DEAL ALERT!! Dell 2005FPW 20.1 Widescreen LCD - $389 shipped!

[mr.Curmudgeon]

DISCLAIMER: Some people have stated that earlier versions of this monitor suffered "backlight leakage". I have one and have not noticed any problems. Most orders placed recently should have the newest model, which attempts to correct the issue; others have corrected it themselves by "massaging" the LCD until the light leak is gone. You will also need a Graphics Card that supports WSXGA+ resolution (1680 x 1050) to fully enjoy this monitor. I'm not sure what cards support 'automatic desktop flipping' when you change the orientation of the monitor. Click here for a list of compatible cards
/DISCLAIMER

Just thought I'd share with you guys, right now for a super limited time you can get a
UltraSharp 2005FPW 20.1-inch Wide Aspect Flat Panel LCD Monitor with Height Adjustable Stand for $389 SHIPPED!

I know they've offered it at this price before, but I just picked one up and it's AWESOME.

This monitor uses the EXACT SAME part number LCD screen as the $1200 Apple Cinema Display of the same size (Comparison here). However, unlike the Apple display, this one tilts vertically, features DVI, S-Video and Composite, as well as a 4 USB ports built into the monitor. For 1/3rd the price.




How to:

1) Click here for Dell's 2005FPW product page, then 'Add to Cart'.

2) Scroll down to the coupon section

3) Enter Coupon Code: FKPVH8KZFHDJT? then 'Apply'

4) Enter Coupon Code: 6WZ30DBFL14P2W then 'Apply'

5) 'Checkout'


That's it....Sweet monitor for a sweet deal.
mrC

[mr.Curmudgeon]

I thought this monitor in particular might be of interest to this community because you can "flip" it vertically for all those classic games.   

Otherwise, it's just a good deal.
mrC

[AlanS17]

That's a really good deal, and I'd probably get it if I wasn't already knee deep in expenses for current projects. I've had several Dell monitors, and I've liked them all.

[pointdablame]

Very very good price.  I'm still using my 18.1" Dell LCD and love it more everyday.  I just don't think I'd have a use for the widescreen monitor besides teh few DVDs I might watch on my PC.

If this worked for the 2001fp, I might have bit the bullet.

[mr.Curmudgeon]

If this worked for the 2001fp, I might have bit the bullet.

I just tried, and got the 2001fp down to $441.50 shipped. Not sure if it can be forced any cheaper yet.

I used these codes:
FKPVH8KZFHDJT?
V96?D5167JSZ27


Not that I'm trying to ruin your budget.   
mrC

[Stobe]

Has anyone built a cabinet around one of these taking advantage of the screen tilting?  I'm interested in seeing some examples.

My finger is hovering over the "Checkout" button as we speak! 

-Stobe

[Nannuu]

What makes the 2001fp so much better (1600x1200)?

[pointdablame]

What makes the 2001fp so much better (1600x1200)?  Is the 1680x1050 such an odd resolution that it ruins the 2005fpw deal?

If you're referring to my post, I certainly don't think the 2001fp is "better" by any means.  I just prefer 4:3 PC monitors for the most part because in my everyday PC use, I have no need for widescreen.

I watch 99% of my movies on my TV.  While I watch a good bit of Divx/Xvid/etc TV episodes on my PC, I just don't feel i "need" widescreen.  There are only a few PC games that can make use of widescreen resolutions.

The resolution IMO doesn't really affect anything.  It looks perfect on the monitor simply because the monitor is a different size.  Remember, a 20" 4:3 monitors will be taller than a 20" 16:9 monitor when put next to each other.... thats where the differences come into play.

It's really just personal preference, and depends on what you use your PC for.  For everyday web surfing, most widescreens will either stretch the display or you will have more open real estate to the left and right of the page because of the screen orientation.  If all you do is web surf, and you don't like the idea of what is essentially vertical bars on teh left and right.. go with a 4:3 screen.  If you love watching DVDs or use specific programs that can benefit from the wider screen (photo editing tools set to the side for example), then widescreen may be worth it.

I've only used a widescreen LCD for an hour or two tops (not a 2005fpw), but I liked it.  I just wouldn't buy one for myself... not yet anyway.  I may change my mind in a few years.

[Nannuu]

I'm having a hard time deciding which I would like more.  I use Corel and Photoshop quite a bit at home so it would be nice the move the tools over.  But like you say, most of the normal programs will be better with a 4x3 display.  But having Halo nights at the house would be cooler to have one extra widescreen set  for someone, or I suppose a 20" regular screen would be nice too.  I was thinking WS just thinking of the future, hoping that most programs will take advantage of this.  I've had my 17" CRT for 8 years and am quite sick of it.  I can't talk the wife into the 24" widescreen though, which is definitely what I'd prefer  .  So whatever I pick will probably be around for another 8 years so I'd better pick something I like.  Hmmm 

[AlanS17]

So whatever I pick will probably be around for another 8 years so I'd better pick something I like.

