Some computer hardware up for sale.

[Omega]

Heh, I guess that's ok.  I'm probably better off without it.  I'm not sure how I was going to reach an IDE cable from the correct IDE channel to where the drive was going to have to be mounted, and I'd probably have used it once or twice.  I wasn't exactly looking for a top-of-the-line drive, considering I already have two other drives I can read data with, and don't have any DVD-Data discs.  I also have a free-standing DVD player hooked up to my TV and Bose 5.1 surround system, so I'm covered for the acutal watching of DVD's, just not the specail Computer-only functions.  I'll live.  Thanks for the notice.

[quote author=Hulaboy link=board=saletrade&num=992509630&start=0#9 date=12/20/01 at 05:58:37]
Sorry again for the delay in getting back folks.  Unfortunately, I had to go out of town to take care of things.  Sad to say, the DVD drive was sold the day I last posted something here.  Besides, the drive was one of Creative's old DVD 2X drives.  So, I'm not sure if anyone would have wanted it.  Nonetheless, it still performed really well.  Just thought I'd break the news.  Thanks for the interest though!
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Hulaboy...long time no talk.

Quick question...weren't you the one with the Viewsonic P810 monitor?  Seems as though we talked about this a long time ago.

I finally bought a Sony CPD-G400.  A short time after I bought it I noticed some screen jitter...sent it back to Sony for some warranty work.  To make a long story short...UPS crunched it.  Thankfully, I had insured it for $500.  But believe it or not I am still waiting for UPS to settle with me.  I sent the monitor in originally back in early/mid October and I still do not have the check.  I sent it through Staples and the folks there have been great to work with, but I am really beginning to wonder about UPS.  I have never had anything damaged through them before...but now that I have and have seen how difficult they are to work with, I'm beginning to wonder if I should ever use them again.

Anyway, now on to what I want to ask you.  If/when UPS finally comes through with the money I am thinking about getting a flat panel monitor.  I want to get a 17.4" or an 18.1" model.  I got spoiled with all that screen real estate on the Sony and really do not want to take a step backward.

The question is this.  Should I be looking for a flat panel or should I stay with CRT?  If I go with flat panel, are there any brands you would recommend over any other?  So far I like the looks of some of the Samsung models, but I also like the Viewsonic ones.  I like the NEC thin bezel models, but they are a bit more steeply priced than I think I can afford.  I am very leary of going for a flat panel over ebay, but I have looked there for some deals.  Any suggestions?  Thanks, chaplndave

Hi chapIndave,

Yeah, it truly has been a long time.  Glad to see that you're still frequenting the board.  Yup, I still own the Viewsonic P810 monitor.  It's a 21 incher CRT.  Buying a flat panel now, huh?  *sigh* I'm jealous!  Anyway, if I was in your situation (getting $500 from UPS), I would definitely go with a flat panel.  There are a couple of added benefits from this.  Some are that flat panels use a lot less power than the big clunky CRT tubes.  Very good in this time of energy conservation.  Another one is that you'll definitely reclaim a lot more desk space.  Not to mention the sharp resolution you'll get too.  The only drawback that is keeping me from buying a big flat panel is the cost.

As far as brands that I recommend, I definitely like the Samsung ones.  Especially, the model that you can take with you and hook into with RCA cables and use it as a TV as well.  They're very sharp and I LOVE the 17 inchers.  Viewsonics are nice and bright as well.  NECs are half and half with me.  Some that I've looked over are not as bright as those from Viewsonic and Samsung.  There is also a nice no name brand here at San Diego that is comparable with the Viewsonic panels that I like as well.  

Ultimately, I'd opt for the Samsung models just because of their features.  Next would be Viewsonic.  Of course, it would be good if you can go into a store and actually see and mess around with the panels before you decide to buy any thing, you know?  Only then can you be absolutely sure if that $500 that you're about to plunk down is going to a good investment.  Well, I hope that long novel helped you in your buying decision.  If you find any other comparable models that you like I'd like to know of them.  Happy shopping and good luck with UPS!  I'd go straight to a manager about that and write their corporate headquarters about the lack of care that they're giving you in that matter.