What might be the disadvantages to NOT purchasing an Apple Cinema display (the least expensive of which is around $700)? If I am considering buying a PowerMac G5, but want to cut cost on the monitor, can I get one of comparable or slightly less quality for a lower cost? What should I watch out for if I do so? Any brand/model suggestions?

Thanks.

Real estate is always a good thing -- you can never have too much. I'd do a comparison with the Dell 24" widescreen. I can strongly recommend it.

I'll second the Dell 2405. When on sale they are $799. Also look at the Dell 20" widescreens. Both models are cheaper than the Apples, and are as good, if not better quality.

Thanks for the suggestions, but I need to spend less than the Apple Display cost of $700, not more. I know I could get a bigger and better monitor. But I can't afford it.

So, please, suggestions for lower priced but good models/brands? I'm on a very low/tight budget and video editing is not my day job (i.e. it's not a business expense).

Thanks.

Then get any LCD you can afford. Viewsonics are good...as are Dells and HP.

I have the Dell 2005 FPW which uses the same panel as the 20" Apple Cinema Display. You can usually get it for around $400 or so--- just keep checking out sites like www.dealmac.com for the coupon codes to enter at Dell's website.

I use one with my Powermac G5 and love it. It is not as sexy as the Apple one...but I wasn't going to pay four hundred bucks more just so it matches the G5 tower.

The Dell display also has a nice adjustable stand for both height and tilt, in addition to an assortment of inputs. You can also run it in portrait orientation if you have the right video card.

One caveat---initially, I thought the Dell was *too* bright and hurt my eyes, but after it "burns" in a bit[or maybe, because my eyes adjusted to it] it is a beautiful display.

I have the Dell 2005 FPW which uses the same panel as the 20" Apple Cinema Display. You can usually get it for around $400 or so--- just keep checking out sites like www.dealmac.com for the coupon codes to enter at Dell's website.

I use one with my Powermac G5 and love it. It is not as sexy as the Apple one...but I wasn't going to pay four hundred bucks more just so it matches the G5 tower.

The Dell display also has a nice adjustable stand for both height and tilt, in addition to an assortment of inputs. You can also run it in portrait orientation if you have the right video card.

One caveat---initially, I thought the Dell was *too* bright and hurt my eyes, but after it "burns" in a bit[or maybe, because my eyes adjusted to it] it is a beautiful display.

I have to agree with him. I have two 20" Apple Monitors and my partner has two 20" Dell monitors sitting right next to mine. He got both monitors for just over what I paid for one of mine and they are more convenient to work with because of the adjusting height and tilts and are of the same quality.

Go with the Dells and save yourself a bit of cash.

One more vote for the dell here, although I alos have a hyundai 19" and it is nice, but it has a pretty poor viewing angle so if you're not right in front of it, its kind of washed out.

I just looked at the Dealmac.com website yesterday and

Dell is selling it at $363[with the coupon codes] for the 2005FPW.

Darn good deal.

I have both apple and dell 20" -- get the Dell.

The Dell and the Apple both use the same Samsung LCD, but the electronics differ. The Dell tests brighter in comparisons.

The SWEETEST thing? The Dell has S-video, DVI, Analog, (and I think composite?) inputs, with a front panel selector AND picture-in-picture with selectable size, input, etc.

Which means you can hook up a DVD player or tuner or game console via S-vid and use it as a nice flat-panel TV. The Apple has only DVI. (I use the Dell to watch movies while I'm on my bike trainer... cycling season's here in Texas!)

Also, the Dell has a handy USB hub. It's not as sexy as the mac, but it ain't no slouch, either. Nice "wow" factor when people drop by your workstation.

(The 20" wide form factor of either beats out other flats panels, by the way. Simply amazing how useful the wider screen is.)

Sorry to respond so late (was off in the Smoky Mtns. doing some research for a new documentary)...

Thanks for all the feedback on monitors. Looks like the Dell is a good option. (I've used them at work and have been pretty happy with results).

Thanks again.