Peripherals

For many years, Logitech has impressed PC audiophiles with their high-end PC speaker systems. On 2.1 side of things, we had the Z-2300 dominating the market and on the 5.1 side, we had the Z-5300 (my current speaker system) and Z-5500 on the highest end. Well, after a long, and successful, run Logitech has updated their product line.

The Logitech Z623 THX-certified 2.1 speakers (pictured below) replace the Z-2300 with very similar specs (200 watts and THX) all in a sleek, matte-black finish. Priced at $149.99 USD, the Z623 are Logitech’s most expensive 2.1 system, but they do have 5 more 2.1 systems ranging from $29.99 to $99.99. For more information on the Z623 visit the official Logitech product page.

When it comes to the updated 5.1 line, Logitech has left  a bit of a hole. On the high end, we have the Z906 THX-certified 5.1 system (pictured below) replacing the Z-5500 with an identical 500 watts and similar $399.99 price point, but there is no direct replacement for the Z-5300 series. The Z-5300 offered THX certification with 280 watts of output, but the next closest offering from Logitech, the Z506, is not THX-certified and outputs just 75 watts of power. Sure, it comes in at half of the price of the Z-5300 at just $99.99, but it is disappointing that Logitech has not, at least yet, replaced the Z-5300 series that I have so much enjoyed. For more information on the Z906 visit the official Logitech product page.

The new line of speakers from Logitech bring a much sleeker and appealing design, but it is unfortunate that Logitech has left a whole in their 5.1 lineup.

In a post a couple of weeks ago I wrote that, unfortunately, my Dell 2005FPW 20″ monitor had finally passed on. It has been a gruelling couple of weeks working on my 13″ notebook screen, but it has given me the opportunity to do far too much research into which monitor to purchase as a replacement. While I have yet to make my final decision, I want to share my thoughts and get any insight from readers.

Before I get to the list, I would like to note that I am reasonably well-versed in display lingo (IPS, VA, LED, TN, etc.) and have just a few requirements in what I will be purchasing. The monitor will be used for pretty much everything (reading/writing, photo editing, gaming, video) and I would ideally like to keep the cost under, or around, $250 CAD. My desk is quite sturdy with room for multiple monitors, so it is likely that I will be adding at least one more screen when I build a new system later this year – for this reason, I would ideally choose a monitor that has come out within the last year so that it won’t be an issue to add an identical monitor at a later date.

Here are the monitors on my short-list:

Dell U2311H
Pros: IPS panel, 23″ is fairly good at 1080pP, 4 USB 2.0 ports, DisplayPort, Dell’s pixel policy, 33W power consumption isn’t terrible, Good stand
Cons: No HDMI, Not 16:10, $339 (but goes on sale for $239 sometimes)
Notes: 21.5″ little brother (U2211H) has virtually the same stats and would be nearly as good. Waiting for sale is brutal and Dell CSRs give me no love

Dell P2311H
Pros: 23″ is fairly good at 1080pP, 2 USB 2.0 ports, LED backlit, 27W power consumption is solid, Good stand
Cons: TN panel, No DisplayPort, No HDMI, Not 16:10, $299 (but goes on sale for $199 sometimes)
Notes: 21.5″ little brother (P2211H) has virtually the same stats and would be nearly as good. Waiting for sale is brutal

Samsung BX2431
Pros: 24″ screen, 2x HDMI (DVI-D through one), 2MS response, LED backlit, 27W power consumption is solid, Very thin, Good price (generally found under $190 CAD from major retailers)
Cons: TN panel, No USB ports, Awful looking back (cables are not hidden at all), Poor stand/tilt/swivel
Notes: The back is just awful looking.

BenQ BL2400PU
Pros: 24″ screen, VA LED panel, DisplayPort, Solid stand, Built-in speakers and headphone jack
Cons: No USB ports, 42W power consumption isn’t great, $400 but can be had for $279 at times,
Notes: This is a really great looking monitor.

BenQ EW2420
Pros: 24″ screen, VA LED panel, 2x HDMI, Built-in speakers and headphone jack, $219 when on sale
Cons: No USB ports, 53W power consumption is awful, Poor stand
Notes: Feature rich, but lots of power draw.

What I will probably do. One of the biggest advantages of purchasing a monitor from Dell, particularly premium IPS monitors, is the no bright pixel guarantee and free shipping. I have never heard of any buyers having difficulty returning an IPS display to Dell and getting a replacement quickly. As someone that spends nearly all day and much of the evening in front of a computer screen, it probably makes the most sense to go with the best quality monitor I can. Additionally, my previous monitor had a four-port USB hub built in and I used that hub religiously. Taking all of this into consideration it makes the most sense that I pursue the Dell U2311H and if I find that the Dell U2211H goes on sale first, around the $200 mark, I will jump on it!

I encourage you all to share your thoughts on this post and monitors in general in the comments below!

It has been a sad, sad week for me. On Monday, my LCD monitor (Dell 2005FPW) went…and now…the audio jack on my laptop has blown – how am I to listen to CBC Radio through JUST my laptop speakers?

My 2005FPW screen has been one of my greatest tech investments ever. Many, many thousands of hours of use and no issues until this week. It started with a flicker on Sunday followed by a blank screen on Monday morning. After doing my research it turns out that the backlight has gone the way of the dodo. I have heard that I can manually replace CCFL capacitors, but that is a potentially dangerous venture that may not yield a fixed display. *Sigh* Alas, I will be venturing back to the Dell website to order either a U2311H or U2410 display within the next couple of weeks. That’ll do 2005FPW, that’ll do.