Issue With My Monitor

Dyre Straits

As was mentioned in the Rate CAT 5.11 (Drivers Only) thread, I've had some issues with my 19" Hitachi monitor since installing the CAT 5.11s. At times it seemed that the problem was gone, subsiding, or under control.

However, it returned with a vengeance tonight and I've resorted to removing that monitor and temporarily using an IBM 17" monitor to see if the problem creeps up again with this one.

One thing's for sure! This monitor is not nearly as crisp and clear as my Hitachi. If I have to replace that one, I'll be hard-pressed to get one that has been as easy on the eyes as it's been.


BUT, so far, there's no fluctuating, flickering, or other annoying visual problems other than just being a lot more 'blurry' than my Hitachi.

Judas

Check out Samsungs Higher quality 19-21 inch monitors. If you can find it, get a 900IFT (Excellent monitor... one of the first samsung monitor that support 2048x1536 (that you can actually read font on)).... or the 21 inch which is a 1100DF which also support 2048x1536. but obtainable at 83HZ (give or take a few)

0.20 dot pitch is excellent to work with

Dyre Straits

Yes, one of the things that really made this Hitachi nice is the .22 dot pitch. I've always run my Desktop at 1280x1024 and had no problems at all with clarity.

mkk

Mine was having geometry fluctuations that got worse with time(heat). Took a compressed air can and spent a good part of it blowing into the monitors various vent holes. That seems to have fixed it for now, having had no problems for a week. I've ordered a replacement and when it arrives I'll try opening this one up and blow any last bit of dust off the components.

swimtech

I wondered about your problem too Dyre - and kinda thought it would resurface regardless of the driverset you were using (you've dropped back to the 5.10a's right?). If you don't see the problem on the IBM monitor you know what is happening...

There are several good monitors out there now for a lot less money than your Hitachi cost you that will give you comparable performance. I like the Samsungs too...

BWX

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824001068

I am getting that one delivered Tues or Wed.. I'll let you know how it works out..

A pretty good deal actually.

Dyre Straits

It would be very hard to get one for less than I paid for this Hitachi about 4 years ago. I got it refurbished from a local computer store for only $125. (US). So, I've certainly gotten my money's worth!!

Dyre Straits

I'd be interested in what you think of it.

I'm almost certain, though, that I can get my hands on some really good, refurbished monitors locally. In fact, I may ask these people if they have a source for someone who does the refurbishing. I'd love to get this monitor done if it's not too costly.

BWX

http://www.azatek.com/pricelist.asp?CID=58

http://www.azatek.com/pricelist.asp?CID=59


I was thinking seriously about buying one of those. Could have had an awesome 21 inch for the same price I paid for a 19... but I chose the brand new route.. mainly because of the 3 year warranty- (and new condition).

-but still those are worth a look for anyone interested in a good CRT.

Dyre Straits

If I can't get by the computer store tomorrow, I'll definitely get by there on Tuesday.

Also, I think I want to check out the 'dust' situation inside this one. It has just been such a great monitor that I hate to think of using anything else at the moment.


EDIT: Come to think of it, today is tomorrow. I just got home from work a little while ago.

Dyre Straits

UPDATED:

I can get this monitor for $69.99 US

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/si...cid=MIGR-40017

Only difference is that the one that's available is Black...not Beige.

BWX

Seems to be a good deal-- but are you getting a used or refurb?

Also that doesn't look like a true flat screen, but a "flatter screen"? I really like the true flats.

H3X4D3C1M4L

I'd go for a refurb IBMP260.... I have one and it was the best money I ever spent. Except for the X800XT.

Dyre Straits

I went today and looked at some new LCD monitors. Frankly, none of what I looked at (places like CompUSA, MicroCenter) would work for me. If you know of the Aquarium ScreenSaver that most of these displays use, then you'll know what I'm talking about. It probably isn't the best example to use for selling these. For instance, as I looked at every single LCD monitor that was using this ScreenSaver, I couldn't help but notice how the ascending bubbles are so 'jerky/choppy' as they rise.

So, I'll likely not devote much more time to considering the LCD monitors.

Also, a little update on my Hitachi: I disconnected it the other night and set it aside while using the 17" IBM. Then, last night I took the back cover off it and cleaned it out, turned it upside down on the carpet, and shook it and 'banged' on it to loosen up any dirt/dust that may have collected. Then I put it all back together and connected it back to my system. It still has a slight fluctuation but not nearly as bad as what it had been before. It's been nearly 24 hours on now and still is barely noticeable. If I can wait till after Christmas to replace it, I'd rather do that. But, if it does get worse again, I'll go ahead and get another CRT 19" for sure. I don't think I'd be happy with any LCD that I've seen 'up close and personal' just yet.

One final note: While I had the back cover off this monitor, I noticed what looks like a S-Video connector or maybe even a PS/2-type connector. With the cover on, it's inaccessible. Would this be where technicians hook up a device for diagnostics or something like that? Anyone know? At least, that's my guess.

BWX

I got my Samsung today.. Didn't work. Now I have to send it back.. NewEgg hooked me up though. Even with the money it cost to send it back (and they are taking it as an RMA contrary to what their website says)... It will cost me LESS money now because of the credits they are giving me than if it worked when I got it.. They are giving me 45 dollars to send it back to them and then next day air'ing the new one to me when they receive mine..


It took two phone calls to them.. but they saw it my way in the end.
I'm still bummed the thing didn't work.. it looks like an awesome monitor.

Dyre Straits

I always hate it when that happens to me. Get all excited, get sweaty palms, open the package, hook it up and......NOTHING. Can't get much worse than that.

BWX

Yeah I was so bummed. I tried for 30 minutes to get it working. Man it's like getting a new video card or something, waiting for a week, then getting it in your PC, and seeing artifacts all over or something. That happened to me with the first two 9700pro's I bought from BestBuy a few years ago too.

It would turn on when I pushed the button, but nothing would come up on the screen, not even the no signal screen. Then the power light would blink and it would just keep restarting (or it sounded like it was).. I imagine it got bumped on the UPS truck or something. Next one is coming next day air, so maybe it will have a somewhat smoother ride.

Dyre Straits

I have a horror story I can tell you about re: a computer I just built for someone up in NY. UPS banged that sucker up so much that the case was irreparable. I've got pictures of it and UPS is still working on the claim I turned in for it. I'm not so sure I want to use UPS anymore.

Just one example: The hard drive was jolted out of the tray so hard that it was lying down inside the case, out of the tray with the screws still in the side.

BWX

Yeah UPS sucks.. I know - I used to work there. Fed-Ex is much better in my experience. I just hope the next monitor gets here in operational condition.

Rasta Monsta

My money would be on the graphics card as the cause of that.

rm

H3X4D3C1M4L

Rofl how weak would the card have to be to lag in screen savers....oh man