Which monitor to get?

I'd like to get an external monitor to be used for my laptop (for now ). I'd prefer LED backlit, around 23 inches would be nice. My budget is $200. Does anyone have any good suggestions? I would also prefer one without speakers, but that's not a deal breaker. LED is a must though.
These are the ones I'm looking at right now...

Newegg.com - Acer S211HLbd 21.5'' 5ms LED-Backlight LCD Monitor Slim Design 250 cd/m2 12,000,000:1 (ACM)

Newegg.com - Asus VE228H 21.5" Full HD HDMI LED BackLight LCD Monitor w/Speakers ASCR 10,000,000:1

Newegg.com - Acer S231HLbid Black 23" 5ms HDMI LED-Backlight LCD monitor Slim Design 250 cd/m2 ACM 12,000,000:1 (1000:1)

Newegg.com - ASUS VH238H Black 23" Full HD HDMI LED Backlight LCD Monitor w/Speakers 250 cd/m2 ASCR 50,000,000:1

I used to use ViewSonic exclusively, but I'm not impressed at all with their latest offerings. The last one I posted is an Asus, I'm seriously considering it but I've been hearing here in the forums lately that Asus quality has seemed to gone down hill, so I am weary of them. Especially some of the Newegg reviews people are reporting their Asus monitors are dying prematurely. Not good.

As a "starter" monitor, I wouldn't mind even going for this 18.5 incher, especially since it's only $95 with free shipping. Newegg.com - ASUS VH197D Black 18.5" 1366 x 768 5ms LED Backlight Widescreen LCD Monitor 250 cd/m2 ASCR 10,000,000 :1

So what do you guys think? I could really use some advice, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

I'm way over budget here (40%), but in terms of absolute dollars it is within reason for consideration.

Dell UltraSharp U2311H 23" S-IPS Monitor. $279

The UltraSharp series is top of line for Dell. IPS panels mean great colors and outstanding viewing angles. It also comes with a 3 yr warranty. I'm considering this monitor, but do not own it (yet).

 

I'm sorry but $200 is my budget for a monitor.

Edit: IPS ha? And I like the minimalist design. Shoot. I don't like the button placement, or the usb ports though. Plus I can't see any mention of LED backlighting. I'll have to pass anyway, but thanks for the suggestion.

 

Sorry, I wasn't sure if you had any flexibility in budget.

 

That's ok. I would like to purchase tomorrow though. I just don't want to regret getting an Asus. I'm trying to make my dollars stretch to give me the best value, as I want something that I will be able to enjoy and will last a long time.

 

Hmm, no ideas? Sucks to be me.

 

I wish I could help, but I don't pay any attention to glossy screens and I have only been looking at IPS options (and even with the limited options there, I'm not very well versed). I think your best bet is to compare reviews. Try cnet.com. Or maybe there is even a monitor forum somewhere out there.

 

Is your burning desire for LED backlighting motivated by anything more than marketing hype of the latest/greatest technology?

I've just bought a 24" 1080p Iiyama for a friend - was about the second cheapest 24" monitor on Overclockers (UK - £160ish iirc?) and it's actually really nice.

 

Nope. Power efficiency, longer life, and better color reproduction is my burning desire for LED. I want to keep it green.

 

LED backlights will last longer yes, although it's not really a factor - CCFL ones will last for longer than most people use their monitors. The rest of your points are interesting, because as far as I'm aware if you want significantly better colour reproduction you have to get one with RGB backlight LEDs/local dimming (which you're probably unlikely to find at your price point), not just a white back/edge light, but this actually makes them use more power than either a fluorescent-backlit or a white-LED-backlit LCD.

I've just looked and the Iiyama I bought (E2407HDS) was CCFL not LED. They do do one that's LED (E2473HDS) which is slightly more expensive.

I have not used the LED one but would have no issues recommending it, based on 20 odd years use of Iiyama monitors, with the most recent purchase being a couple of weeks ago. No idea on US price I'm afraid, or even whether those exact screens are available - you might get them with one model digit different for the voltage or something.

 

Well I finally decided on my monitor and ordered it today. Newegg.com - ASUS VH238H Black 23" Full HD HDMI LED Backlight LCD Monitor w/Speakers 250 cd/m2 ASCR 50,000,000:1
I hope I made the right choice. :\

Roger.

 

I would recommend the second one with the speakers it reasonable pricing and for $10 more you get a very nice display w/speakers. I think anything over 21" is too big so that would be my recommendation. But if you prefer a larger screen size, then I would recommend getting the one w/the speakers as well. There's no point in getting a pitbull neutered, whichever screen size you decide on I would recommend the one w/the speakers.

It's really good bang for your buck and as the gentlemen above me so eloquently stated, the length of LED vs. CCFL is negligent because monitors don't last nearly as long as the bulb itself.