Hot? Samsung 712N 17" LCD Monitor at Staples!

[Joseph88]

Just purchased the Samsung 712N from staples! $429.95 - $20 off $200 - $20 off 200 - $50 MIR! After mail in rebate and taxes, it works out to be: $448.44 - $50MIR= $398.44! Futureshop has it for: $479.99 - $50 MIR, which after MIR and taxes, it works out to be: $551.99 - $50MIR = $501.99! A $100 savings. This is an amazing price for a quality 17" LCD with 12ms.

This LCD has awesome specs for games/movies. 12ms response time, 600:1 contrast ratio, 300 cd/m2 brightness. Only negative i've read is that there is no DVI output.

Staples: http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_results.asp?txtSearch=712n
Futureshop: http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&dept=0&sku_id=0665000FS10044249&catid=&newdeptid=1

Here are some reviews:

http://www.epinions.com/pr-Samsung_SyncMaster_712N_Black/display_~reviews

ENJOY!

Joe

[codex]

That one negative is what has held me back. If it had DVI I'd grab it in an instant. :confused:

[felix]

yeah I think it's pretty good. I think the price was $499, I guess they dropped the price. Does anyone know if it's going to be discontinued soon like the 172N?

[klown]

DVI is overrated.

That said, it's not a bad deal but it's not the deal of the century.

<a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> has the 710N for 355$+7%GST+shipping....I would imagine 400$ or so. Still no DVI though. Same thing as the 712N but better viewing angles.

<a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> also has the 710T which has a pivot and DVI for 400$+7%GST+shipping...450$ or so I would estimate.

Two main things do play in Staples' favour though: free next day shipping and the most important thing IMO: if I'm not happy with it (dead pixels, whatever), it goes back to Staples the next day....

BTW: I remember that the 20$ Staples coupons were usable in-store, is that the case?

klown

[BoxsterS]

DVI is overrated.

That said, it's not a bad deal but it's not the deal of the century.

<a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> has the 710N for 355$+7%GST+shipping....I would imagine 400$ or so. Still no DVI though. Same thing as the 712N but better viewing angles.

<a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> also has the 710T which has a pivot and DVI for 400$+7%GST+shipping...450$ or so I would estimate.

Two main things do play in Staples' favour though: free next day shipping and the most important thing IMO: if I'm not happy with it (dead pixels, whatever), it goes back to Staples the next day....

BTW: I remember that the 20$ Staples coupons were usable in-store, is that the case?

klown


Don't waste your time demystifying the DVI myth. These lemmings are so brainwashed with the "awesome" capabilities of DVI that it just isn't worth your time.

[bc3205]

I was in store yesterday and Staples is selling the 712n for $399.99 instead of the $429.99 online price. I purchased this monitor and used the $20 coupon for Dec. and paid $379.99 and taxes. They also gave me a $10 gift card for this week's boxing week sale. So the after rebate price would be about $377 (taxes in). I thought the $10 gift card was only on boxing day, but they gave it to me yesterday too. If you guys paid the online price, you may want to phone and ask if they will adjust the price to match the store's.

[klown]

I just called, BC's right it's 399$ in-store...Which coupon did you use BC?

I wonder if you could use two coupons in-store...359$....hehe.

klown

[amrod]

which coupons are you guys using? This is a sweet deal and I'm gonna pick one up :)

[gromitlad]

Don't waste your time demystifying the DVI myth. These lemmings are so brainwashed with the "awesome" capabilities of DVI that it just isn't worth your time.

Wow, that was a completely unprovoked bit of nastiness there. I think someone got a lump of coal in his stocking. ;)

[RicktheDick]

A-powers in Richmond BC has the 710N for $369 minus $30 dollars rebate.

http://a-power.com/

Is the 710N better than the 712N? almost the same price.

[klown]

710N=712N with better viewing angles (160/160 instead of the 160/140 of the 712N). Otherwise specs-wise they are identical.

N.B.: The A-Power rebate is the same as the <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> one (355$-30$ rebate there) and is valid only with a system bundle as with <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> (i.e. useless for stand-alone purchase)

klown

[BoxsterS]

Wow, that was a completely unprovoked bit of nastiness there. I think someone got a lump of coal in his stocking. ;)

Lump of Coal = $15 160GB HD ;)

I'm just sick of the "it must have DVI to be good" ignorance.

