after using the Thinkpad T61 with super high resolution at 1680x1050, my eyes are hurting. Lowing it to 1440x900 just doesn't look as good. So I'm in the market for a LCD monitor, either 22" or 26". The models I'm seriously considering are

• $239 Acer AL2216Wbd 22" LCD
• $569 Acer AL2616WD 26" LCD Monitor
• $605 Samsung SyncMaster 2693HM, spec

The reason I don't consider any other sizes, like 20" or 24" is because of the dot pitch. Both 22" and 26" gives you low dots per inch count, so you can comfortably use the monitor without lowering the resolution. see this wikipedia dot-pitch list for reference.

Sometimes you see the same size LCD selling for vastly different price, like Samsung SyncMaster 245T selling for $679, while many other 24" LCD are going around $400. That's because most of consumer monitor uses cheap TN panels, while 245T uses better and pricier S-PVA panels. Apple's newest Aluminum 24" iMac uses H-IPS panels, which also beats TN panels, it's color looks just more natural and pleasing, and of course a lot more expensive. all above info are from wikipedia article.

the normal specs like contrast, refresh rate, resolution doesn't tell the whole story about a monitor. If you buy a LCD monitor purely based on those spec, you're definitely mislead.

I really likes the samsung 2693HM. $605 seems a bit pricey, but i might just bite the bullet and get it.

tool

search all lcd panel types: http://www.flatpanels.dk/panels.php
LCD shade, refresh rate test: http://tft.vanity.dk

reference

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dot_pitch
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TFT_LCD
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Input_lag
http://www.pchardwarehelp.com/guides/lcd-panel-types.php
http://www.samsung.com/global/business/lcdpanel/downloads/2007_3Q_SpecBrochure.pdf

Imagine a camera that let you shoot 360 degree view photo in one shot. Well, no need to imagine, such device exists. It's $600 lens attachment, compatible for many digital and SLR cameras, from 0-360.com.

How does it work? The secret is in that half egg shape thingy. The half egg is actually curved convex shaped mirror. So to shoot a panoramic photo, you attach this gadget to your camera, point it upward, so light hitting the egg will reflect down into the lens. Click the button, what you get is a circular image, or annular image. Then by using software, the raw input can be converted to panoramic photo or VR scene. The technique is patented in patent #6459451.

Application of such gadgets can be numerous. Real estate or business location showcase, public event, etc. If you use Google maps alot, its street view functionality is probably done by using similar device too.

When I have money, this is definely something I'll get.