When is a bigger monitor worse

[darbykidd]

If you combine a 21" monitor with an older system will the lower resolution you have to run it on for games (so the system can keep up) look worse on the bigger monitor compared to a 17" monitor? Basically what I'm asking is will for example 1280 x 1024 look worse on a 21" compared to a 17"? thanks. I found a good deal locally on a 21" but don't know if its worth it. Here is my system specs if that helps

amd k6-III+ 450 @ 600 mhz
384 meg ram
ATI rage IIc 8 meg card (going to upgrade to a ATI or geforce 64 meg in near future)
40 gig hd
win 98 se

[Jimstep]

I think it will depend on the quality of the monitor. Not worth it if the dot pitch is higher than .26, the image would be too grainy

I have a 19" monitor and I like all my games on it, even at 640x480.

Note, though, that the bigger monitors take up a lot of desk space.

[Ammok]

Could you save the money for the monitor and use to upgrade your mobo and cpu? I've just done this going to an athlon, new mobo and a 64mb geforce 2(dirt cheap) and I am very imprssed with the result. My opinion only, but if you want good graphics, get the best processor and motherboard you can afford first. Then pick off a decent card cheap from the resellers. 32mb geforce 2 are really really cheap now because the G3 is setting the standard, and 64mb G2's are pretty cheap as well.
This strategy works for me and I think your 17" will only be worth getting rid of, once you have the power andd graphics to warrant a 19 or 21 version. BTW, pay heed to jimstep, they are totally enormous and very very heavy.

[Josef K]

Originally posted by Ammok
BTW, pay heed to jimstep, they are totally enormous and very very heavy.

No kidding! I recently treated myself to a 21" Sony. It took longer to get the thing upstairs than it did to actually shut down, connect it and reboot. I was alone in the house so I had to carry it myself. I was halfway up the stairs and completely out of breath with my arms quivering when I had a scary "should I leave go and run or should I wait a while and catch my breath?" kind of moment. I got it there in the end, though and now I'm considering storing my car in the empty box during the winter months. :)

I'm very happy with a facefull of screen compared with my old 15" one though...

[Ammok]

Have you reinforced the desk though?
I fancy one of those flat LCD thingies, hang it on the wall like a mirror.

[Josef K]

Originally posted by Ammok
Have you reinforced the desk though?
I fancy one of those flat LCD thingies, hang it on the wall like a mirror.

Ha! I meant to mention that! I cringed after I set it up and sat down, got my blanket around me (cold here in old Blighty at the moment!) and prepared myself for the delicious 21 inchness of it all while simultaneously dreading my girlfriend returning home to see a monitor that is finally wider than my keyboard. I cringed because I noticed the "U" shape my desk had become. I'm thinking I might find myself a board large enough to cover the desk for extra support and maybe extend it somewhat in order that I can sleep at night knowing my new best friend is safe from harm.

[BobViper]

ALOHA
I got a 21" also!

Only problem willbe when it dies someday if I can't afford a new one I'll go Nuts trying to look at AnyThing Smaller!

Aloha~Merry Christmas~BoBBiper

PS~Checkout Costco~21" Nokia Flat Screen(CRT) I think .24 dot~Such a Steal at $429.00~Have Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ammok]

Well I believe in miracles and it is Christmas.......but then I don't live in Hawaii either. Some folks got it tough. Merry Christmas Ho Ho Ho.

[LostBok]

21" monitors are HEAVY!!! Think "curved desks" if you haven't got a seriously solid bit of furniture to put it on... I'd second that - if its a decent monitor games are good, even at 640x480!

Very happy with my EIZO T960 (1600x1200@92Hz)...

[UWConvoy]

PS~Checkout Costco~21" Nokia Flat Screen(CRT) I think .24 dot~Such a Steal at $429.00~Have Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Are you serious????

This past summer, I got a Sceptre 17" LCD for like $750 with shipping :( . It's a great monitor, but I miss the money :eek: