used monitors - what to look for?

[demonikal]

I was thinking about looking for two used LCD monitors (probably not LED cuz of the higher price) so I could have them side by side.

I know there are actually people out there that don't try to rip people off on Ebay and CL, etc. I know there are actually people out there that take good care of their computer equipment (probably everyone on this forum ) and don't charge an arm and a leg for it.

It's gonna take some searching though.

I just want to know what are some of the common problems that an flat LCD Widescreen monitor would have? I mean like things that a seller isn't going to mention that I should look for when I ask if I can test it out (if picking up from someone via CL or Ebay pickup).

Do different graphics cards have different effects on the monitor? Do more high end graphics cards stress out LCD monitors faster or is it the other way around with low quality graphics cards (like mine)

I've heard of the term "dead pixel" or "dead pixels". Is that when there's a spot on the screen that simply does not light up

Can someone run some kind of stress test on a monitor to see how it behaves over and after 24 hours (would be best with an Ebay item since CL users never give the option of returning for a refund or exchange).

And what's the say on DVI versus VGA? Which one is better? I know DVI is newer. I just figure I might get a better price with two monitors that offer DVI and/or VGA, but not HDMI.

Thanks for reading my book

 

[Darren]

Dead pixels are pixels that aren't functioning right, either off or a wrong color. Sometimes applying slight pressure to that pixel with your fingertip might fix it. Basically you can rub it out (no not that way).

As far as I know different power of GPU's would have no effect on a monitor. Video output is video output.

DVI is a digital output while VGA is analog. Naturally you're going to have a sharper picture with DVI but from MY experience I've never noticed much difference. Side by side you probably would but I wouldn't say it's absolutely crippling to have VGA. I'd definitely suggest DVI or even HDMI if possible.

As far as stress testing is concerned... Uhhhh, not a clue. I'm no expert on monitors but it seems like a monitor either works, or it doesn't.