Monitor Specs?

[snowfalldesigns]

I'm looking into replacing my laptop with a desktop - what specs should I look for in the monitor? I know you can get crazy with the monitors...I don't want to spend more than $200.
Also, dual or quad processor? I know quad is better but can you tell me the overwhelming benefits of the quad? Am I going to regret not getting quad? Limited by my price range, would it be better to have quad processor with 4 GB RAM, or dual processor with 5 GB RAM?

Lots of questions, I know and my title doesn't fit but I can't change it...

[zona5101]

on the monitor i think 1080 resolution(1280x1024) would be decent. HDMI or DVI from the computer. But the biggest piece on maximizig the usefulnes of monitor really isn't the monitor it will be the calibration tool. Yes, another thing to buy! It never ends really
Somthing like a monki or a spyder. They will be $200 by themselves.

On the processor, a lot will depend on what software you are running. If your CS4 or CS5 then quad will run the calculations a bit faster.

[jdepould]

Originally Posted by zona5101

on the monitor i think 1080 resolution(1280x1024) would be decent. HDMI or DVI from the computer. But the biggest piece on maximizig the usefulnes of monitor really isn't the monitor it will be the calibration tool. Yes, another thing to buy! It never ends really
Somthing like a monki or a spyder. They will be $200 by themselves.

On the processor, a lot will depend on what software you are running. If your CS4 or CS5 then quad will run the calculations a bit faster.

1080 means 1920x1080, which you probably won't get for $200.

I'd probably just pick up a CRT.

[snowfalldesigns]

Originally Posted by zona5101

on the monitor i think 1080 resolution(1280x1024) would be decent. HDMI or DVI from the computer. But the biggest piece on maximizig the usefulnes of monitor really isn't the monitor it will be the calibration tool. Yes, another thing to buy! It never ends really
Somthing like a monki or a spyder. They will be $200 by themselves.

On the processor, a lot will depend on what software you are running. If your CS4 or CS5 then quad will run the calculations a bit faster.

I still have CS3 and I use Canon DPP as well.
I did find a 24" 1080 for under $200 but it is a ViewSonic - not the HP I was looking at. Maybe I'll see if I can find more reviews on this brand.

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by jdepould

1080 means 1920x1080, which you probably won't get for $200.

I'd probably just pick up a CRT.

my mistake! thanks for the correction...

ok so some monitors at 1080 from one of my favorite computer places:
Newegg.com - 1080p monitor hdmi