New Monitor Research (Brand reliability mostly)

OK ... So I'm starting the process of researching either adding a 2nd &/or updating my FP monitor. Last time, I just got the Dell 1901FP because it was what I knew (was doing Dell support at the time).

What I'd like from ya'll is simply Brand Reliability suggestions! Those are the kinds of things that somehow rarely make it into "review" feedback ... or at least, not as often as they should!

Also, any feedback on what "fancy new features" are either a load of crock, completely useless, &/or backfire would be useful as well! I don't need "biggest best & brightest", I'm not a gamer ... altho I MAY end up using it as a "tv" for watching movies & such. Mostly I just need more space to facilitate working from home!

Currently, I'm thinking that the LED versions would be nice for truer color, but don't know if I need the "HD" or if I need to worry about the ns ratings.

Thanks in advance for any insight into your experiences with certain brands ... or if you have noticed that a formerly reputable brand has started to lose reliability! That is something that reviews will almost NEVER tell you!

(Experiences with customer support welcome as well!)

 

In mid priced monitors, I have had excellent luck with Samsung and ASUS. Out of about 120 Samsungs over the past 4 years, I have only had to do one warranty RMA. My biggest hassle ever was with HP RMAs - three of 12 in a batch failed; HP kept sending "refurbs" that would fail again within 4 weeks.

The best thing to do is read the manufacturer's warranty carefully on the specific make(s) and model(s) you're considering:

• Better quality monitors have a full three year mfr. warranty. No drop in what's covered after the first year.
• What exactly is covered for three years? Read the fine print carefully. If certain parts or labor are excluded after the first year it is essentially still a one year warranty.
• Is it repair or RMA? Better warranties offer an advance RMA option. A few (though rare) will even pay shipping both ways. Don't buy a monitor that's not an RMA warranty; it may take weeks to fix it.

Good luck on your purchase. "Black Friday" is coming; you should find some killer deals on better monitors.