NEC has announced a new 26" WUXGA (1920x1200 pixel) monitor, the EA261WM. It will be available in August for $680.
Full press release follows.
| 
|
You know how sometimes you read about something and at first it sounds like a great idea but when you think about it you realize that it just doesn't add up?
That's how we felt when we read about LG's new 29" and 38" stretched LCD monitors.
LG claims:
"ideal for exhibiting information in large commercial areas, such as shopping centres and cinemas, and in high footfall locations like airports and train stations. "
and:
"designed specifically to host large format digital data for public locations"
How do they reconcile that with:
"screen resolution of 1366 x 398 and 1366 x 480"
In other words less than half the resolution of the average laptop, whereas most LCD TVs currently used for commercial displays support 1080p, or more than 3 times the amount of "large format digital data".
They are less resolution than a regular large LCD, they are smaller too, but I bet they cost more...... and they call this progress and innovation?
(full press release follows)
| |
It may only be 4" across (diagonally) and 320x240 pixels at the moment but this flexible transparent OLED display has massive implications for how we use and interact with technology in the future.
No more pecking away at a smartphone or trying to use a tiny keyboard and 5" screen on the latest ultra-ultra-portable device: just unroll your full size monitor and keyboard and work productively.
Want to check your email, the latest twitters, or surf CNN? easy, the monitor is on your sleeve.
Time to watch TV? just roll down the blinds on your window and the TV rolls down with it.
Troops in Iraq being able to check each others locations on an overhead map display sewn into their uniform and the nearby medic getting the same view with vital signs superimposed.
Ok, we're still a long way from anything like that but the prototype being shown off by LG and Universal Display is a big step in the right direction.
Press Release follows.
| |
We liked the BenQ v2400w 24" LCD when it was first announced and now you can buy it (assuming you head over to Japan with the equivalent of about $580).
The v2400w is supposed to be the thinnest 24" LCD in the world being mostly under 1 inch thick with a 2.44 inch max depth, it has cool little buttons under part of the screen instead of a bulky full width bezel, has an off center stand (which could mess up your wall hanging plans), has the standard inputs (HDMI, DVI, VGA), 1080p (1920x1200) display, 250 cd/m2 brightness, 16.7m colors, 1000:1 contrast, and 160 degree viewing angle.
Does it look good? yes, will we buy one? nope, I think we will stick with our collection of refurbished Dell 24" monitors.
| |
The flagship 3008WFP 30" LCD from Dell is available again to purchase on their site after a long hiatus caused by technical problems.
The return to the site would indicate Dell thinks the problems are fixed but we are still hearing complains from Dell customers with unresolved problems despite being sent replacement monitors.
For $2049 I wouldn't risk buying one just in case the problems aren't all resolved.
| |
EVGA has come out with a couple of cool new stackable USB based graphics adapters that allow you to easily add an additional monitor to your PC without needing to open the box.
They don't have a GPU processor of their own so don't expect to run games on them but they sounds great for adding an extra monitor for improved web browsing or locating widgets or email off your main screen.Both have a DVD outlet and a DVI to VGA converter for older monitors, the UV-12 supports up to 1280x1024 resolution and the DV-16 supports up to 1600x1200.
| |
Fujitsu has developed a monitor that uses zero power when in standby mode.
"The primary component is a circuit element in the power supply unit of the monitor that is switched by the PC. As soon as the video signal of the computer subsides, a relay--an electrically powered switch--with two switching positions automatically interrupts the entire electrical circuit of the monitor. When the computer signal returns again, the low currents that then begin to flow across the interface are sufficient to trigger the relay and thereby restart the monitor. "
The zero watt monitors will be sold for the same price as a regular monitor starting this summer, expect other monitor manufacturers to follow suit.
(via physorg)
| |
X-Bit Labs have posted a review and face-off between six newer 24" LCD monitors from Acer, Dell, NEC, and Samsung.
We were rooting for the Dell 2407WFP to win as we have two of them on the PC we use to write ShinyPlastic but here's what they concluded:
"Although four out of the six monitors tested for this review are based on TN matrixes, I'm not disappointed. The main drawback of this technology is small viewing angles, but those of modern TN matrixes are suitable for most users. Of course, if you prefer to watch movies while lying on a sofa (with the monitor above your head level) or if you are just sensitive to minor deviations in contrast, you should consider models with *VA or S-IPS matrixes such as Dell 2407WFP-HC and NEC MultiSync LCD2470WNX or those we tested earlier."
