Planar 996-0479-00 15 inch LCD Monitor
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- Contrast Ratio: 300:1
- Screen Size: 15 inch
- Display Max. Resolution: 1024 x 768
- Monitor Type: Flat Panel LCD TFT (Active Matrix)
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Top 12 reasons to buy a Planar Flat Panel Monitor
Pros
Minimizes desk space, reduces eye strain, beautiful display, conserves energy, least expensive flat panel
Cons
Reliability is fair-good
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
It's the least expensive 17" monitor on the market -- great resolution, compact size, digital/analog hook-ups, built-in USB port, integrated stereo speakers, 3 year warranty, and beautiful display.
If you are like me, you love the idea of having a flat panel monitor but hate the idea of shelling out thousands of dollars for one. Lucky for us, though, Planar Systems has found a way to make those enviable flat screens a more realistic buy. Listed below are the Top 12 reasons to make the plunge, and I will preface the list by saying that I am a meticulous buyer of electronic goods. Before making my purchase, I spent 2 months poring over computer magazines and websites to scout out the best deal, get the best quality monitor, and find the best service. But my hard work paid off -- I am absolutely in love with this monitor, AND I only paid $1000 for it!!
TO FLAT PANEL OR NOT...
1) If you are still debating flat panel vs. regular CRT, there's no question. Go with the flat panel -- it just looks so cool. All looks aside, though, the 17.4" monitor is still a keeper.
Why? Because...
2) it REALLY does reduce eye strain (and I know this because I spend about 6 hours a day on the computer);
3) it's energy saving (and thus reduces your electricity bill);
4) it allows you maximum screen space but takes only minimal room (about ten inches from front-rear), and
5) it won't be out of date in 6 months (which says a lot when you are in an industry that is constantly reinventing itself every few months).
So let's say I've convinced you to buy a flat panel, WHICH SIZE should you get?
6) If you're debating between 17" and 15" flat panel, I would recommend going with the larger model, especially if plan to do any graphic arts, movie viewing, or gaming on the computer. My monitor is a 17.4" LCD .27mm 1280x1040 model. 17.4 inches is huge -- even larger than the standard 17 inch flat screens, which makes viewing movies on it an absolute delight.
OTHER MISCELLANEOUS GOODIES:
7) Unlike many flat panel monitors, the Planar model comes with built-in speakers. Although I use external speakers, it is nice to have the option of sound without purchasing extra speakers.
8) Built-in USB hub -- Although I haven't had to use this yet, again it is nice to have the option.
9) Option of analog OR digital connection -- pretty self-explanatory.
10) Incredible pixel pitch of .27 mm -- size for size, the planar model offers one of the highest pixel ratings for its class. The display is absolutely flicker-free and has great color brightness and contrast without distortion.
11) Easy to operate control panel on the front of the monitor -- this is a feature that is easily overlooked, but very important. I've seen other monitors in which you must access the menu from the rear of the monitor, which is very inconvenient, especially if you are tight on space.
12) This monitor will work with any computer, so should you upgrade your system in the future, you needn't worry that you'll have to get another monitor. Not true for the IBM or Sony all-in-one systems.
Okay, so this monitor is not without its faults. The first one that I received began flickering 5 minutes after I connected it to the computer. Bad sign. However, here's where the CUSTOMER FIRST 3 YEAR WARRANTY comes in. I called up their customer service line, spoke to a very friendly and helpful person, and in less than a week, Planar sent me a replacement monitor, which works like a charm. Granted, it was a bit of a hassle to have to wait for the new one and repackage the old monitor, but their service was prompt and everything was taken care of (shipping costs included) in a week.
Now, the most important part of the purchase -- THE PRICE. If you have been researching flat panel monitors, you know that they tend to start at $700 for the 15" and go up to $1200++ for 17" models. Planar 17.4" monitors can be bought at Dell for $849, at Overstock.com for around $950, and at Onvia.com (where I purchased mine) for $900. You can't beat that price anywhere.
I know what you're thinking -- $850 for a 17" flat screen monitor? What's wrong with it? That's exactly what I wondered. But after doing some research, I realized that the reason Planar monitors is less expensive is that they have not yet exploded on the mass consumer market. Planar systems is a major supplier for large companies but only occupies a small portion of the individual consumer market. That is why their prices are lower -- NOT because their monitors are inferior.
Make the investment and get one today ? you won?t regret it.
TO FLAT PANEL OR NOT...
1) If you are still debating flat panel vs. regular CRT, there's no question. Go with the flat panel -- it just looks so cool. All looks aside, though, the 17.4" monitor is still a keeper.
Why? Because...
2) it REALLY does reduce eye strain (and I know this because I spend about 6 hours a day on the computer);
3) it's energy saving (and thus reduces your electricity bill);
4) it allows you maximum screen space but takes only minimal room (about ten inches from front-rear), and
5) it won't be out of date in 6 months (which says a lot when you are in an industry that is constantly reinventing itself every few months).
So let's say I've convinced you to buy a flat panel, WHICH SIZE should you get?
6) If you're debating between 17" and 15" flat panel, I would recommend going with the larger model, especially if plan to do any graphic arts, movie viewing, or gaming on the computer. My monitor is a 17.4" LCD .27mm 1280x1040 model. 17.4 inches is huge -- even larger than the standard 17 inch flat screens, which makes viewing movies on it an absolute delight.
OTHER MISCELLANEOUS GOODIES:
7) Unlike many flat panel monitors, the Planar model comes with built-in speakers. Although I use external speakers, it is nice to have the option of sound without purchasing extra speakers.
8) Built-in USB hub -- Although I haven't had to use this yet, again it is nice to have the option.
9) Option of analog OR digital connection -- pretty self-explanatory.
10) Incredible pixel pitch of .27 mm -- size for size, the planar model offers one of the highest pixel ratings for its class. The display is absolutely flicker-free and has great color brightness and contrast without distortion.
11) Easy to operate control panel on the front of the monitor -- this is a feature that is easily overlooked, but very important. I've seen other monitors in which you must access the menu from the rear of the monitor, which is very inconvenient, especially if you are tight on space.
12) This monitor will work with any computer, so should you upgrade your system in the future, you needn't worry that you'll have to get another monitor. Not true for the IBM or Sony all-in-one systems.
Okay, so this monitor is not without its faults. The first one that I received began flickering 5 minutes after I connected it to the computer. Bad sign. However, here's where the CUSTOMER FIRST 3 YEAR WARRANTY comes in. I called up their customer service line, spoke to a very friendly and helpful person, and in less than a week, Planar sent me a replacement monitor, which works like a charm. Granted, it was a bit of a hassle to have to wait for the new one and repackage the old monitor, but their service was prompt and everything was taken care of (shipping costs included) in a week.
Now, the most important part of the purchase -- THE PRICE. If you have been researching flat panel monitors, you know that they tend to start at $700 for the 15" and go up to $1200++ for 17" models. Planar 17.4" monitors can be bought at Dell for $849, at Overstock.com for around $950, and at Onvia.com (where I purchased mine) for $900. You can't beat that price anywhere.
I know what you're thinking -- $850 for a 17" flat screen monitor? What's wrong with it? That's exactly what I wondered. But after doing some research, I realized that the reason Planar monitors is less expensive is that they have not yet exploded on the mass consumer market. Planar systems is a major supplier for large companies but only occupies a small portion of the individual consumer market. That is why their prices are lower -- NOT because their monitors are inferior.
Make the investment and get one today ? you won?t regret it.