[RuffRida]

Lump of Coal = $15 160GB HD ;)

I'm just sick of the "it must have DVI to be good" ignorance.


I'm actually looking to get a LCD soon. The only thing that held me back is the samsung not having the DVI. Are you saying that the Analog is not much different than the Digital for a 17 inch?

My second Question is, is samsung the best compaired to other brands. . Say something like BenQ?

[intx]

Anyone own the 712N? What country is the 712N made from?

Thanks

[klown]

I'd get this over a 17" inch benQ in a heartbeat.

It's a Samsung. I'd bet it's made either in Korea, Taiwan or China. I am not sure what bearing where something is made has on the quality of the item.

klown

[uddinf]

I bought the 712N from the Staples midnight madness sale at $380+taxes (after mail in rabate and discount).

I returned it a day or two later because I wasn't happy with it. I have another older samsung lcd which looks better to me.

Thats not to say I don't like Samsung, I'm still looking for a new LCD and will look at other Samsung models but not the 712N.

[intx]

I bought the 712N from the Staples midnight madness sale at $380+taxes (after mail in rabate and discount).

I returned it a day or two later because I wasn't happy with it. I have another older samsung lcd which looks better to me.

Thats not to say I don't like Samsung, I'm still looking for a new LCD and will look at other Samsung models but not the 712N.

what do you have?

The samsung LCD I saw was made in China, and samsung doesn't exactly have a decent warranty policy. If you see the bad reviews up there, you'll see I'm not the only one who mentions this.

I wonder if this panel is made in China.. I'm not sure I'd like to invest $400 in something with a bad pixel warranty policy, and made in China.. I don't mind buying 'cheap' china products, but $400 isn't exactly cheap.

[BoxsterS]

I'm actually looking to get a LCD soon. The only thing that held me back is the samsung not having the DVI. Are you saying that the Analog is not much different than the Digital for a 17 inch?

My second Question is, is samsung the best compaired to other brands. . Say something like BenQ?

When the first generation of Analog LCD's first came out you could tell the difference between Analog and DVI by performing certain tests. But Analog LCD's have progressed to the point where they are virtually indistinguishable to the user. The digital to analog circuitry is so precise nowadays that the comparison between Analog and DVI nowadays is moot. That said, you should always buy from a reputable manufacturer. Samsung makes their own panels as well as selling them to other OEM's. DVI is a good technology and if you can find a monitor that supports both inputs then I would certainly go for that. But if the DVI option is going to cost you more than $50 than you're really throwing away your money.

As mentioned, Samsung makes their own panels and they're regarded as one of the best panel manufacturers out there.

[intx]

I agree that DVI isn't really required for a 17" LCD Panel, as long as you have a decent DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) in your video card. Yes, DVI will still be better.. will you notice a difference? Probably not.

I also agree Samsung seems to manufacture high quality displays in their panels, probably using the latest technology. However, their warranty policy (check this before you buy) is very sketchy, it's worse than most LCD pixel warranties.

The fact that it's also made in China (at least the one I saw) doesn't comfort me at all. I don't know about you, but none of my China products, while fairly cheap, lasted me all that long. For those that can afford to lose $400, this is probably one of the best panels you can get.. long lasting.. probably not, but high quality display for a decent price, definately.

However, your mileage may vary. I've had china made products last several years, but then I handle things with care.

[tweakerxp]

which coupons are you guys using? This is a sweet deal and I'm gonna pick one up :)

Me wants to know what coupon this is too!!!

[surreybc]

I thought crt's were just as good as lcd's . yet, people flock to the lcds.

[intx]

I thought crt's were just as good as lcd's . yet, people flock to the lcds.

CRTs are actually better than LCDs in terms of fast response, multiple resolutions, pixel pitch, viewing angle, and colour contrast. A CRT is also likely to last longer, most LCDs are rated at 40,000 hours. Those who require professional image colour editing are recommended to stick with CRTs for the time being.

LCDs do have advantages over CRTs though:
Resolutions: They can be sharper looking, but only at one resolution.
Fast Response: The latest and greatest LCDs are catching up in response time.

Other advantages include:
Small footprint: Probably the number one advantage of LCDs is the size difference, making them appear higher tech. It's the main reason that most people flock to LCDs, whether they admit it or not.
Electricity: 1/3 to 1/2 the power consumption of a CRT (CRTs are over 100w, where as LCDs range from 35w-50w)
Flicker-free viewing: while the time it takes to change a pixel's colour may be slow, the pixel until it's changed.

