Monitors
Flat panel monitors are now at rock-bottom
prices, providing massive screen area and resolutions at prices you wouldn’t
have believed were possible a few short years ago. If you’re squinting at a 17”
or smaller monitor you need to widen you Vista with one of these amazing
displays.
Philips
V-line 236V4LSB
Cost: $157.33
Source: Ebuyer
Even cheap monitors these days have a
reasonable specification, and the Philips V-line 236V4LSB is a perfect example
of that. It’s not much more than $151, but is a 23” 1080p display with plenty
of useful features. Sporting a brightness of 250 cd/m2 and a contrast ration of
1000:1, this shows what a TN class panel can achieve in the right hands. The
weakness here is the viewing angles (1700 horizontal and 1600
vertical), but unless you like to work with observers sat alongside, you
probably won’t notice.
The critical inputs are VGA and DVI, so
you’ll need converters if you want to attach a HDMI source to this screen. For
this money I wasn’t expecting a VESA mount. But the V-line 236V4LSB does have
one for wall mounting.
Viewsonic
22” VA2248-LED
Cost: $148.97
Source: Scan
Many 22” panels are just 1680x1050
resolutions, but this one is the full Monty 1080p resolution (that’s 1920x1080
for the record). I’ve noticed that these have been offered on sale recently,
which usually means a replacement model is in the offing. For those who want to
buy now, this has an good specification from a reputable brand. The surface of
the panel has a 3H hard coating and an anti-glare surface, so it shouldn’t be
dogged by reflections. You can attach any PC with DVI or VGA outputs, and VESA
mount it to the wall.
However, my favorite feature of all is the
23W typical power footprint, which shouldn’t impact too heavily on the
electricity bill – or prick your energy-saving conscience.
AOC
e2260Swda
Cost: $132.86
Source: Ebuyer
The quoted price of this part is doubly
amazing, because that’s inclusive of delivery. For less than $135.9, you get a
21.5” 1080p panel, with VGA and DVI inputs, integral speakers and LED
backlighting delivered to your door- we’ve spent more than that on a takeaway
Chinese meal. And, so convinced are AOC that you won’t’ have problems with the
e2260Swda, it offers a three-year limited warranty with it. Comes with both VGA
and DVI cables, should you need either of those.
Liyama
Prolite X2377HDS 23”
Cost: $211.38
Source: Overclockers
So impressed were we by the last liyama
Prolite when it came in to be reviewed, we ended up buying one. This is the
latest design, and the pricing here reflects that his is an IPS panel, giving
amazing viewing angles and great color saturation.
Those who haven’t seen an IPS panel may
wonder if this is worth the extra $52.85 or so over the Philips V-line
236V4LSB, or any another TN class panel, which we can categorically say it is.
Basically, the color representabtion leaps off the screen and the picture is
bright even when you’re almost edge on to it. It’s also great value, as most
IPS panels are $271.8 or more, so this is one is certainly worth your
consideration.
PC Cases
There is little point making some very
selective choices about what hardware you’d like in your PC, and then throwing
it in the cheapest enclosure you can find. A good quality case will protect
your system and keeps it cool, extending its working life. Here are a number of
good choices I’ve come across.
CoolerMaster
Sileo 500
Cost: $90.58
Source: Overclockers
Every PC builder should make a machine with
a CoolerMaster case, as its designs have a way of bringing style to a system.
The CoolerMaster Sileo 500 is a perfect case for those who like an understated
look, and reduced sound emissions. The only caveat is that the sound proofing
it provide does also insulate the case, I’d be inclined not put any multiple –
GPU configurations in here for fear of it getting a bit too warm. For the
typical PC owner, though, this is a lovely case and the ‘silent treatment’ for
your PC. At this price it doesn’t include a PSU, which a worthy of note, but if
it did the price would be virtually insane.
Antec
GX 700 Rugged Gaming Case
Cost: $87.71
Source: More Computers
When we first saw this case we fell in love
with the military theme, but in building that look Antec also made it rugged
and very functional- so it’s not just cosmetics. Inside there is space for any
ATX, microATX or even Mini-ITX system, and outside its all metal clasps and
armored drive bay covers. You can easily mount five hard drives, or more,
inside, and it includes three large fans with mounting points for two more.
For what Anctec packed into this
combat-ready design, the price is modest. So, if it appeals to you, there’s
very little to put you off.
Corsair
Carbide series 200R compact ATX case black
Cost: $76.99
Source: Ebuyer
A few years ago Corsair was only really
known as a manufacturer of RAM. Now, it makes all manner of things, including
PC enclosures. The Carbide Series 200R is made for general use, and the
tool-free assembly should be suitable for any system builder to deploy. Inside
it can take any ATX or microATX motherboard, and some monster video cards that
are 320mm in length.
Drive space is included for eight internal
drives, four each of the 3.5” and 2.5” variety. This case is perfect if you
don’t want anything flashy, but appreciate good cable management.