In other words they didn't pick any one as being the best.
(full reviews at xbitlabs)
| |
Trusted Reviews has reviewed the $220 Samsung Pebble Syncmaster 2232BW 22" lcd monitor.
Here's what they thought:
"Samsung's SyncMaster 2232BW Pebble draws you in with its great looks and smooth curves, but from the moment you assemble it to the instant you install it on your desk, you realise it's a case of style over substance. It still manages to entice with its picture quality, but for the money there are better alternatives out there. If you are willing to sacrifice two inches, you can even get LG's DisplayLink-enabled Flatron L206WU for your money, which apart from the design is superior in every respect."
(review at trustedreviews)
| |
Now this is a great idea: the Samsung Syncmaster 2263DX 22" lcd monitor comes with a little 7" 800x480 pixel LCD monitor on a rotating swing arm so you can position the mini monitor vertically or horizontally on any side/top of the monitor. Don't worry about needing a dual output video card either: the 7" monitor connects via USB.
I have two 24" monitors on my main PC and I am always using all of both screens so it would be great to have a little side monitors where I could put widgets, im tool, email notifier etc.
The 2263DX also features a built-in 3 megapixel webcam, microphone, and 1.5w speakers. It is available not for an expensive $550.
(via digitaltrends)
| |
Samsung has announced 4 new "touch of color" LCD monitors. "Touch of color" refers to a amber tint to the bezel which matches their series 6 and 7 LCD TVs.
The T190 ($259), T220($359), T240($499), and T260($599) are 19, 22, 24, and 26 inches, and supposedly have a 20000:1 contrast ratio, but as always take those contrast numbers with a pinch of salt.
The two smaller displays are available now and the two larger ones should be out in July.
(full press release after the jump)
| |
Samsung has announced a very welcome policy change: they will replace your LCD monitor for free if you find a single bad pixel within 6 months of purchase.
This is only applicable in South Korea at the moment but it looks like a test to see what the return rates and costs are, and hopefully they (and other manufacturers of quality LCDs) will extend this policy to other countries.
We are having a 3400sf house built, and as you know we love our technology and consumer electronics, our house is being built from the ground up with all the latest gadgets in mind, and the centerpeice of all this electronic wizardry is going to be a 37 or 45/46 inch LCD. I know I would be a lot happier thinking about that very expensive purchase if I knew that I could return it if there was a bad pixel in the middle of the screen.
Update: I ask the Samsung reps at CES Unveiled about this and they said it would be great if they could do this in the US but they hadn't heard anything about it.
(Forbes via DigitalMediaThoughts)
| |
Ubergizmo reports that some guy has managed to get a 30 inch apple LCD ($3500) working with a PC via an PNY QuadroFX 3400 graphics card ($1500).
To back up the claim there are some nice screenshots of Doom3 running on the display at 2560 by 1600 pixel resolution (with low framerates).
It all looks very nice, but personally I can't wait to hook up a fast PC to a Sharp AQUOS 45" LCD and play Half-Life 2 for the 5 gazillionth time.
| |
Digitimes is reporting that 15 and 17 inch LCD prices are expected to fall even lower in the next month:
"Prices of LCD-monitor panels are expected to fall later this month, with prices for 17-inch and 15-inch models slumping to US$155-160 and US$135, respectively, according to sources at Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT) and the Chinese-language Economic Daily News (EDN)."
| |
Dell Home has a bunch of coupons today:
Dell Axim X30 high Pocket PC: $379 with free shipping (use $35 off $350 code)
Dell Axim V50v VGA Pocket PC: $464 with free shipping (use $35 off $350 code)
Canon Powershot S500 5 megapixel digital camera: $324 with free shipping (use $35 off $350 code)
Canon Powershot S410 4 megapixel digital camera: $279 with free shipping (use $35 off $350 code)
Dell 2001fp 1600x1200 pixel 20 inch LCD monitor: $604 with free shipping (use $35 off $350 code)
Dell 2005fp 1680x1050 pixel widescreen 20 inch LCD monitor: $644 with free shipping (use $35 off $350 code)
$35 off $350 accessories purchase with code BPDHZ0CHM?ZBLZ (expires 11/11/04)
25% off $999 Inspiron laptops with code 2WL7WMLD3Q4G23 (expires 11/15/04)
25% off $1299 Dimension desktops with code M60LDQM2TH?N37 (expires 11/18/04)
30% off $1799 Dimension desktops with code 3TB6R405280WT1 (expires 11/18/04)
(above codes replace the 15% to 25% discounts shown for desktops and laptops)
Sharp has announced a new 23 inch High-Definition LCD TV that doesn't seen as fully featured as their Aquos line but is still high quality.
