I'm looking to buy a flat panel display and need some help locating
options for purchase.  What I really would like is an Apple Cinema 23"
1920x1200, but I don't want to pay more than $1600.  So I'm looking
for either a cheaper place to buy these, or a good alternative.

My requirements:

1600x1200 or higher resolution
19" or higher
DIV input (
good for showing movies/tv - good brightness, viewing angles, and
refresh
preferable seller is outside of California - so I save sales tax
stylish design - preferable something that can hang from the wall and
not look out of place.

I've seen a lot of options that meet my resolution and size
requirements but been able to view any in person other than the apple
23" which I love.  So I'll be buying mainly on the advice given here.

To answer this question, I would like either:
1. A place to get the apple 23" for under $1600
or 
2. Someone who has seen a lot of flat panel displays in person to give
their opinion on what else I should buy.

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Clarification of Question by jonathanclark-ga on 30 Apr 2003 22:19 PDT

Er, I meant DVI input - but you knew that.  Also the primary purpose
for the screen is for computer use, but it will double as a TV/DVD
viewer.

Hi Jonathan,

A Froogle search turned up:

23" Cinema HD Display - $1500
PowerMac4u
http://shop.vendio.com/nwpowermac/item/569162879/index.html

The seller is in Blaine, WA
http://www.powermac4u.com/


Froogle search keywords: apple cinema


Best wishes,
robertskelton-ga

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Request for Answer Clarification by jonathanclark-ga on 01 May 2003 07:50 PDT

I found that one using froogle before I posted this question, however
I cannot verify that it is a legit business.  Signs it's a bad
business:

- They do not accept credit cards - only prepayment.  Credit cards
protect the consumer against fraud.

- The domain was registered only a few months ago.

- There are no links to the web site from anywhere else.

- The are no hits for the the comapny name, or the name of the
individual who is supposed to be running it.

- There is no HTTPS ccertificate assigned for the site.

- Shipping for the product is priced at $30, while it definately cost
more than that.

- All their products prices are rounded to $100.  If this is a bargain
site, then the prices should be more exact.

- The phone number listed does not ring for WA.

- The phone number for canada has voicemail but no mention of the
company.

- The company web site has one one web page

All in all, I would not order from this company.  Please let me know
of another place or other monitors, thanks!

Jonathan

---

Clarification of Answer by robertskelton-ga on 01 May 2003 23:46 PDT

Hi Jonathan,

After reading your clarification, I am impressed and agree with your
assessment of PowerMac4U.

Fellow researcher sldreamer-ga alerted me to an alternative solution
at eBay for $1600 plus shipping:

Apple Cinema HD Display (23" Flat Panel) 
$1600
$50 shipping
No sales tax
Order guaranteed to arrive within 29 days
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2727053764&category=25448

The seller has over 200 happy customers, with no negative ratings
http://cgi2.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback&userid=btselectronics

If the above doesn't suit you, I'll happily investigate the other
aspect of your question, because I am also seeking a new monitor.

Rob.

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Request for Answer Clarification by jonathanclark-ga on 02 May 2003 11:18 PDT

That one is pretty good, however it says you have to wait "up to 29
days" after payment clears for the item to ship.  That is quite a long
time.  I will do it if there aren't any other options though.  You
said you are looking for something yourself... do you have any
recommendations?  I think you have already answered this question - I
will will close it unless you have something else to add.

Cheers,

Joanthan

---

Clarification of Answer by robertskelton-ga on 02 May 2003 21:04 PDT

Here are a couple of other monitors that fit your specifications:

Formac Gallery 2010
http://hwreviews.netscape.com/hardware/0-2295747-404-20749942.html?tag=byline
http://www.zdnet.com/supercenter/stories/overview/0,12069,589318,00.html
http://www.macuser.co.uk/MacReviewZone/reviews/reviews_story.php?id=34598
http://www.macworld.com/2003/02/reviews/formacmonitor/
http://www.machome.com/reviews/display.lasso?grr8=40
http://www.macaddict.com/issues/0301/rev.gallery2010.html

Princeton SENergy 981 LCD
http://hwreviews.netscape.com/hardware/0-2295747-404-20637972.html?tag=byline
http://www.zdnet.com/supercenter/stories/overview/0,12069,562615,00.html

Epinions is a good resource for seeing what other people think about products:
http://www.epinions.com/cmhd-Monitors-All-Flat_Panel-20_Inch_Plus

Amazon also offers cutomer reviews
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/1068394/ref=br_dp_/103-0288648-2291847

Thanks for the effort, I will hold off on buying the apple 23 for
right now.  Sometimes a good answer is confirming there is no answer.