New monitor setup

Hey everyone,

My Dell 220 ws died on me about a week ago. The issue was that the screen would just go black immediately after turning it on. After running around to a few repair shops, they told me the power supply—likely the inverter—is fried, and it’s beyond saving. To make matters worse, I can't even order a replacement part because the component doesn't have any identifying markings on it.🙄

My PC is about four years old now; I'm running a Core2duo E6750 paired with an Nvidia GF 8800 gts 320 mb. Gaming isn't really my priority, so you don't need to suggest anything high-end for hardcore gaming. Mostly, I focus on web design, so I tend to have a lot of applications open at once while I work, and occasionally I'll throw on an HD movie.

Since I'm based in San Francisco, my options for local stores are somewhat limited, so I'd love some recommendations for a monitor from Los Angeles or HGspot. My budget is roughly $500, though I could stretch it by an extra $67 if it's worth it. Ideally, I'm looking for something with a screen size between 22" and 24". Also, could someone explain the actual difference between LCD and LED?

Take a look at these Dell models they've got available; you can find them over at HGspot or Los Angeles, and both places are offering a solid three-year warranty

Monitor DELL U2311H IPS 23 "
Monitor DELL U2312HM LED IPS 23 "
Monitor DELL U2312HMS, silver LED IPS 23 "

The thing is, these all feature an IPS panel, which means the image quality is significantly better than those standard TN panels—honestly, if you ask me, TN panels are just total junk compared to even the most budget-friendly IPS display

As for the difference between LCD and LED, there isn't much of a real distinction, other than the fact that the LED version has this much more intense brightness that can really start to strain your eyes after working for a while, so you'll inevitably have to dial back the brightness setting anyway just to make it comfortable for long sessions, but they do come equipped with both DVI and VGA ports

So, I checked HGspot and they've got these two sitting there at the exact same price point, $496:

Dell U2312HM led IPS 23

LG IPS236V Designer led IPS 23

Los Angeles is charging more, though—if you're paying cash, you save a bit, but if you're using a credit card, the price is basically identical.

The specs are pretty much neck-and-neck, except for one thing—the Dell is missing an HDMI port, but it does come with a 4-port USB hub, which might be useful depending on how much gear you're plugging in.

So, I’ve been using this LG IPS236V Designer led IPS 23 for a bit now, and honestly? I’ve got nothing but good things to say so far. It’s got everything—HDMI, DVI, VGA, whatever you feel like plugging in—plus the settings controls are actually intuitive, which is a relief. Then there's the IPS matrix and that LED backlighting... it's solid. My one real gripe, though—and it's a bit of a pet peeve—is the stand. It’s kind of a beast, relatively speaking, and since I’m working with a pretty cramped desk, it won't let me push the screen all the way back against the wall. Because of that bulky base, the whole thing just sits there hovering out in space... but other than that minor annoyance, it's a straight 5/5!

Thanks for all the input, everyone. I’ve been digging through the reviews for both the Dell UltraSharp U2312HM and the LG IPS236V, and it seems like most people agree with what Fosna mentioned. That said, the feedback suggests the Dell has a much more solid stand that offers better adjustability, so I think I’m going to pull the trigger on the Dell.