The Sharp IT-23M1U has a contrast ratio of 550:1 and a brightness of 500 nits, Sharp also claims a response time of "under 16ms".
The screen is a WXGA 1366 by 768 pixel widescreen format and it has built in 10 watt speakers.
Personally I am trying to decide between getting a monitor like this in the kitchen or going with a cheaper monitor like a 20" dell with DVI and S-Video connectors.
The Sharp IT-23M1U is available now and retails for $1499.
I originally recommended this LCD at $800, then at $750, then at $700 (when I bought another one), well now it is almost down to $600!
It is a great monitor, comparable to a 23" CRT monitor but only a few inches thick.
It has both analog and DVI (digital) connectors for your computer and you can connect your cable/satellive tv box via S-Video or composite connectors (no built in tuner, but works with your cable box's built in tuner and remote).
Max resolution is 1600x1200 which is easily readable.
2001FP 20" Monitor at Dell Home
COUPONS VALID TODAY (11/4) ONLY.
Here's what you do: click the above link which should show the monitor at 20% off, then apply coupon F8ZNN2TLLRBP0R (expires 11/4, or after 1500 uses) for $35 off $400, giving a price of $604 with free shipping.
I originally recommended this LCD at $800, then at $750, saying it may go as low as $700 this summer, well that time is now here.
It is a great monitor, comparable to a 23" CRT monitor but only a few inches thick.
It has both analog and DVI (digital) connectors for your computer and you can connect your cable/satellive tv box via S-Vodeo or composite connectors (no built in tuner, but works with your cable box's built in tuner and remote.
Max resolution is 1600x1200 which is easily readable.
2001FP 20" Monitor at Dell Home
COUPONS VALID TODAY ONLY.
Here's what you do: click the above link which should show the monitor at 20% off, apply coupon 7KQRRQJDWN974M (expires 8/26 6AM CST) to get 20% off, then apply coupon RNNGH2X7W40V3V (expires 8/25, or after 1500 uses) for $30 off $300, giving a price of $689 with free shipping.
If you have an entertainment book card you can get 2 other coupons for $30 off if you miss todays $30 off $300 deal (you must already have the card and can use the coupon only once).
| |
There is going to be a large excess of LCD screens in the next 3 months according to research firm iSuppli.
They predict a 9.3% oversupply of 10 inch and larger LCDs.
What does that mean to us?, it will likely result in further discounts in 15" to 20" LCD monitors in September and October.
At the moment you can get a basic 17" screen for under $350 but personally I am looking for a good 17" screen with DVI input for under $450 and a 20" with DVI (such as the Dell 2001fp) for around $650.
| |
Samsung have released a picture of their new 2.6 inch, 300 dot per inch, 640 by 480 pixel VGA screen (by comparison a PC screen usually has 72 dots per inch, which means this screen can display a lot more in a small space, or make the same amount of information a lot clearer/smoother).
The screen also has a 200:1 contrast ratio and 150cd/m2 brightness which means it should look better than current small screens in direct sunlight.
This will be going into full production in December of this year and should show up next year in small Pocket PCs (current VGA Pocket PCs have a much larger and poorer quality 4 inch screen), smart phones, and high end mobile phones.
Also interesting but not announced yet is that the same 300 dots per inch would allow a 4.2 inch 1024x768 screen on a larger pocket pc or a 7.3" Wide-XGA 1080p HDTV screen combined with the new 60gb 1.8" hard drive for an uber personal video player or portable DVD player.
ShinyPlastic is brought to you by Search Network and edited by Mark Mitford:
Mark is a thirty-something guy living near Boston who loves to own the latest gadgets from brilliant to bizarre and from commonplace to cutting edge.
He used to work as Group Product Manager at a $20 billion Nasdaq 100 technology company so he knows what it takes to create a top gadget or product and make it a success.
Companies don't pay to have their products mentioned here, we are honest and open in our reporting, and this site is supported solely through online advertising.
If you like ShinyPlastic please bookmark us or subscribe to our feed.
