If money is not a factor, then go for the U2410. I believe it's the updated version of Dell's wildly successful 2408WFP.

Another good choice would be the Dell 2209WA. Only drawback is it doesn't have HD resolution. But both should be above average monitors seeing as they use IPS panels.

At that price, go for Dell's 2209W. It falls nicely in your budget range and is full HD to boot. I've read good stuff about that monitor and am seriously considering getting it myself.

Most reliable prices can be had here

If you are willing to fork out 1k for the monitor, why not consider the 2209WA? The e-IPS panel looks seriously amazing, provided you can stomach not having a HDMI connection and a 1680 x 1050 resolution.

@zero_hour;
It's so cheap that a missing HDMI connection doesn't matter much. Another plus, apart from the price, would be it's higher brightness level than all other ST models. Currently running on a screen with a 250nit brightness level myself, and IMHO it's too dark even at the highest setting.

Don't overlook the better brightness level, contrast ratio (useless I know) and response time too. But I do agree that you will be paying a premium price for the Alienware name brand that just doesn't justify its overall performance.

This post has been edited by Loki[D.d.G]: Oct 19 2009, 04:02 PM

All delivery and tax charges are included in Dell's online price.

And yes, the 2209WA uses an e-IPS panel.

There is a pretty comprehensive and detailed LCD thread over at AnandTech.

Er, is Dell Malaysia even selling the S2309?

It's CCFL. The only to LED backlit LCDs being shipped by Dell currently are the G2410 and G2210.

Even if they do have HDMI, the sound quality of integrated monitor speakers is nothing to write home about. DVI is good enough for most people out there.

Dell ST2410 or G2410.

Viewsonic VX2433WM.

An IPS panel eh? Should be pretty brilliant; though the best judge of that would be your own eyes.

You mean between TN and IPS panels?

Well, TN is your basic mainstream LCD panel. Cheap to produce, excellent response times, decent enough colors and somewhat limited viewing angles.

IPS panels on the other hand is one step higher. It has brilliant color reproduction which makes it perfect for graphic designers and better wide viewing angles than a TN panel. Though I've heard that it doesn't have the best response times, I've yet to notice any ghosting from the Dell S2209WA which has an e-IPS panel.

Dell S2209WA is the cheapest e-IPS panel I have seen. Though it only has a max resolution of 1680x1050. But for that price, it's a killer.

You make solid points.

But I would counter by saying that not everyone is a FPS or racing junkie. And response times are subjective to the people in question. Some may notice ghosting whilst others might be blissfully unaware of it as it happens before their very eyes. My hypothesis is, if you cant see it, you wouldn't be bothered by it. Also, some of us, me for example, really enjoy getting the most out of our money. And if that means a top of the line IPS panel to enjoy full HD entertainment such as Blu-Ray playback or even RPG and adventure games with breathtaking graphics, then so be it.

Ghosting is only pretty much limited to FPS and racing games where the frames rendered tend to come thick and fast. Plus, IMO, if you can locate any ghosting in newer TN panels, then the only better option would be a CRT, and that will be a huge downgrade, wont it?

As for the color reproduction part, when you compare a TN and IPS panel side by side, you will notice quite a difference. And seeing as most LCDs out there are TN anyway, that will make you enjoy your IPS panel all the more. So, it isn't only for professionals. It also caters to the demanding consumer. Just my many cents.

Well, the S2209W has better screen resolution. But the S2209WA has better colors, viewing angles and all the other bonuses attributed to IPS panels.

Also, I'm not quite sure if you can find a Dell monitor for sale anywhere else other than their website. Sans refurbished or second hand models that is.

@Above;
You may want to consider the Dell S2209W yourself. 21.5" with good quality for its price, which is slightly above 500.

Good metaphor. But I'd rather go for the Dell in this case, seeing as it really has good picture quality. That and Dell always honors their warranties promptly.

Though based on personal experience, I find that the stated specs do not always translate into the final product. I've seen screens with supposedly low response times, i.e. 2ms, show signs of ghosting. And on the flip-side, I've failed to notice said ghosting on screens that are rated for 6ms response time.

You'll be hard pressed to locate a brand new Dell LCD selling anywhere else other than their website. Refurbished models are another story altogether.

Dell G2410 and and a Samsung whose model number I cannot recall (all I know is that it starts with a X).