Buying a new monitor

I currently run dual IBM LCD monitors at 1280x1024. However, it's time to upgrade as one is starting to fail.

All I do on my computer is work, not much gaming or watching television/movies.

So is 1680x1050 an adequate resolution to work in or should I spend a few extra dollars for full 1920x1080 resolution?

I could not immaged any thing less than 24" and 1920x1200. I run two of these on my editiing system. I also have a 32" HDTV/Computer monitor on a 2nd system. Its 1920x1080. I use this system to check final HD clips.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8656232@N06/3203110920/

I also have a 22" Graphics CRT monitor that is currently not hooked up but will be used in my new Studio when its done.

One thing I never skimp on is my monitors. In the past I have paid as much as $2500 for monitors. But you can get a real nice 24" monitor for $400-$500.

Another thing to lookfor in a monitor is the Contrast Ratio. Dont be confuse by those socalled Dynamic ratios. Dont settle on any thing less than 1000. 2000 or 3000 is even better.

As far as resolutuon goes. If you are going to be shooting HD you really should have a at least 1920 x 1080.

Wow, it looks like you could back NASA up and do the launch from your place. Very impressive.

That wooden framed rectangle is my computer. I could not fit my water cooling system in even the largest case so I built my own. The blue glowing tubes carry the water to and from the CPU and the radiator. Even at 4Ghz (Quad) it ony runs at about 32c. Its very stable and stays on 24/7. I reboot every tues after System updates.