From: newton@cs.utexas.edu (Peter Newton)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.hardware
Subject: Alteratives to Apple 13 inch color followup
Date: 29 Jul 1992 14:22:03 -0500
Organization: CS Dept, University of Texas at Austin
NNTP-Posting-Host: burr.cs.utexas.edu
Keywords: autosync, multisync, monitor

A little while ago, I posted an article asking about alternatives to
Apple's (good but pricey) 13 inch color monitor.  Several kind people
pointed me to an article in August 1992 MacUser.  This inspired me to go
to the library and go through PC magazines for more information.  I
thought I would share it with the net.  I am interested in your
comments on the subject.

1.  Many autosync monitors can work with the Mac II family.  The
    trick is to find one whose scan ranges include the Mac II's,
    which is 35 KHz horizontal and 66.7 Vertical.  I have not seen
    in clearly stated anywhere, but I believe the monitor must also
    be able to handle 640 x 480 resolution noninterlaced.  Many people
    use the term "multisync" instead of autosync.  You will probably
    need a cable adapter to use one with a Mac II.  Computer City here
    in Austin sells them for a few dollars, but some monitors use
    different connectors.

2.  There is a wide quality range in multisync monitors.  Some are
    better than Apple's 13 without costing much more.  Others equal it
    for $100 - $150 less.  Some are usable but worse and cost $200 to
    $300 less.  Some are very poor.  I think it's time for Mac dealers
    to start stocking monitors that bracket Apple's in price/quality.

3.  Monitor quality has a large subjective component.  A friend compared
    them to stereo speakers.  Different people like different things.
    (For example I *hate* the Diamond Scan but it gets good to OK
    reviews.)   I think it is a bad idea to buy a monitor without seeing
    it first.

4.  Beware of running a monitor near the limits of its range.  Quality
    can suffer.

5.  There is a lot of confusion out there among dealers (and consumers as
    I prove).  Some monitors are labeled with scan ranges but are *not*
    autosync.  They work with only a few rates within the range.  These
    may well not work with a Mac.  Magazine reviews can be mistaken.
    PC Magazine thinks that the Taxan 795 will not work with a Mac.
    Tell that to MacUser!

6.  References:  August 1992 MacUser, July 1991 PC Magazine,
    May 15, 1990 PC Magazine.

Here's a list of monitors that I have some reason to believe work with
Mac II's as a replacement for the Apple 13.  Be aware that I have not
personally tried *any* of them on a Mac, and you will probably need
a simple adapter.

If you know of more, email me and I'll update the list.

Does anyone know about the Dell Ultrascan 14C?

   + Darius TSM1431                      Nissei Sangyo Hitachi 15 MVX    
     Fora Addonics Mon-7C8A              Panasonic PanaSync C1381        
     Hitachi HCM-421E                    Panasonic PanaSync C1395        
     Iiyama Idek MF-5015A              + Relisys RE-1422                 
   + MAG Colorview/15                    Sampo Alphascan Plus KDM 1466A  
   + MAG Computronic PMV14VC Plus        Samtron SC428V                  
     Mag Innovision MX14S              + Sony CPD-1302 (old model)       
     Mitsubishi Diamond Scan 14        + Sony CPD-1304                   
   + Mitsubishi FA3415ATK                Taxan Multivision 795           
   + NEC MultiSync 3DS                   Viewsonic 5                     
   + NEC MultiSync 4FG                   Wyse WY-670                     
   - Amdek AM/738+                       Princeton Ultra 1400
     Seiko CM-1445                     - TVM SuperSync

   + Means that some review indicated a good price/performance ratio.
   - Means that the monitor did poorly in some review.
-- 
 ----
Peter Newton (newton@cs.utexas.edu)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.hardware