Some people also say it's better for your eyes: A CRT is an electron beam gun aimed at a glass, where as a LCD is lighted liquid crystals. But it remains yet to see whether it's true or not, for there could be a side effect of long-term lcd viewing we don't know about.

[intx]

What is Staples' refund policy? If I get one with dead pixels, or one made in some crappy country, can I refund it instantly?

[Corel]

I agree that DVI isn't really required for a 17" LCD Panel, as long as you have a decent DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) in your video card. Yes, DVI will still be better.. will you notice a difference? Probably not.

I also agree Samsung seems to manufacture high quality displays in their panels, probably using the latest technology. However, their warranty policy (check this before you buy) is very sketchy, it's worse than most LCD pixel warranties.

The fact that it's also made in China (at least the one I saw) doesn't comfort me at all. I don't know about you, but none of my China products, while fairly cheap, lasted me all that long. For those that can afford to lose $400, this is probably one of the best panels you can get.. long lasting.. probably not, but high quality display for a decent price, definately.

However, your mileage may vary. I've had china made products last several years, but then I handle things with care.
very inaccurate understanding.

[Vancouver 1.7EL]

I got the 712N on Boxing Day after lining up at Staples. $399 - $50MIR - $10 Gift Card. Since my 9700 AIW doesn't have DVI, this monitor is good enough for my current needs. $50+ more for a DVI version (i.e. 710T) which I won't use in the short term wasn't worth it IMHO. When I upgrade to a better computer in 2-3yrs, I'll buy a nice widescreen LCD with DVI which will hopefully be cheaper by then.

Surprisingly, the box states that the monitor was made in Mexico! Doesn't matter though since the image quality looks just as good as my old NEC A700+ CRT and more importantly, I haven't found any dead pixels yet.

I was contemplating getting the 710N or 710T from a local computer store like <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> or Anitec but didn't want to risk not being able to return it because of 1 dead pixel. Fortunately, Staples has a no-hassle return policy.

[intx]

very inaccurate understanding.

which part?

[Spyder187]

Seriously it doesn't really matter where a product is made. Something made in China can be just as good as something made in the US or somewhere else. It's all basically down to the quality control used in the manufacturing of the product so it comes down to what the company feels passes their quality standards. Making it in China is just cheaper because of the cost of labour down there. Nothing about compromising on quality.

This price on the 712N is looking really good. I bought the 912N on the day Staples had their midnight madness sale, at which I pm'ed with Futureshop when Futureshop brought their price down to compete against this midnight madness. Got it for 580 before taxes and the $50 MIB.

This 712N could have been pricematched at the time for $480 before taxes and $50 rebate. But now it's going for a price much better than that. My brother has one and ghosting is really not there. This 19 inch I'm getting by with even though the ghosting is really nuts. The colour reproduction is much better on the 912N though with it's 800:1 contrast ratio whereas the 712N has the 450:1(?).

Personally I'd go with Samsung as well before a BenQ.

[intx]

Seriously it doesn't really matter where a product is made. Something made in China can be just as good as something made in the US or somewhere else. It's all basically down to the quality control used in the manufacturing of the product so it comes down to what the company feels passes their quality standards. Making it in China is just cheaper because of the cost of labour down there. Nothing about compromising on quality.


It matters for longevity.. cheap labour usually equals lower quality labour. Decent quality standards means checking the monitors before you get them, but it doesn't mean they'll last long. Yes, a Samsung panel can be 10 times better than a LCD manufacturer without quality control, but it doesn't mean it'll last 10 times longer, if some parts inside are not connected or manufactured properly.

[surreybc]

CRTs are actually better than LCDs in terms of fast response, multiple resolutions, pixel pitch, viewing angle, and colour contrast. A CRT is also likely to last longer, most LCDs are rated at 40,000 hours. Those who require professional image colour editing are recommended to stick with CRTs for the time being.

LCDs do have advantages over CRTs though:
Resolutions: They can be sharper looking, but only at one resolution.
Fast Response: The latest and greatest LCDs are catching up in response time.

Other advantages include:
Small footprint: Probably the number one advantage of LCDs is the size difference, making them appear higher tech. It's the main reason that most people flock to LCDs, whether they admit it or not.
Electricity: 1/3 to 1/2 the power consumption of a CRT (CRTs are over 100w, where as LCDs range from 35w-50w)
Flicker-free viewing: while the time it takes to change a pixel's colour may be slow, the pixel until it's changed.

