Budget shopping tips: LCD computer monitors

The ViewSonic VX1962wm is currently the lowest priced monitor I've reviewed. Currently...

For some, finding the lowest price for a computer monitor trumps all other factors, including features, size, and brand. For those "some" of you, this is the blog you've been waiting for.

Here, I'll outline what I think are the best techniques for finding monitors that are priced the lowest.

Go small
The smaller your monitor's screen size, the less work it takes to illuminate. Thus, the less expensive it is. Simple math, really. Obviously, you'll buy per your needs, but if funds are an issue, go as small as you can stand. I recommend bottoming out at 17 inches, however.

Buy off-brand
Name brands have a premium attached to them, but off brands don't bear the same burden. While a mainstream 21.5-incher like the Dell SX2210 or Lenovo 215p will cost you at least $250, you can find the lesser-known brand HannsG 221HPB from Newegg for $180. Keep in mind though that you get what you pay for and you should not expect the quality level on off-brands to match those of name brands. A brand name may save you on peace of mind, but it usually won't save you cash.

Skimp on features
Like everyone else, if you want two HDMI ports, DVI, component, DisplayPort, built-in speakers, a beer holder, a mini pizza oven, a holographic projector that projects an image of Megan Fox in a bikini that says you're the strangest boy she's ever met attached to your monitor, you're gonna have to pay for it.

Think about exactly what you'll need from your monitor. What exactly you'll be using it for. Then, when it comes time to choose your monitor, stick to your needs and remember that any extra frills will be, well, extra.

Seasonal discounts
After Christmas, late winter/early spring is the best time to take advantage of sales, as stores try to sell off their previous season's stock. Also, most retailers--especially e-tailers--have big promotions on Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Memorial Day weekends. If you're looking to buy and it's approaching one of those weekends, it may pay off to wait a few days to see what deals you can get.

Shop around
If finding the lowest possible price is paramount, then you'll need to put in the time to do so. Check all the majors like Amazon, Newegg, and Best Buy. Then check out some of the price aggregators like Google Product Search and Nextag. Those will point you to lesser-known e-tailers, so use caution when choosing who to buy from.

Buy used
Craigslist and eBay are great resources for finding used monitors in good condition. Just be sure that the eBay users have lots of positive feedback and that you actually try before you buy when using Craigslist.

That about covers all your legal choices. I'll be back next week to focus the best illegal ways to find the cheapest monitor (I won't actually be doing this).

Check out our low-price LCD monitors comparison to get an idea of lowest prices for LCDs that got at least 3.5 stars in our reviews. Then take a look at our comparison of budget LCDs, regardless of rating comparison. There would have been some overlap between the two lists, but the criteria for the two comparisons was that a monitor that appears in one list couldn't appear in the other.

Enjoy, happy hunting, keep your eyes peeled, and stay frosty. And like that, (whoosh!) he's gone.

[Julius_X]

Well that's great and all, but what if you happen to be interested in something other than simply the lowest price, like image quality? You call this a buyers guide, but it seems focused on getting an LCD for the lowest price, and nothing more.

[simon the cat]

Budget shopping tips: LCD computer monitors

the word budget = lowest price.

[Devildoc72]

Seriously Julius_X, did you read the title of the post? It has budget in it, which usually means lowest price.

[efranklin]

I agree. I just altered the title.

[Julius_X]

Awesome. That makes things more clear. For the record, it'd be nice if there was an all around shoppers' guide to LCDs, including things such as viewing angle, panel type, etc to compare - I'm still using CRTs since it seems impossible to find a decent LCD that doesn't use a TN panel, and if they're out there, reviews are scarce. The high end Dell Ultrasharps & HPs come to mind, but I know there have to be others out there... and at a lower price than those name brands.

[efranklin]

Low priced VA and IPS monitors? Not that I know of. You're right though. A guide like that would be very helpful...

[kontrashabu]

What does this bit tell anyone other than to shop at the most obvious places, for the cheapest monitor one can buy? I think we know how to buy cheap junk and used/broken stuff on the internet by now... There is a reason cheap hardware doesn't work and pleasant-to-use parts cost more than pennies. Not that inexpensive monitors are always bad or expensive ones good, but surely there is a factor other than money, even to the thrifty among us.

[efranklin]

@kontrashabu

While many people do know where to shop to get the best deals, not everyone was born with an equal amount of skill in that dept. This blog is mostly for the latter person.

[Thranx]

Sweet Jesus, if anyone reads this looking for an LCD, please do yourself a favor and AVOID OFF-BRANDs. 99% of them are crap. Hell, some name brand units are crap. You will be very unhappy with the quality buying off brands. Stay away from Envision or Hanns-G. Look for cheaper units from HP and Samsung. HP displays are decent, but usually low priced, and Samsung generally has 2 tiers of displays. The low tier certainly being lower in quality, but still a home run when compared to the off-brand units.

Just do some simple research and find yourself a quality unit from a quality manufacture. If you have to buy it used to afford it, go used before you go off-brand.

[efranklin]

@Thranx

This blog is about what your options are if want to pay the least amount of money possible for a monitor. One of those options is off-brand, but like I said in the article, "A brand name may save you on peace of mind, but it usually won't save you cash.".

Perhaps though, I can make that point clearer. Thanks for bringing it up though. I'll see about adding an additional warning.

[singleb]

I would add that those looking for budget prices for decent quality monitors consider going down the refurb or recertified path. I recently purchased a 24" HP-branded monitor for @$200 from Buy.com, and couldn't be happier in terms of image and build quality.

[1egalbegal]

A more expensive monitor like the Samsung T240HD can be considered "budget" because it multi-tasks as a 1080p TV, saving money and space on multiple displays.

[JonEverill]

I have a Dell Ultrasharp 2209WA which cost just over £UK 200. So fairly cheap. Budget IPS panel. Pin sharp. Professional stand. Vastly superior to the rubbish that is sold in the shops.