Seeing is believing, and you've got to see this one...
Written: Jan 29 '01 (Updated Jul 30 '01)
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Pros: Incredible trinitron picture quality, Solid durable construction
Cons: Not the most attractive enclosure, slightly smaller V.I.S.
The Bottom Line: You can't find another monitor that even comes close to the E210's picture quality in its price range.
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| sebandsophie's Full Review: Sony CPD-E210 17 inch CRT Monitor |
I've always thought that Sony televisions were untouchable. There is just something about the magnificent picture that they produce. The only other manufacturer that even comes close to them is probably Mitsubishi. So when I started looking for a new monitor, Sony was on the top of my list.
I did a lot of research trying to see what other monitors were out there that could compare to the Sony. The only reason I was even considering another brand is due to the fact that Sony monitors can be quite pricey. I weighed whether the extra cost was justified.
I just purchased the Sony CPD E210 about a month ago and can honestly say that you get what you pay for. Just like a John Deere, they are definitely worth the extra cash! I originally purchased a Samsung 700NF back in August but returned it due to problem I was having with the on-screen display. You can see my review for more details.
Anyway, the Sony E210 blows the Samsung away. The clarity of text is amazing. It is crystal clear from corner to corner. I work a lot with Excel and Word and the clarity of text at a font of 6 is much cleaner than the Samsung. I decided to go with the E210, which by the way, is the same exact monitor as as the Sony E200 but with a three year warranty versus one year. You definitely want to get a monitor with at least a three year warranty.
The Sony's price dropped substantially since I first began my search. I purchased the monitor on the internet thru Dell GigaBuys for a total cost of $336.95. ($314.95+$22.00 for shipping). I ordered the Samsung on the internet and was a bit hesitant about ordering over the internet again because of the big hassle it can be if you need to return the monitor. I could only find the Sony E200 at retail outlets like Staples and Circuit City but not the E210. I decided to order it thru Dell because I wanted the three year warranty. The monitor arrived two days later in perfect shape and I was very impressed with the speedy delivery since I chose the cheapest form of shipping (3-5 days).
I also bought my system from Dell and have always had good luck with them. The plug and play feature makes the setup quick and easy. The mouse like pad on-screen display controls are on the front below the bezel. The controls take a few minutes to get used to but once you do it works extremely well.
Both the Sony and Samsung use flat screen technology. I highly recommend it when looking for a monitor. It greatly reduces glare and ey strain and allows you to use the computer for longer periods of time. The higher cost of the flat screen design versus the conventional CRT is definitely worth it.
The Sony uses the world renown Trinitron tube and the Samsung uses the Diamondtron tube, which is manufactured by Mitsubishi. The Trinitron produces a slightly sharper picture, at least that is what I think. Again, picture quality is very subjective and you need to see the differences with your own eyes.
Here is a tip when it comes to adjusting the geometry of the picture. First, adjust both the brightness and contrast controls to their highest settings. Next try to have a screen where the borders are very light,preferably white in color. This allows you to be able to see how the screen is filling out, particularly the corners, which are the most difficult to adjust. I've found, as with most flat screen monitors, there is no perfect solution. However, this Sony comes very close to squaring out perfectly. It takes a bit of practice and patience but you'll get there.
The recommended setting for the resolution for the E210 is 1024 x 768, running at a refresh rate of 85 Hz. You want to have at least 75 Hz when running at this resolution to avoid annoying screen flicker. One unfortunate disadvantage is the 60 Hz refresh rate at a resolution of 1600 x 1200. The flicker is very noticeable but any one working at this resolution on a 17 inch screen would need magnifying glasses in order to read it because everything is extremely tiny.
If you intend on using a resolution of 1600 x 1200 or higher, I would look for a 19 inch, or even better, a 21 inch monitor instead. Most, if not all 17 inch monitors are not meant to be run at such a high resolution.
Another nice feature is the small amount of spacethat this monitor takes up. This monitor is ideal for anyone with tight space. The depth was not much longer than my old 15 inch monitor. Unfortunately, it is not the most sleekest of monitors and is rather squarish. But the superb image quality makes you forget that.
Another disadvantage is that its 15.6 inch viewable image screen (V.I.S) is slightly smaller than the average 15.9 inches of other monitors out there. I also wish they had used a detachable video cable. This comes in handy if the cable is accidently damaged. Instead of having to bring in the whole monitor in to repair it, you just order a new cable.
When you start looking for a monitor, here are some basic tips to follow:
(1) Make sure that the dot pitch is at least .26mm or below. The lower the number the more detailed and clearer the picture becomes.
(2)Look for a refresh rate of 75 hz or higher at the resolution you plan on working with.
(3)Get a monitor with at least a three year warranty. Most do but some may only carry a one year warranty.
Lastly, go to a retail store to see the monitor for yourself and compare it to others. Sometimes the model you may be interested in is not available, so you may not always have this opportunity.
Its OK to use someone's opinion on a product but above all, trust your own instincts and use wise judgement when deciding on what monitor to purchase. You're the one who has to be happy with your final decision.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 336.95
Operating System: Windows and Macintosh
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Epinions.com ID:
sebandsophie
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Member: Sebastian Formica
Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 1 member
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