Some people also say it's better for your eyes: A CRT is an electron beam gun aimed at a glass, where as a LCD is lighted liquid crystals. But it remains yet to see whether it's true or not, for there could be a side effect of long-term lcd viewing we don't know about.

thanks for adding clarity to the situation: "Probably the number one advantage of LCDs is the size difference, making them appear higher tech"

[Spyder187]

It matters for longevity.. cheap labour usually equals lower quality labour. Decent quality standards means checking the monitors before you get them, but it doesn't mean they'll last long. Yes, a Samsung panel can be 10 times better than a LCD manufacturer without quality control, but it doesn't mean it'll last 10 times longer, if some parts inside are not connected or manufactured properly.

Well no where did I state that it would last 10 times longer. It should give you average life (whatever that's assumed to be). But in the end, electronic components if not manufactured up to spec will fail within the first month. Afterwhich you shouldn't really be worried about manufacturers defects. LCD's do not have any moving components either which helps in its life. That's one of the reasons why paying extra for warranty usually isn't worth it.

That's just my 2 cents. I'm not trying to argue with anyone because I have seen some cheaply manufactured things like those made in China but these Samsungs do not in anyway seem to be cheaply manufactured. Samsung is a very reputable company and they manufacture a lot of LCD's so I wouldn't really worry about their warranty and quality plus buying them from Staples is great because if it does come with dead pixels, a person can just return it.

[Corel]

Well no where did I state that it would last 10 times longer. It should give you average life (whatever that's assumed to be). But in the end, electronic components if not manufactured up to spec will fail within the first month. Afterwhich you shouldn't really be worried about manufacturers defects. LCD's do not have any moving components either which helps in its life. That's one of the reasons why paying extra for warranty usually isn't worth it.

That's just my 2 cents. I'm not trying to argue with anyone because I have seen some cheaply manufactured things like those made in China but these Samsungs do not in anyway seem to be cheaply manufactured. Samsung is a very reputable company and they manufacture a lot of LCD's so I wouldn't really worry about their warranty and quality plus buying them from Staples is great because if it does come with dead pixels, a person can just return it.
thanks, i didnt feel like writing it out but i share the same opinion as you.

[intx]

Well no where did I state that it would last 10 times longer. It should give you average life (whatever that's assumed to be). But in the end, electronic components if not manufactured up to spec will fail within the first month. Afterwhich you shouldn't really be worried about manufacturers defects. LCD's do not have any moving components either which helps in its life. That's one of the reasons why paying extra for warranty usually isn't worth it.

I didn't say you did either, and I didn't mean to imply so, sorry. It was just an example citing quality control affects out-of-the-box appearance quality but doesn't equal how long it will last. In my opinion, true quality control would be having it manufactured by trustable labour.

I don't want to be bias here simply against a low-labour country. Try looking at all the components you've had that lasted you a very long time, and check what country they're made from. If just one, outlasted half of your broken products are made from China, then I'm glad I'm wrong because it won't be long before everything is.

Like I said, I want to be wrong, so if you can tell me of an electronic China product that lasted 5 years that you use once a week, I'd appreciate it. It'd make me feel a lot more comfortable purchasing reputable company products made in China, and I'll buy this panel. It's just my personal experience simply made me think twice before doing so.

As for no moving parts: CRTs don't have moving parts either. I'd agree that if something went seriously wrong, it'll show up immediately. But not everything is seriously wrong, some things are just wrong to what seems like a little bit; yet enough to make a difference in a longer term.

It almost seems like there's a reason why CD-Rs are manufactured from Taiwan, not China. CD-Rs don't have moving parts, and while some really badly manufactured CDs are immediately noticed as bad quality, many take time to show up. Again, there are good taiwan factories and bad taiwan factories, but a Japan made CD-R seems to always outlast both of them.

I agree Samsung is a reputable company, especially in LCD panels. However it appears that only recently are Samsung LCDs manufactured in China.

What would really help here: Is it possible for a dead pixel to appear over time? If it is impossible, then you're probably right where it doesn't matter at all.

Otherwise, having dead pixels appear when you can't return the monitor and can't claim warranty until you reach 8+ dead pixels.. isn't exactly fun.

