Return of the $179 24-inch LCD--for $169

For the unbelievable price of $169.99, you can get a new 24-inch LCD.

(Credit: Asus)

I know many of you were bummed about missing the dirt-cheap 24-inch LCD from the other day, which sold out soon after I posted it. Well, like I always say, there's usually a better deal just around the corner.

Case in point: ZipZoomfly has an Asus VH242H 24-inch LCD monitor for $169.99 shipped. That's after a mail-in rebate [PDF], but it's for only $10.

In other words, you can skip the rebate altogether and still get a 24-inch LCD for the same price as the ViewSonic posted Monday.

What's more, the Asus is new, not a refurb! That means you get a stellar three-year warranty on parts and labor.

On the spec front, the VH242H delivers with 1,920x1,080 resolution, a 5ms response time, and an impressive three inputs: VGA, DVI, and HDMI. (Need an HDMI cable to connect this to, say, an Xbox or PS3? Don't forget: You can get one for as little as $3.

The Asus also has built-in speakers, though as with all speaker-equipped monitors, don't expect theater-quality sound. Expect sound somewhere between AM and FM radio.

CNET hasn't reviewed this particular LCD, but if you bop over to Newegg (where it's selling for $187.99 after rebate, incidentally), you'll find hundreds of overwhelmingly positive user reviews.

A few readers have pointed out that ZipZoomfly doesn't cover return-shipping charges on defective products, so if you happen to get a bum unit, you'll have to pay to send it back. I don't consider that a deal-breaker, but it's something to keep in mind.

Even if you skip the rebate, this is a better deal than the one I posted Monday. Consequently, it may sell out, too, so hurry up and get clicking!