Vision Pro 27" as alternative to WG D9200?

[bdsjake]

Happs has the Vision Pro on sale for $400 thru 5/31. I see other threads exploring the Hantarex and Neographic as alternatives to the Wells Gardner 27" D9200 (of which I have one, needed a repair, no news there).  The Hantarex comes in a 25" size, which is interesting, but no US distributor.  I see Kev at www.retroblast.com is looking into both these monitors.

I had no plans to buy an ArcadeVGA to take advantage of the 15KHz resolutions of the other monitors.  I run my current D9200 at 640x480 and am satisfied (guess I'm not a purist) so,

Any reason not to buy this monitor?

I see a few examples using this monitor, anyone had a bad experience?

Here are the specs from Happs:
http://www.happcontrols.com/monitors/49615700.htm

For the new folks, the Vision Pro does NOT do the 15KHz "authentic" resolutions, so if that's what you want, do not get this monitor.

thanks,

[tpapa]

Good question...I'm exploring the same decision tree you are...I just picked up a copy of the 'Project Arcade" book while in Myrtle Beach, S.C this weekend and noticed that the Vision Pro SVGA monitor was used in that project. I wonder if the author can comment on his experience and satisfaction with that monitor (as well as whether the resolution modes set in the OSD are remembered)....

By the way, the book is a great read...I'm going the SlikStik route but I still learned alot about the process and the hardware and might try my own cab from scratch in the future...

TP

[AlanS17]

Seems like a deal to me for the moonitor, but what affect would that have in not playing the original resolutions? I realize it's not "authentic", but I ran all my games at 640X480 on a no-name VGA front-mount monitor in my last project and they all still looked great. The resolution wasn't TOO GOOD.

I would highly consider buying this monitor, though. I just want to know more about it.

[bdsjake]

meant to add, one plus of this monitor is goes officially to 800x600 (D9200 will do it, but unofficially so have to wonder).  Question:  here are the specs from Happs--

640 x 480 31KHz 60Hz
720 x 400 31KHz 70Hz
640 x 480 37KHz 75Hz
800 x 600 37KHz 60Hz

notice 640x480 is on there twice, once at 31KHz/60Hz and second time as 37KHZ/75Hz.  The 800x600 resolution is also at 37KHz.

Does this have any practical effect running MAME?

I know just enough about the resolution stuff, KHz and Hz to be dangerous, but not enough to know what the difference will be, if any.

thanks,

[bdsjake]

well, like a couple others on the boards, I ordered one, right before the 5/31 sale ended.   I will report back here re whether is a great monitor, or 80# paperweight.  

[bdsjake]

got my monitor Friday!  shipping was way too much, but then saved $100 b/c of the sale.

came with a power cord and vga cord (and 2 year warranty!).  Looks great at 800x600, text is easier to read than on the D9200.  I will have to learn to use the "scanlines" option in mame, as the games do almost look a bit "too good".  Noticeable clicking sound when it changes resolutions (still using a 640x480 skin in Mamewah) but hopefully that won't be so bad when its mounted in a cabinet.   My first impressions are this seems to be a good monitor.

now, on to building the cab!