[tweakerxp]

Just got in the door from yet another (not-so) fantastic visit from Stooples. Of course they were OOS, so the CSR we dealt with phoned about 5 differnet stores in the area. Most of them were OOS, but one had 7, yes 7 open-box monitors. That makes me wonder why so many were returned. Anyways, the CSR did manage to order one. It should arrive tomorrow at my local Stooples. I have no idea why, but I had to pay for something I have yet to receive, hopefully I get a good one, because they won't have anything to exchange it with if I don't :o.

[Mepoor]

Uggg... what a pain in the butt. It isn't bad enough that I'm sick with a head splitting cold and spleen rupturing couch, now I have to put up with this crap :( .

I decided to return our boxing day deal Samsung 715V from FS for this Staples 712N because it had better specs and we could get it for the same end price ($352 after taxes and $50 MIR).

I picked-up the first 712N on my way home from work and set it up. It had 2 or 3 dead pixels right in the middle of the friggin screen. Piss me off!! I call the store to hold one for me and back I go. I get there only to hear the last unopened box has just been sold and "Would I like this repackage monitor??"
"You bast****!" I yelled at them. "I asked you to hold one for me!!"

Then I travel across town to another store to exchange it, get back home an hour later, and now this one has a dead pixel in the lower left corner about 1" in from the edge. What the heck!?!? Why can't I get a LCD monitor that is perfect?!?! Doesn't Samsung Quality Control check this stuff before it leaves the factory?!?!

I'm sniffling like crazy with a hell-of-a head cold and my nosing is dripping all over my keyboard, and I'm couching my brians out every other minute.... I just can't be bothered to return the bloody thing again, so I'm going to live with it for now...

I'm going to head... my bed hurts... :cry:

[intx]

Uggg... what a pain in the a$$. It isn't bad enough that I'm sick with a head splitting cold and spleen rupturing couch, now I have to put up with this crap :( .

I decided to return our boxing day deal Samsung 715V from FS for this Staples 712N because it had better specs and we could get it for the same end price ($352 after taxes and $50 MIR).

I picked-up the first 712N on my way home from work and set it up. It had 2 or 3 dead pixels right in the middle of the friggin screen. Piss me off!! I call the store to hold one for me and back I go. I get there only to hear the last unopened box has just been sold and "Would I like this repackage monitor??"
"You bastards!" I yelled at them. "I asked you to hold one for me!!"

Then I travel across town to another store to exchange it, get back home an hour later, and now this one has a dead pixel in the lower left corner about 1" in from the edge. WTF!?!? Why can't I get a LCD monitor that is perfect?!?! Doesn't Samsung Quality Control check this **** before it leaves the factory?!?!

I'm sniffling like crazy with a hell-of-a head cold and my nosing is dripping all over my keyboard, and I'm couching my brians out every other minute.... I just can't be bothered to return the bloody thing again, so I'm going to live with it for now...

I'm going to head... my bed hurts... :cry:


just out of curiousity.. were they made in China?!

[Mepoor]

The colour reproduction is much better on the 912N though with it's 800:1 contrast ratio whereas the 712N has the 450:1(?).

Personally I'd go with Samsung as well before a BenQ.Actually, the contrast ratio is quite high on the 712N at 600:1.

just out of curiousity.. were they made in China?!
And, for what it's worth, both 712N monitors had a dead pixel and were made in China...

[klown]

Picked up mine last night and it looks fine. Some minor issues I encoutered:

- The box has no handle. It was a pain to carry out of the store.

- I ran LCDtest and no dead pixels as far as I can see. For some reason LCDtest does not cover the bottom of the screen.

- The native 1280x1024 is a bit small. I had to increase the font size to Large to see stuff and the replacement Windows font looks well...ugly. Anyone got any better ideas on how to deal with it?.

- There is no way to tilt it, the base is straight unlike my 19" CRT with which it was possible to put at an angle. I had to put a phone book under it and tilt it a bit with some paper. I saw it's possible to remove the base and replace it with another (perhaps one which can be put at an angle?).


klown

[cyril2]

Picked up mine last night and it looks fine. Some minor issues I encoutered:

- The box has no handle. It was a pain to carry out of the store.

- I ran LCDtest and no dead pixels as far as I can see. For some reason LCDtest does not cover the bottom of the screen.