[pointdablame]

IMO widescreen will definitely become the de facto standard for PCs in a few years.  Or if not the "standard," there will be widescreen options for damn near everything.  If you are really looking for something that will last you a long while, I think I'd go widescreen.  You're only going to see more things take advantage of 16:9... not less.

If I found a great deal on a 2001fp, I'd get it for my dual screen setup (currently my 18" Dell LCD and a 19" NEC CRT), but other than that, any future screen purchases would probably be Widescreen.

Like I said, I just don't think I personally have a need for it just yet.

[Nannuu]

Well, 4x3 seems to get much more real estate than the widescreen. 

[mr.Curmudgeon]

Has anyone built a cabinet around one of these taking advantage of the screen tilting?  I'm interested in seeing some examples.

I haven't seen anyone do it yet, but I do know that Half-Life looks AWESOME!! (based on these screenshots, I haven't hooked my new system up yet)





(MORE)

[mr.Curmudgeon]

Well, 4x3 seems to get much more real estate than the widescreen. 

Yeah, but you just can't beat 16:9  16:10 ratio...as least I can't, being a film-guy. 

[pointdablame]

yup HL2 and DOOM3 have great widescreen settings.  I'm sure a few other games do as well.  That's about the only reason I'd really love to have one (and for DVD watching).

Like I said though, most games coming out now and in the future will have widescreen settings, so it'll only be a matter of time before its much more mainstream.

[mr.Curmudgeon]

I'm going to try Mame's flipping feature tonight and play some classic vertical games...I'll post about how that works out.

To me, this "flipping" option is the tipping point feature. It's great to read articles, write scripts, etc...We'll see how it works out for vert gaming.

[AlanS17]

Well as a matter of geometry, you'll get more screen real estate from a 4:3 ratio screen. The closer you get to square, the more area you'll get from the same diagonal.

You almost HAVE to get a larger monitor if you want a wide screen. Otherwise it would be too short vertically.

Any program that works in Windows is going to work fine on a widescreen monitor, though. The only exception would be a few games (though that's changing). Sure, websites aren't made for wide-screen viewing, but they're not made for huge resolutions, either. So even with a standard resolution monitor, if you have your resolution up and are viewing full screen, the page won't be taking up much of it.

The only time I ever view web pages full screen is on my laptop with it's lower resolutions. On any PC monitor 17" or better, I'm always running at just about the highest resolution it can manage. In that scenario, I view web pages in windows rather than full screen. That's likely what I would do with a widescreen monitor, too. Otherwise, I'd tilt it and view everything vertically.

[JoyMonkey]

Still waiting for these sweet round monitors to be back in stock 
It'll be looking at a radar screen!


Yes, I know it's an April fools gag.

[mr.Curmudgeon]

Still waiting for these sweet round monitors to be back in stock 
It'll be looking at a radar screen!

DUDE! I just signed up for the 'email alert'. Can't wait for them to re-stock!   

[Nannuu]

So you can rotate the screen anytime and the video card and Windows will just flip the image for you?  Assuming you have the right video card that is.  That would be nice when on internet or creating portrait style documents.

[AlanS17]

Yeah, vertical would be super handy for web surfing or word processing. I think horizontal would be preferred for most other applications, though.

[mr.Curmudgeon]

So you can rotate the screen anytime and the video card and Windows will just flip the image for you?  Assuming you have the right video card that is. 

Not automatically.  (More Here.)

"NOTE: To take advantage of the "Display Rotation" function (Landscape versus Portrait view) an updated graphics driver is required for your Dell

[shmokes]

I have the 2001fp at home and on my desk at work and just purchased a 2005fp for a coworker.  Between the two I think I would prefer the 2005fp, but both are a thing of beauty.  For MAME, of course, the 2001fp would be better. 

[AlanS17]

For regular, everyday work, I'd rather have the 2005FPW. But I can't help thinking that a 2001FP would be perfect for MAMErs wanting to have full screen horizontally and vertically. MAME would handle the rotation. You don't need fancy drivers. You would just need the cfg's.

It sure beats trying to rotate a massive CRT. You could even remove the monitor from its pedestal and mount it flat against some sort of lazy susan. It sounds too easy to be true.

Darnit... looks like I'll have to do another project...

