9) Most of those points don't matter. It's all about cost, and what you would like.
Contrast ratio comes in 2 flavors: Dynamic and static(maybe?). Dynamic is generally really high on newer displays, and the difference between 40000 and 50000 is kinda negligible. Decent right now is 1000:1 static contrast ratio. Some stupid companies don't release both specs, so it's going to be hard to find both.
A notable recent development in the LCD technology is the so-called "dynamic contrast" (DC). When there is a need to display a dark image, the display would underpower the backlight lamp (or decrease the aperture of the projector's lens using an iris), but will proportionately amplify the transmission through the LCD panel. This gives the benefit of realizing the potential static contrast ratio of the LCD panel in dark scenes when the image is watched in a dark room. The drawback is that if a dark scene does contain small areas of superbright light, image quality may be over exposed.
That's why your laptop screen might get darker or brighter based on the color of what's on the screen. I kind of think it's stupid, but it does work, as long as the reaction time is fast (it's not on my laptop, it is on my desktop).
1920x1080 is fine, I think most people like 1920x1200, but personally, I'd like to make the skip to 1080p like TVs are doing.
Brightness is again kind of moot. It's not THAT hard to see a screen, and it doesn't look a whole lot better at 500 cd/m2 vs 300 cd/m2.
Screen size is your preference. It's important to buy a screen that will fit in your area, though.
You didn't mention response rate, but anything under 5ms is decent.
I, personally, don't think brands matter when it comes to monitors. My $200 21.5"
ViewSonic (at least it's very similar to this one) is doing fine, and my $400 17" 1280x1024 monitor lasted me 5 years (I think that was fairly cheap back then for what it was).
The best way to compare is to grab a list of a whole bunch of monitors you MIGHT buy, and list all these details. For example, do you want to pay 70 euros extra for an 2", half the response time, and double the contrast ratio? It's very tempting either way IMO.
Post has been edited 2 time(s), last time on Oct 13 2009, 8:53 pm by rockz.
"Parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Chairman - do we have to call the Gentleman a gentleman if he's not one?"