Cool monitor at OfficeDepot

[Deja Q]

Gateway FPD2185W

Clearance price: $349, regular price $599

21" LCD, 1000:1 contrast ratio, .027 dot pitch - very nice monitor for the money, even if it lacks a DVI cable. :eyes:

[Deja Q]

1. Update - still an awesome monitor!!

Great for gameplaying and reading websites. Crisp, clear, vibrant, immensely sharp at 1600x1050 - sweet resolution; great for playing DVD movies too. I'm floored by the quality -- I suspected I would be after reading various reviews on the web. (I don't have ClearType enabled either.)

Tomorrow is the big test, working on graphics design - will it hold up where it's needed most? It probably will...

I might play a couple movies for real; I'm keen on using this monitor to replace my big-ass, failing 27" TV set. LCDs use less energy and the widescreen movie side would be comparable (though full screen shows would be at a slight disadvantge)... Or use the monitor's secondary input (it';s got VGA, DVI, S-video, and component video)

Next paycheck I'll be buying a keyboard/mouse combo: Logitech MX3200 ($99). The keyboard feels soft yet sturdy to the touch (it's unique and worth demoing at the store) and VERY quiet when typing and the laser mouse's ergonomic feel is quite nice too. I wish it was the VX mouse (Sells $60 on its own) as the keyboard combo with the VX mouse ($149) has an inferior (IMHO) keyboard.

[Deja Q]

2. Gateway sucks

:rofl:

After a day, I found some really lovely problems. I didn't notice these until really getting into a new photoshopping project and I now wish I spent more time looking at it before talking about it.

My favorite is the calibration software that comes with it. It renders the OS unstable. :eyes:

And I saw some artifacting - even after calibrating twice over. The upper right corner is visible (albeit slightly) darker and there are some other related uneven color/brightness problems.

I'd still agree that for general purposes (most games, word processing, spreadsheet stuff) this monitor is a killer deal at $350 + extended warranty. But for photoshoppers, avoid this one.

Terribly sorry...