I'm thinking of buying a 19" monitor to go along with an aging 17" Panasonic in a 2 monitor setup. The Panasonic would be demoted to the #2 pallette display for Pshop. I've read recently on West Coast Imaging's website that Aperture Grille displays have been the preferred choice for imaging. I understand that Shadow Mask monitors are better for text. WCI mentions problems with cloning on SM monitors. What sort of problems?
My Panaflat is a shadow mask monitor, but has developed an intermittent glitch. I don't particularly like AG wire lines on the screen (had that on an old NEC 4FG). Also, because of the chance of getting a lemon, I would like to buy locally (means CompUSA). The choice of AG monitors there is limited. I think the only one is the Viewsonic PF790. They have an Envisions SM monitor with really good specs for $250 through tommorrow. (Of course, I want to see it first.) My experience with monitors in general (and I've bought in the $600-800 range previously) is that they die in 3-4 years anyway, which discourages me from paying a premium. How much of a difference is there between AG and SM monitors for Photoshop work? This new one will be specifically for Photoshop. I don't want to cut corners that I'll miss, but I don't want to blow money either. Any comments on the Viewsonic PF790? If I have to mail-order, I'm leaning toward getting the Lacie Electron Blue III 19". I understand Lacie is offering free shipping for $399. My thinking is that, since their market is imaging professionals, they will have better QC and a friendlier exchange policy should I get a clunker. Any advice will be greatly appreciated... Lloyd O'Daniel
