*EDIT*
Please ignore that last poll question - I thought you could skip the vote if it was n/a. Put anything you want for that question because it does not provide an accurate representation. I'd delete it if I could.
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I'm looking for about a 22" widescreen LCD. I'd like to replace my 19" CRT but have been very disappointed in the color rendition of my 2-year old laptop LCD (HP) and my 6-year-old 17" Mag brand LCD.

I know LCD technology has come a long way (and certainly a LOT cheaper) since I got my 17" but I'm still dubious. I know nothing will beat a CRT due to its 'infinite contrast ratio' but if it's close enough for me to compare prints to the displayed image and not notice any significant difference, I'm sold.

I'd like to spend between $300 and $600 for a 22" to 24" LCD. So I know I'm not going to get the *best* display out there, but I also want to avoid mediocre displays. Brands to look at or stay away from also help.

I know a lot of you have those awesome Studio Displays, but I think that's out of my budget for the size I want (I still drool a little when I see Apple's 30" in the stores... size really does matter! )

Color calibrator recommendations/comments are also appreciated.

I use a CRT. The trinitron models are cheap and color correct perfectly. Hard to beat that except for their size.
If I wanted to spend 2x as much I would get the NEC MultiSync LCD2170NX-BK for about $700. It is pretty much the only LCD under $1000 that is almost as good as a CRT. It is not widescreen but is as big as a 24 inch CRT. Most good LCD's will get close but tend to have a problem with the blacks, this one can get there according to the guys at DPI in San Luis Obispo. It has full color adjustments. It actually has even more color adjustments than my trinitrons.
Here's the link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/sitem/sku=410918&is=REG

Thanks for the link on the NEC! That's exactly the sort of info I need. I was excited at first because you said 24 inches Even at 21" that's an acceptable size.


Also, it's possible that I'll just stick with my Samsung CRT for color correction and go with a cheaper widescreen LCD for a second monitor. Those recommendations are equally appreciated.

Cheers
J

The actual viewable size is the same as a 24 inch CRT, I should have phrased that differently. When my Dell Trinitron gives out I will get that one just because it is so hard to get a CRT now. Refurbs are easy to find but I haven't found a good place for new Trinitron tube models.

I've got the Dell 2405fpw 24" widescreen monitor. Its the same as teh Apple 23" cinema but rebadged basically. The apple is suppose to be a tiny bit better for calibrating because of less backlighting, but I have no problems with my Gregtag macbeth eye one display 2 calibrator.