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General discussion

Compatibility in Monitor Reviews

Oct 29, 2006 1:42AM PDT

I'm looking for a new monitor and CNet's reviews are a must-read of course. But I'm confused by the line item called "Compatibility" - many of the monitors I'm interested in say they are only PC compatible yet based on the input types, resolutions, etc. I know they will work with my Mac.

What does this Compatibility item really mean?

Discussion is locked

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I'd skip that and go to the maker's website to ...
Oct 29, 2006 1:48AM PDT

See if the maker notes use with your intended machine.

Reviewers will often stick with the broader market where as the makers will do better.

Bob

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That might be a good idea with some makers
Oct 29, 2006 6:58AM PST

...but Dell won't even tell you if their monitors work with other PCs! I really like their big widescreen 2407FPW and am sure it will work with my Mac.

I just wonder why CNet applies a PC-only compatibility specification to it (and many other monitors).

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PCs? Yes. Mac's? Which one?
Oct 29, 2006 7:14AM PST

The new mac mini has a bring your own monitor plan. Sadly you didn't tell which mac so I'm going to refrain from going over all the possible macs that can use VGA or newer connections.

Sorry,

Bob

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The question regards CNet's reviews
Oct 29, 2006 8:23AM PST

My mac is a PowerMac G4, mirror door with an ATA Radeon 9000 Pro video card, thanks for asking! But I'm not posting this query about my mac.

I am asking why does CNet report PC-only compatibility for most monitors, when they are mostly also Mac compatible?

As good as your reviews are (and they are imho the best on the web) they are inaccurate in this area. For instance, the ViewSonic VX2025wm shows both Mac and PC compatibility while the Dell UltraSharp 2007WFP says PC only - both these monitors have the same native resolution, similar scan rates and identical connections. Shouldn't they both have the same compatibility?

BTW, Mac Minis may tout monitor compatibility, but I've been using 'PC' monitors on Macs since my IIx in the 80's.

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I can't comment on that.
Oct 29, 2006 8:35AM PST

These forums are not connected in any way to CNet reviews. These are for us to have a peer to peer discussion on what we want.

Sorry I can't answer those questions except to note what I do to find the answers.

"As good as your reviews are"...

Again, you are not posing your question to the reviewer.

Bob

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Where can I comment on reviews
Oct 29, 2006 12:08PM PST

Ah, I understand. Sorry, I thought this was the place to discuss that. Where would be an appropriate place to post commentary on CNet's reviews?

Thanks,
Ferd

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The reviews have a feedback area on the review page.
Oct 29, 2006 10:02PM PST

You can comment there.

Bob