How much should I pay for a NEC XM29 monitor?

[grumlenz]

I Have the opportunity to pick up a used NEC XM29 in good shape. In reading on here it looks like people have very good things to say about it. My questions is, what are these worth? I have to "make an offer" and the highest offer takes it. It looks like they are uncommon on coming up for sale so I want to make a strong offer, but also not overpay!

Or should I just step up and get a 27" arcade monitor? I am somewhat looking for options besides an arcade monitor, sound like they work great, but that a lot of people have a lot of issues with certain ones, and I want something that requires very little maintenance and is easy to install. Thanks for your help!

[Jack Burton]

If it was in good shape I wouldn't be above paying $300+ for one if it was near me and I could test it beforehand.


Sight unseen I would still offer $100 for one.  They really are THAT good.

On the technical specification side these things are very impressive.

High resolution, multi-sync, in a case, vga connection, s-video connection, incredible picture, built in speakers, etc.

The only drawback is no warranty, no support from the company, and less knowledge on repairs or sourcing replacement parts here on the board.  Also you might have to mod a cab a little bit to fit one.

I would say offer $50 up front.  Oftentimes people can get these for around that price or less on craigslist or ebay.  Feel out your buyer and figure out if he knows what he's selling.


If you don't want to mess with an arcade monitor and still want arcade resolutions for your cab this is the best possible choice. 

[grumlenz]

Thanks, that helps out a lot and gives me a good idea on pricing. It looks like it should fit right into my cabinet and that would definitely be nice! What type of video connection would you suggest using? My video card has S-video and VGA.

[Jack Burton]

Hey Grumlenz, just noticed that it was you that posted this so I can be more specific in my advice.

This is the monitor for you.  If it fits in your cab then that is just great. 


You should definitely use the VGA connection and Soft 15khz.

What kind of graphics card do you have?

If you use the VGA connection you will be able to run games in true arcade resolutions on this monitor.  If you have never seen this prepare to be blown away.  S-video doesn't even come close.