setup.

I found this site probably 30mins ago and I have already had the best no frills info - been on ebay and got a card for £6.49 inc postage....