The monitor on my main WinXP machine at home is a Silicon Graphics 1600SW. This was the first high-end widescreen monitor available, and also the first LCD monitor that had a refresh rate fast enough for gaming. At its native resolution of 1600×1024, the 17" diagonal screen keeps text somewhat tiny, but very readable. I think I paid $1200+ for this thing five years ago, and it has been worth every cent. Unfortunately, it has developed an constant "buzzing" sound, to the point of becoming the loudest component in my office. It isn't screaming by any means, but in a quiet office, it is pretty darned annoying.
I've been looking at replacing the 1600SW with a 20" widescreen LCD from Apple or Dell. Both make LCDs with the same source panel, but they have very different electronics and light sources. With the Dell costing about half the price of the Apple, you'd think it would be a no-brainer… until you visit the Dell support forums. Lots of people are complaining that the Dells squeal loudly. The Apples, on the other hand, are reportedly dead silent.
Pending a surprise announcement at MacWorld this week, I know which screen I'm going to buy.