- The native 1280x1024 is a bit small. I had to increase the font size to Large to see stuff and the replacement Windows font looks well...ugly. Anyone got any better ideas on how to deal with it?.

- There is no way to tilt it, the base is straight unlike my 19" CRT with which it was possible to put at an angle. I had to put a phone book under it and tilt it a bit with some paper. I saw it's possible to remove the base and replace it with another (perhaps one which can be put at an angle?).


klown
I really don't know what you are talking about. This Monitor tilts up with the hinge on the back. It does not tilt side to side but just move the monitor if you need that. No handle on box? Are you kidding me. This thing weighs almost nothing and the box is not exactly huge. Maybe you need to go to the gym.

I found the font size to be fine and I am 46 years old. The picture on this thing was brilliant and I had no dead pixels. I did some gaming and noticed a little ghosting but it was very minimal and after a few minutes I did not notice it at all. Actually I bought this for my father who is 69 and an avid gamer. Like you he may want to lower the resolution. For me I thought this monitor rocked. Plug it in and hit auto adjust and your ready to go.

[eloytron]

I got one too, mine was made in Tijuana Mexico November 2004. I had it delivered by staples which was at my house in 18 hours. I have no dead pixels, and mine tilts very easily. Are you sure you put the base on correctly? I have tried the fallowing games on it, Unreal tournament 2004, Battlefield 1942, Half-Life 2, Unreal Tournament 2003, Counterstrike Source, Battle For Middle Earth, and Rome Total War. None of which had any ghosting issues but some of them could not be played at the native resolution of the monitor which is 1280X1024 because the game simply does not support it. Even though all of them played really nicely on the closest resolution which is 1280X960 32 75. This LCD is the closest to a CRT monitor that i have ever seen. It simply does what it was advertised to do.

[computer01]

For those of you looking to get an LCD that is as close to a CRT as possible, I recently ordered myself a Samsung 711T monitor for work, and wow!

This monitor is awesome. It has everything -
HD15/DVI.
Tilt / swivel / height adjust.
The monitor also pivots to become a portrait monitor. (Useful for viewing Word docs and web pages).
The contast ratio is through the roof at 1000:1.

The price is a little higher than $400 but the way I see it is that the monitor is the part I look at all day.

And no, I don't work for Samsung!

[Mintmaster]

LCDs do have advantages over CRTs though:
Resolutions: They can be sharper looking, but only at one resolution.
Fast Response: The latest and greatest LCDs are catching up in response time.
I agree with most of your points, but these are a bit misleading.

The resolution limitation is definately a disadvantage in my books, especially for gaming, when different games put different stress on the video card. Unless you choose the matching resolution, things get rather ugly quite quickly. The sharply defined pixels at the matching resolution is not necessarily better either, as it makes the image slightly unnatural. 45 degree lines (actually, any off axis lines) show a lot more aliasing on an LCD than on a CRT.

A bigger error is your assertion that response times are catching up. CRT's have a rise time in the tens of microseconds, and fall times are well under a millisecond. There's a long way to go. It would be much more accurate to say that LCD's are catching up to the eye, not to CRT's.

Oh yeah, regarding the USA vs. China thing, you're making far too many sweeping generalizations. First of all, most people have a lot more products from China than the US. Second of all, I do have counter examples. I have an Epson printer made in the USA, and it failed on me. I have a GE call display phone that's used more than any other phone in the house, and it's around 10 years old. It's never failed. I haven't had many electronic devices fail on me, but our two camcorders (a Canon and a Sony) have, and they're both made in Japan. Finally, your assumption of cheap labour is fallacious. The people working for these countries get paid less only by our standards, not by theirs. You'd probably be pretty lucky to get a job doing this work there. Country of origin does not make nearly as big an impact as you're implying.

[mlerner]

Then I travel across town to another store to exchange it, get back home an hour later, and now this one has a dead pixel in the lower left corner about 1" in from the edge. WTF!?!? Why can't I get a LCD monitor that is perfect?!?! Doesn't Samsung Quality Control check this **** before it leaves the factory?!?!

A dead pixel in the corner is no big deal and quote normal for an LCD.

[tweakerxp]

A dead pixel in the corner is no big deal and quote normal for an LCD.

It may well be "normal," but I sure as heck wouldn't like paying for something that I'm going to look at daily, hours on end that doesn't look right. I mean sure, it's a superficial flaw to some people, but some of us have high standards and won’t accept anything low quality.