[u_rebelscum]

First of all, dells' 2005fp monitor is a 16:10 wide-but-not-as-wide-as-TV-widescreens-screen, not 16:9.  Sort of like the 5:4 LCD monitors hiding/thought as 4:3s, there are many 16:10s are out there.  Minor nit pit.

Yeah, vertical would be super handy for web surfing or word processing. I think horizontal would be preferred for most other applications, though.

Yeah, if I got it (and I have time), I'd keep my 22" CRT (4:3) for normal use, and the 16:10 vertical on the left for word processing, coding and maybe surfing.  IMO, CRTs still rule for movements & resolution changes (video & action gaming), while LCDs are better for word processing, surfing & most "office" stuff.  Which is what I'd be doing.  Of course, I'd probably play vertical games on the 16:10, but hey, I'm flexible.

[shmokes]

That's actually handy.  The user I got the 2005fp for is using it with his new 15.4" widescreen laptop and I was surprised when the resolutions didn't seem to match up.  I only put it on his desk last friday and wasn't at work yesterday (the 24th is a holiday in Utah) so I haven't had a chance to look at it again.  I think you just explained it.

[Goz]

Link to order appears to be unavailable. 

Will try again later...

-Goz

[grueinthebox]

Link to order appears to be unavailable. 

Will try again later...

-Goz

Take the "a" out of the portion of the link at the beginning ("accessories.uas.dell" to "accessories.us.dell").

I'm pleased to find that my Radeon 9600 XT doesn't seem to support that resolution, so I don't have to cough up the 400 or so bucks for this thing (Texas pays sales tax).  That was a close one - had it in the cart already. 

[mr.Curmudgeon]

Link to order appears to be unavailable. 

Fixed.

[mr.Curmudgeon]

That was a close one - had it in the cart already. 

You could always buy a better graphics card!   

[Nannuu]

Does anyone have a recommended video card for this monitor?  I'm sure mine old video card won't hack it either.

[Nannuu]

Ahem, I must rephrase my question.

Does anyone have a, um cheap, recommendation for a video card for the 2005fpw?

And thanks URS, being 16x10 really does make a difference.  I don't consider that a nit pick at all.  It makes it larger and cooler in my opinion  .

[pointdablame]

For those with a smaller budget, you can get the 1905fp from Dell Small Business for around 250 shipped NEXT DAY!!!!!

Use coupon code K3X3VPQ14C83W$ for 43% off the 1905fp.  Then add something to get over $500.  I'd recommend the Sandisk 256mb pen drive or item A0090727 (it's a small mouse).

Then use coupon code X4XF13ZVZ$RX48  to get $60 off $500.

Shipping is free, including next day.  Tax in NJ took my order to 243 shipped!!!!

[mr.Curmudgeon]

Here's a GREAT comparison thread on the 2005FPW vs 2001FP: http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=347253

[bdsjake]

not to be to nitpicky, but is it legit for everyone to use these coupon codes to get the discount?

thanks,

[pointdablame]

not to be to nitpicky, but is it legit for everyone to use these coupon codes to get the discount?

thanks,

yup.

Some of Dell's coupons are unlimited use, some are "good for the first xxx" uses.  They get posted all over the internet, its a VERY common practice.

[divemaster127]

So you guys think CRT's are still better for gaming
thanks
divemaster

[pointdablame]

So you guys think CRT's are still better for gaming
thanks
divemaster

nope, not at all.

My Dell 1800FP has NEVER shown any ghosting or trouble with games whatsoever.  It's actually better than an old KDS CRT I had, and on par or better than my NEC FE950+

If you get a good LCD, you will have ZERO problems with games.  I play HL2 and my native res (1280x1024) with all settings maxed and never get a visual hiccup.

And my LCD is below average by today's standards.  If you get a 16ms or 12ms LCD, you'll be in gaming heaven.

[Nannuu]

So would it be better to get this monitor now or wait until ~October and hope for the monitor and computer combo?  I could use a new computer too.  I know Dell usually has some nice deals around that time.

[AlanS17]

With Dell, sales are sales. Sometimes it's a back-to-school sale. Sometimes it's a Christmas sale. One never seems to be better than the next from what I've seen. If you wait you might get it cheaper, but it might not. It's a gamble.

[divemaster127]

I have a question since this monitor has a oddball resolution, will it have any problems playing

[pointdablame]

I have a question since this monitor has a oddball resolution, will it have any problems playing  newer games like World of Warcraft etc, warcraft does not support this resolutions specifically
thanks
divemaster

no, it'll be fine.  And even if you run at a lower resolution, it will look fine.  It is supposed to be crispest at teh native resolution seeing as that is the only resolution where every single pixel is used as a single pixel, but you'll be hard pressed to notice a difference in most cases.

