CompuServe Thread

#Best display card…

5 messages in this thread
#37095From: Yost GroupMar 11, 1993 2:05 PM
Howdy! Well I just got myself a nice big monitor (5FG) and now I have to pick a new display card. Sound familiar? I want a good, (relatively) affordable 24-bit, hi-res (as close to 1280-1024 as possible), 3DS & Windows-compatible card… with as few problems as possible. Oy! Oy! Headache! There are tons of "side-by-side" comparisons done in magazines, but they are all so SUPERFICIAL. I'm less concerned about the bells and whistles than in something that WORKS; unfortunately I am led to believe by what I've read that my consistent functionality is the hardest feature for most of the display cards to deliver. I'm sure that many other forum members are in my position. I'm also sure that some of you have already taken the plunge. Can I get some pointers? How's the Hercules Chrome? The RasterOps card? Truevision? And most importantly, WHERE'S THAT *%@&$# MAGAZINE?!?! In short, what should I buy? martin doudoroff
#37106From: Ray AbadieMar 11, 1993 4:51 PM
Martin, it appears that 24 bit, high res and low cost are mutually incompatible attributes. I took the inexpensive route and got a Diamond Stealth 24 VLB. I mostly use windows 3.1 (24 bit color retouching, etc.) and Ani Pro. I was willing to sacrifice resolution for 24 bit color and speed. The card is fast but VERY flaky. Spurious pixels, lost and distorted cursors, etc. etc. etc. Diamond support is a joke and it is impossible to get an honest answer from the forum on CIS. All in all, this may not help much as far as a positive recommendation but take into consideration this is one to avoid!!! Ray Abadie
#37111From: Gregory LeVasseurMar 11, 1993 5:30 PM
>Diamond support is a joke and it is impossible to get an honest answer >from the forum on CIS. >…this is one to avoid!!! All right Ray! That's what we like to hear. Real-world, honest, blood-and-guts appraisals from real end users. It's the kind of stuff we all hang out on Compuserve for. Thanks. Greg LeVasseur
#37196From: Ray AbadieMar 12, 1993 1:57 PM
Greg, I too have benefited from the unbiased insight of others on Compuserve. It is very nice to be able to get real world feedback beyond that which appears in the magazines. I have become increasingly skeptical of the thoroughness of their reviews. In the case of Diamond, I was a bit embarrassed about the harshness of my opinion, but I wanted to leave no doubts. I only wish the Hercules Graphite VLB had been available 4-5 weeks ago. If they haven't changed in the last 4 years, they were a good company to deal with. Oh well… live and learn. Regards, Ray Abadie 72047,1071
#37419From: Ray AbadieMar 15, 1993 4:39 PM
Greg, I too have benefitted from others on CompuServe who have given me honest feedback on products that the magazines have not subjected to "real world" conditions. I was a bit embarrassed about the harshness concerning Diamond, but in their case I truly feel it is justified as a way to leave no doubts. I only wish I had gotten a chance to buy the Hercules Graphite for the VLB (was not available 4-5 weeks ago). If they haven't changed significantly in the last 4-5 years, they were a good company to deal with. Oh well… Regards,