[Conundrum]

i have the 172n, and It has a dead pixel right at the top center of the screen, bestbuy has agreed to hold 2 for me when they come in so I can get one without a dead pixel (I have gone through 3 of them, 1 had 14 dead pixels)

[VaVOOM]

About this country of origin thing,

I personally flinch when I see something is made in Canada. No offense to fellow Canadians but for some reason it scares me to buy somehting made here or the US for that matter. I have had phones, TVs, Radios made in North America and fail. Maybe bad luck?

[tweakerxp]

Just picked up my 712N… looks like a great monitor, but I still haven't made up my mind on if I'm going to keep it or not. For those of you wondering, mine was made in Korea, and there are no dead pixels!! w00t! :cheesygri

[Mepoor]

...I ran LCDtest and no dead pixels as far as I can see. For some reason LCDtest does not cover the bottom of the screen.How did you do a pixel LCD test??

A dead pixel in the corner is no big deal and quote normal for an LCD.So you think it's ok to you for a brand new unit to have a dead pixel?? Well not me. I can't seem to look away from it.
It's always there... looking at me... mocking me...

[tweakerxp]

How did you do a pixel LCD test??

Nokia Monitor Test (http://www.majorgeeks.com/download960.html) seems to do the trick for me.

[Mepoor]

Nokia Monitor Test (http://www.majorgeeks.com/download960.html) seems to do the trick for me.I tried it but it didn't seem to do anything to tell me about dead pixels. Am I missing something??

[tweakerxp]

I tried it but it didn't seem to do anything to tell me about dead pixels. Am I missing something??
You need to run the "colours" test, right next to there it says "WWW." Stop and look at each colour as it is produced on the screen. A dead pixel is any pixel not the same colour as the pixels covering the rest of the screen.

[cyril2]

I tried it but it didn't seem to do anything to tell me about dead pixels. Am I missing something??

Try using Monitor Matters Checkscreen available here

http://www.benchmarkhq.ru/english.html?/be_monitor.html

[intx]

Oh yeah, regarding the USA vs. China thing, you're making far too many sweeping generalizations. First of all, most people have a lot more products from China than the US. Second of all, I do have counter examples. I have an Epson printer made in the USA, and it failed on me. I have a GE call display phone that's used more than any other phone in the house, and it's around 10 years old. It's never failed. I haven't had many electronic devices fail on me, but our two camcorders (a Canon and a Sony) have, and they're both made in Japan. Finally, your assumption of cheap labour is fallacious. The people working for these countries get paid less only by our standards, not by theirs. You'd probably be pretty lucky to get a job doing this work there. Country of origin does not make nearly as big an impact as you're implying.

The GE call display phone is made in China? I'm assuming that's what you meant by your post. That's interesting. Anything else you have made in China that lasts about that long? Just so I know you didn't strike gold with that phone.

I don't believe things not made in China last forever, and never did I imply that. I'm simply stating based on my experience, things seem to last longer when they're not made in China. That being said, if you had a china printer, or a china camcorder that outlasted your Japan/USA made one, please let me know.

And I don't believe I'm the only one who believes my little 'sweeping generalization.'

Simply take a look at the components in your PC, and notice how many of them are actually 'made in China.' Most are made in Taiwan, occassionally Malaysia, Korea, Mexico.. isn't it odd, with such cheap labour, more things in your PC aren't made in China? Coincidence? I do suppose you'd have to actually know and worked enough with the cards, processor, hard drives in your PC to notice this.

Yes, it may be different than our standards, but the fact remains the same. Whether you do a simple job, or work with quantum mechanics, you get paid the same wage... most people who can do a decent job try to move out of China, because why get paid such a low wage when you can get several times higher elsewhere?