[johnnysmitch]

Just thought I'd bump and let everyone know that Dell just lowered the starting price of the 2005fpw by $50, so now, after all the coupons and such, you can pick one up for only $359 (I'm now trying to get the one I bought sunday price adjusted...)

[Nannuu]

Bah!  Now it's expired.  Apparently not good until the 30th.  Oh well, that's what I get for deliberating so long...

[John IV [MameUI64]]

If anyone wants to see Mame on Dell widescreen, here's a review of the 2405FPW.

http://www.classicgaming.com/mame32qa/dell2405fpw/controller.htm

[u_rebelscum]

So you guys think CRT's are still better for gaming
thanks
divemaster

nope, not at all.

My Dell 1800FP has NEVER shown any ghosting or trouble with games whatsoever.  It's actually better than an old KDS CRT I had, and on par or better than my NEC FE950+

If you get a good LCD, you will have ZERO problems with games.  I play HL2 and my native res (1280x1024) with all settings maxed and never get a visual hiccup.

And my LCD is below average by today's standards.  If you get a 16ms or 12ms LCD, you'll be in gaming heaven.

I disagree, partially.  It really depends on the person as well as the quality of the monitor; much like some people can use 60 hz CRTs while many can make do with 75 hz; some people don't see ghosting in 16 ms LCDs while others still see it in 12 & 8 ms LCDs.

Just because your LCD is great for you, pointdablame, does not mean all LCDs great for all people.  I need 85 hz CRT, and see ghosting in my brother's dell 2001fp 20" LCD; lower quality LCDs are even worse.  You can look at other forums that some people post that 100+ hz CRTs is their minimum, and/or even 8 ms LCDs still ghost too much for them.  Some of it might be partially due to low quality or exagerated specs of the CRTs or LCDs, but some of it is due to the individual.

I repeat: for some/many people (including you) LCDs might be better than CRTs in all cases, but not for me nor for all people.  For me, CRTs are better for gaming, videoing, and emulating (emu due to multiple resolutions more than refresh/latency).  However, I can't speak for you, divemaster; you might be more like pointdablame. 

It's almost like an opinion, pointdablame; please don't generalize that other people are wrong about LCDs just because it's not true for you.

[pointdablame]

I wouldn't say I'm generalizing, just going off of personal experiences and other people's opinions.

I've personally never seen ghosting in my LCD as you said, and I dont' doubt that you might see it.  However, the fact that some LCDs are praised left and right by hundreds of people both online and off for its abilties in gaming is enough in my mind to recommend it to people.  If you know that you can only use your CRT at 100hz or 85hz, then you already know that you have a more sensitive eyesight than an average person, and would thus pick your choices accordingly.

I have to believe that the 40+ people who have seen and used my LCD (I"m in a gaming club at college) would give me enough experience to at the very least recommend a monitor as a good choice.

I read Anandtech frequently and agree that it is a personal choice in many regards.. however, the fact that many people will recommend one screen over another is enough to base at least a basic recommendation on.

I would never recommend buying a monitor without seeing it yourself, or in the case of Dell, without a return policy that assures you can check the screen.

[divemaster127]

oh well i tried to buy one for 359.00 & now it wont work oh well
thanks
divemaster127

[defender2005]

Hey mr.Curmudgeon do you have any more coupon codes that work? I really want the monitor but only one of the coupon codes work. Please help!!

[divemaster127]

Yah, i wanted to buy this too, & i even called dell but being online they could not help me...
divemaster

[Nannuu]

You can get the codes at these sites.  They are great for finding nice deals.  Not only for Dell.  Unfortunately I forget to check them often enough and miss out.

http://www.edealinfo.com/

http://www.slickdeals.net/

http://www.fatwallet.com/

[Santoro]

and http://www.techbargains.com

[shmokes]

I disagree, partially.  It really depends on the person as well as the quality of the monitor; much like some people can use 60 hz CRTs while many can make do with 75 hz; some people don't see ghosting in 16 ms LCDs while others still see it in 12 & 8 ms LCDs.

I won't go so far as to say that's 100% wrong, but I suspect that the majority of people who claim to see ghosting on 8 and even 12 ms LCDs are either lying or truly believe they are seeing it, but are actually inventing the ghosting in their head.  Mostly the latter, I'd wager.  At any rate most people by far will not see any ghosting on these Dells with 16 ms response times. 

In other words it's a pretty safe bet that they will work great as gaming monitors for you.