What is the difference between these two monitors?

[Jack D.]

So I was looking here http://dealmac.com/Refurbished-Soyo-24-W...90033.html at the Soyo 24" monitors and also noticed these have been on sale/refurb many times before. But if you look at the expired deals http://dealmac.com/search.html?search=Soyo+24%22&x=57&y=12 you'll notice that there are 2 different model numbers: 24DYLM24D6 Topaz series and the 24DYLM24E6 Pearl series. When I go to the Soyo site http://www.soyo.com/products/SOYO_LCD_Monitor/93 and look at the specs for the two, all I see is the Pearl has a higher nits rating and a slightly different case and bezel. Does anyone know what the differences are between the Topaz and Pearl series other than what I just pointed out?

[Robert M]

Jack,

The Soyo you're looking at is a refurb with a 90 day warranty. I can't speak for the quality of Soyo monitors but can definitely give a huge thumbs up to Dell UltraSharp monitors. If you time your purchase correctly, you can get a brand-new Dell display at incredibly low prices. So, prior to purchasing the Soyo, I'd check to see what you can find at Dell. If nothing else, Dell displays ship with at least a one year warranty. You can purchase longer warranties at the same time.

Robert

[M A V I C]

They are slightly different revisions. If you google those numbers you'll probably find the answer. IIRC, the Topaz was originally a PVA panel but later switched to TN. The Pearl is TN.

When my 2405 died I got a Soyo Pearl since it was much cheaper. I didn't know that TN panels only had a small fraction of the color spectrum that PVA panels do (even though many TN panels advertise higher colors than they can actually produce.) I eventually returned the Pearl and did more research to find out just how much difference there is between PVA and TN - a lot.

I'm now very happy with my 2408.

Edit: I did some googling and found this: http://www.techspot.com/vb/topic103372.html
The 24DYLM24D6 is MVA (older version of PVA). Not as good as PVA, but better than TN.

[M A V I C]

Robert M wrote:
but can definitely give a huge thumbs up to Dell UltraSharp monitors.

You do realize not all Dell UltraSharp monitors are the same, right? They used to reserve the "UltraSharp" name for PVA panels, but now some are TN. Your 2408 is waaaaaaaay higher quality than some of the other Dell UltraSharp monitors.

[Robert M]

Mavic,

Yes. I know that. However, even when you take that into consideration, in general, Dell produces very good displays. Even their TN models are worthy of consideration.

Robert

[M A V I C]

Robert M wrote:
Mavic,

Yes. I know that. However, even when you take that into consideration, in general, Dell produces very good displays. Even their TN models are worthy of consideration.

Robert

I'm curious, why do you think their TN panels are so good? They're still 6bit. A client has their TN panels and I always think they look like everyone else's TN panels.

[Robert M]

Mavic,

Check out review of displays and you'll likely find that Dell monitors are generally very well regarded. Dell makes a very good display for the money be it a TN, VA, IPS or other type of panel. Factor in discount codes and you can get some unbeatable deals.

For example, Dell had a special sale on the 2408WFP. They reduced the price from $649 to $519. I got an additional 6% off via AAA. If I had one, I could have stacked a promo code onto that discount to reduce the price further. For all I know, the 2408WFP may still be on sale.

Right now, Dell Small Business is offering 10% off on flat panel monitors. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Jack can get a brand-new display similar in spec to the Soyo for just a bit more $$$ if he factors in what Dell has on special sale and the discounts codes available to him.

Robert

[Jack D.]

Robert M wrote:
Mavic,

Check out review of displays and you'll likely find that Dell monitors are generally very well regarded. Dell makes a very good display for the money be it a TN, VA, IPS or other type of panel. Factor in discount codes and you can get some unbeatable deals.

For example, Dell had a special sale on the 2408WFP. They reduced the price from $649 to $519. I got an additional 6% off via AAA. If I had one, I could have stacked a promo code onto that discount to reduce the price further. For all I know, the 2408WFP may still be on sale.

Right now, Dell Small Business is offering 10% off on flat panel monitors. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Jack can get a brand-new display similar in spec to the Soyo for just a bit more $$$ if he factors in what Dell has on special sale and the discounts codes available to him.

Robert

Well, there's the rub. Yes, a Dell Ultrasharp 2408WFP is probably with out a doubt the better monitor (I have a 1905FP that is razor sharp but starting to dim). $150 for the Soyo vs $500 or so for the Dell is the problem. I know 2 people that have the Soyos - both were refurbs - and they look very nice at well over 1.5 years old.

If I go for one of these I would probably just spring for the new one because of the one year warranty but given that I've been laid off since last July, $500 for a monitor is not really in the cards for me now. Heck, the wife doesn't even want me to buy the Soyo! I guess we'll see how it goes.

[Robert M]

Jack,

I wasn't saying to buy the 2408WFP. I was just using it as an example of the kind of deals you can get on a Dell (and some of the non-Dell) displays sold via the Dell web site. Like I said, through Dell, you may be able to get display that is equal to or better than the Soyo for less $$$ or close to the price you listed in your initial post. I just happen to like Dell display since they are good monitors for the $$$.

Robert

[ADent]

We have some Dell TN's at work and yuck. My Acer MVA is much nicer. I swapped it out with a good looking HP.


When I got my Acer there were Soyo IPS displays. Are you looking at TN Soyo's? I say go for it, but just be prepared to throw it away if it dies after 95 days.