IBM ThinkVision L191p 19 inch LCD Monitor

I had a LiquidVideo 17" LCD monitor for about 6 years and eventually wanted to go with a 19" but only for the size since the LV produced beautiful, colorful images. I tried a couple of brands and was always disatisfied with the picture, particularly the native colors which were brighter on the LV without resorting to adjustments. I waited until one of the leading brands was available on eBay for a lower price than I had paid for the LiquidVideo ($500 in approx. 2002 or 3) and I selected a ViewSonic V191b because I had seen its high quality when I bought the LiquidVideo. At that time ViewSonic was extremely expensive. A good deal came up on eBay and I bought the ViewSonic for a real good price which included the s&h fee.

I was totally satisfied with the ViewSonic, the picture was beautiful and just as satisfying as my previous LV. If LV had made 19" LCD monitors and I would have found one that would have been my first choice. The ViewSonic turned out to be an equally satisfying replacement.

But there was on problem with it. The ON/OFF switch was tempermental and it requred multiple pushes to activate the monitor. As good as the picture was, I didn't need this aggravation since there's a ton of equally satisfying LCD monitors now available on eBay at extremely decent prices. So when I saw the IBM ThinkVision L191p 19" LCD monitor at a low bidding price I got involved and was fortunate that I was the only bidder. Of course the IBM brand was the selling factor 'cause I was sure that they didn't make inferior products.

Once set up, the IBM showed a very good colorful image but shortly after, I started noticing that the sharp details I had become accustomed to with the ViewSonic were not as sharp on the IBM. I was fortunate to be able to sell the IBM locally shortly after I received it at almost the same price I paid for it.

Then, I learned to deal with the ViewSonics problematic ON/OFF button. Even though the instructions said to turn on the monitor before turning on the computer, I reversed the order and allowed the computer to warm up while I removed the pillow case I drape over the monitor to keep the screen clean, and plug in the internet cable. Then I gently touch the ON/OFF button and 8 times out of 10 the monitor comes right on.

If you buy the same or a similar IBM LCD monitor and you don't have a previous 19" monitor to compare it to, you might be satisfied with the IBM as it does produce a very decent image. But buy it only if you got it at a low price including s&h because if a ViewSonic is available for the same or approximate price, I'd go with the ViewSonic. My IBM could have been one-of-a-kind in performance and perhaps you'd swear that it's ultra-sharp. But the above is my opinion based on experience.

Here is something about LCD monitors you ought to know. My LiquidVideo had an external power supply sometimes referred to as a "brick." The "brick" is an AC/DC converter and since it's exposed to the room it doesn't get hot, maybe just warm depending on the amount of use in a day or hours.

My ViewSonic (and I don't remember about the IBM since I had it only a day or two) has an internal power supply so at the end of the computer session which sometimes lasts 12 hours, the top of the monitor is extremely warm even though there are vents to dissipate the heat. When I turn off the monitor I leave it uncovered for sometimes a half hour until it's cool or just barely warm before I cover it.

Recieved item in great condition, no problems found in this shipment. Had no problems with payment or seller.