[terranaj98]

i feel sorry for all you guys cause i just got it for 209.99 - 50MIR = 159.99
but it didnt come easy it was compensation for screwing my deal over on boxingday which would see me get a BENQ FP531 15" LCD monitor for the same price even better i get something that has a nice display and fast Response time :)

[intx]

i feel sorry for all you guys cause i just got it for 209.99 - 50MIR = 159.99
but it didnt come easy it was compensation for screwing my deal over on boxingday which would see me get a BENQ FP531 15" LCD monitor for the same price even better i get something that has a nice display and fast Response time :)

how how how how how?! for that price I'd take a made in China product anyday! -stares at you with puppy dog eyes-

[terranaj98]

hahaha
i think ne one would want to know how
but it was a one time thing
they aint gonna do it for everyone
u had to have purchased the benq 15" LCD monitor from their website on boxingday to have gotten it since that's what i did

[intx]

hahaha
i think ne one would want to know how
but it was a one time thing
they aint gonna do it for everyone
u had to have purchased the benq 15" LCD monitor from their website on boxingday to have gotten it since that's what i did

you exchanged the benq 15" for the samsung?! :D

[terranaj98]

as if dude lol
i exchanged "dem fighting" words with a Senior CSR and they gave it too me
finally stooples owes up to their actions :P

[RuffRida]

Just picked up this monitor. . It was made in China and I can't find any dead Pix or any faults. . . so far it looks great. I didn't run a test or anything like that, but just looking at it there arn't any visable faults.

[intx]

Just picked up this monitor. . It was made in China and I can't find any dead Pix or any faults. . . so far it looks great. I didn't run a test or anything like that, but just looking at it there arn't any visable faults.

just picked it up? so you payed full price, or do you know of a secret deal?! tell me tell me :)

[RuffRida]

just picked it up? so you payed full price, or do you know of a secret deal?! tell me tell me :)


Not full price. . . I price matched with Best Buy.

Best Buy had it for 399

Staples had it for 499

I ended up paying 349.99 plus taxes which came up to about 402. I got it at the staples at Sherway, no hassle or anything. They were just closing for the night so I don't think they were in any fighting mode :lol:

[RuffRida]

good find :) I saw that, but the bestbuy website shows it as sold out.. was the bestbuy in sherway in stock?


A few Stores still have a few in stock, the Oakville location 905-829-2034 and Leaside 647-777-3196. They may still have more in stock, Sherway was OOS. Good Luck

[intx]

A few Stores still have a few in stock, the Oakville location 905-829-2034 and Leaside 647-777-3196. They may still have more in stock, Sherway was OOS. Good Luck

I went to the Brampton location to attempt the pricematch. The person I'm pretty sure was the manager gave me his best "grr, RFDer" look, went to bestbuy website, and after 15 minutes, notified me that bestbuy had a Silver one and theirs was Black. I can't believe I missed that! Then again, the staples website doesn't clearly state the colour of their 712N.

The associate who helped me was very nice though, and kept a good attitude the whole time. Nice enough to make me thing twice before cross staples off my list while shopping for stationary. I wonder if he'll get in trouble for being helpful to an one time PMer. If he no longer works there, I'm never shopping at Staples except for PMs again.

Aside from the colour difference which is a valid point, why are they so reluctant to pricematch? They should still make a profit at $350 (price after PM if successful) considering a few boxing day sales at a few other computer stores, with a decent amount of quantity, had the price even lower than that.

[RuffRida]

I went to the Brampton location to attempt the pricematch. The person I'm pretty sure was the manager gave me his best "grr, RFDer" look, went to bestbuy website, and after 15 minutes, notified me that bestbuy had a Silver one and theirs was Black. I can't believe I missed that! Then again, the staples website doesn't clearly state the colour of their 712N.

The associate who helped me was very nice though, and kept a good attitude the whole time. Nice enough to make me thing twice before cross staples off my list while shopping for stationary. I wonder if he'll get in trouble for being helpful to an one time PMer. If he no longer works there, I'm never shopping at Staples except for PMs again.

Aside from the colour difference which is a valid point, why are they so reluctant to pricematch? They should still make a profit at $350 (price after PM if successful) considering a few boxing day sales at a few other computer stores, with a decent amount of quantity, had the price even lower than that.


That Sux. . . I Prepaired myself before i got there. I knew if there was a color difference they won't give it to me, that's why i made sure the ones best buy (stores) had in stock were black also. I think Best Buy Sale ends tomorrow thrus. 6. Why don't you check the stores mentioned above to see if they have the black one in stock. that might help you get one PM.

[Mepoor]

Sorry to bring this back from the dead but I just had to let you know that I got my $50 rebate today - only 4 weeks after mailing!! Thanks Staples :) ...

[Joseph88]

Sorry to bring this back from the dead but I just had to let you know that I got my $50 rebate today - only 4 weeks after mailing!! Thanks Staples :) ...


I got mine in the mail yesterday also! Staples rebates ROCK!!

J