Secondhand/Bankrupt TFT Screens? - Where to Find?

[blueski]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a couple of TFT screens for use at work... but kind of object to having to pay for my own IT equipment (my employer thinks it's fine to work from laptops 60 hours a week).

Hence looking on eBay etc for cheap secondhand screens. I imagine there must be loads of ex-business secondhand/bankrupt stock etc floating around out there - any ideas on where to look? I don't mind them looking a little shabby, providing the picture's good and they're both identical.

Much appreciate any ideas.

>> Edited by blueski on Tuesday 14th March 12:04

[lockstock2sb]

I'm sure theres a health and safety requirement to provide you with a confortable workspace - you may be entitled to a proper monitor (or 2) if you are being made to sit in a bad posture i.e. neck bent looking down at laptop screen. I'll try and check with our H+S officer when she gets back in.

Apart from that if its your own $$$ thats being invested into monitors ebay is your best bet for a bargain, although places like www.europc.co.uk sell refurbished kit at decent prices and www.monitorwarehouse.co.uk sometimes have some good deals....

Hope that helps.

Steve


>> Edited by lockstock2sb on Tuesday 14th March 13:04

[flossythepig]

I would add the the H&S details. If you use a laptop as your only workstation the screen needs to be raised which means you should have an external keyboard and mouse. That is what happens at my office.

A second point regards the Working Time Directive. If working more than 48 hours/week you should have signed a form to agree to the extra time. I'm sur someone will provide more clarity on this point.

Hugh

[blueski]

Thanks for your replies. I have a laptop stand and external keyboard, but find that when I'm spending 12 hours plus in front of the screen I need more than a 14".

The ideal would be 2 x external TFT's, which I can run with a Matrox dualhead2go. Unfortunately, the IT budget doesn't stretch to this - hench eBay.

Re. hours, I opted out of the EU working time directive when I joined. 60 hours would be a good week right now.

[zumbruk]

You need to have words with your employer.

Print out www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg36.pdf and batter them over the head with it.

[sp60]

I just bought 5 of these:
www.microdirect.co.uk/ProductInfo.aspx?ProductID=11011&GroupID=1170
for our office. At £121 plus vat with a 3 year onsite warranty there really
is no benefit with buying second hand!
Come with cruddy built in speakers, analog and DVI input with 8ms response time.
Can't grumble at that. Bought one for home as well as they are such a good deal!

[blueski]

Thanks. Looking at a couple of these -

www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=104838

at 119 inc. VAT.

The user reviews seem good, but only a 16ms response time (despite 12ms in the title!). I won't be playing games or watching DVD's - will this be a problem in Windows?

>> Edited by blueski on Wednesday 15th March 12:28

[lotusfan]

we've just bought some at auction, £46 each (along with two fully loaded dell servers at 1500 each and 30 P4 pc's at 30 each, nice)
there are plenty of them up here (manchester salford stockport bolton etc)
we get auction news (www.auctionnews.co.uk) and that gives us the leads.

last lot was from realnorth (realnorth.co.uk)

www.realnorth.co.uk/cat.htm

edited to add latest catalog


>> Edited by lotusfan on Wednesday 15th March 12:29

[sp60]

Can't see how that response time will make much of a difference for the type
of use your need. I may be tempted to spend a few quid more on these instead:

www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=17203088947&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=105229

just for the improved overall spec and warranty, but TBH I don't know if you'll
notice any difference.
Just FYI, I am told that there are only about 3 major manufacturers of TFT screen in
the world, so you are mainly paying for difference in build quality of the surround,
stand, power supply etc. If that makes any difference!

[blueski]

Thanks for the ideas. I'll have a look for auctions in the London area - 46 quid per screen would definitely be a result.

Otherwise will probably go ahead and order something from eBuyer.

[chris.mapey]

have a chat to wantnotwant.com

They specialise in furniture, but quite often include screens for free with desks, on a first come first served basis.

May be worth a call.

Chris

[mcflurry]

maybe try www.mca-uk.co.uk/