I’m looking for a new LCD wide screen monitor in the 22″ range. Contrary to the current industry trend, the biggest monitor possible is not what I’m looking for. More real estate for distractions is not really what I need. The most important features to me are:
- vertical/height adjustment
- VGA and DVI input
- ability to switch between VGA and DVI by pressing a button (not having to delve into monitor menu each time)
- ~$300 USD
- a reasonable warranty
- I don’t care about USB connections on the monitor
I’m also tired of my stock Dell keyboard. Since I spend so much time at the keyboard every day I think it is time for something better. Here is what I’m looking for:
- I like the feel of regular formed keyboard keys and the responsiveness of a good laptop keyboard
- not interested in the IBM clickity-clack thing
- ~$50 USD (realizing this could be completely unreasonable)
- PS/2 connection (so I can connect to legacy KVM and existing older boxes)
I’ve done a fair amount of searching about but there are so many choices and so many reviews, but so far nothing that looks like a good fit.
Any recommendations (manufacturer and model number) or links out there based on your experiences or what you have? If so, I’d love to get your comments.
November 25, 2009 at 9:28 am
Sorry for the late report. I did find a great monitor to that met my requirements. So far it is working out very well. I have it at its full height (5 3/4″)–bottom of monitor to desk. I cannot imagine if it was 2 inches off my desk or not adjustable.
The Samsung 2243BWT 22″ widescreen
http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=1689186
August 21, 2009 at 7:36 am
I bought a Hann 19″ monitor via New Egg. It was inexpensive, and had decent reviews, but the power supply fried after about 12 months. They replaced it under warranty, but still kind of a hassle. I would pay attention to the stand associated with the monitor, since the Hann only tilts, and I find it annoying relative the my Dell Landscape monitor which swivels, rotates, and moves up and down.
Good luck
August 16, 2009 at 1:45 am
I recently bought two of these, and can’t recommend them enough:
http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/detail/spec.do?group=itbusiness&type=monitors&subtype=lcd&model_cd=LS20MYKEBQ/EDC
Samsung monitors have a one-touch source select button (this model has both DVI and VGA). As well as tilt/height/rotation adjustment, the base also spins so you can easily turn them around to show the guy next to you what you are working on.
August 14, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Wait, sorry, that was the wrong keyboard link:
http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/categories.main/parentcat/9608
August 14, 2009 at 12:32 pm
You can get models of the IBM ‘clicky’ keyboard (Model M) which don’t actually have the clicky keysprings, they have the ‘inferior’ type that you prefer. These might be worth looking into, as they should have the other advantages of the Model M – it’ll still be sturdy enough to last forever and work for home defence, no stupid multimedia keys all over the place, still a decent key throw, and PS/2 connector. These are the models you want to look for:
http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/categories.main/parentcat/13192
might be able to find ’em on eBay or at a local parts store or computer recycler or something.
My partner bought a Samsung monitor yesterday which satisfies all your points except the first one, unfortunately…
August 14, 2009 at 11:46 am
For a keyboard, I love the Logitech Elite Keyboard LE. It has =, (, ), and Bksp keys above the keypad (The parens don’t seem to work though 🙁 ). Has F-Lock, but its set to default to the FX keys instead of the useless other function. Only weird thing is insert is with PrintScreen (when F keys are active, PrntScn is on, otherwise it’s insert). The Delete key is extended to take its place.
I recently got a Das Keyboard Ultimate (blank) and the clicky is great. 😉
August 14, 2009 at 10:53 am
I have a 22 inch Dell monitor at work. VGA and DVI input with a button to switch. It was about UK £ 170 around 12 months ago and has a 1680×1050 resolution. It doesn’t have a height adjustable pole but for work that wasn’t an issue as the desks have arms, but its worth considering. Its a good monitor!