Monitor Recommendations...

[fuzzygraphics]

I'm looking to upgrade my trusty 17" Viewsonic display on my Window XP PC. I have just started to do a lot more RAW processing and I've begun to notice the color accuracy issues that can come up with a cheap monitor, and I'd also like a wide screen with more real estate overall.

I purchased the Spyder Express2 a while back and that has helped, but I'd like a larger display size.

My budget is around $650 and I have been considering a Dell 2408 based on the cost and the fact that it is not a TN display.

Any other recommendations for models I should be looking at?

I'd like to purchase something of a semiprofessional quality since my computer is dedicated soley to Photo/graphics work.

Thanks for any input/advice!

[Moppie]

Find a second hand Sony Trinitron flatscreen CRT.
Can't be beat (yet).

[Steve Ruddy]

I would recomend a CRT as well. You may find someone with a Samsung Syncmaster 1100MB still in stock.

[Damo77]

I have a Trinitron CRT as well. But that's only because I've yet to convince my wife I need an Eizo ...

I don't think the old adage "CRTs are better than LCDs" is true any longer - not if you've got $650 to spend. You'll find a good LCD for that money, I think.

[Moppie]

I don't think the old adage "CRTs are better than LCDs" is true any longer - not if you've got $650 to spend. You'll find a good LCD for that money, I think.


Only if you have LOTS of money.
But even the best LCD's, with 99% of the colour accuracy and tonal range of the best CRTs still suffer from colour and tone shift when viewed from an angle.

[rrrize]

Well, I've got a MINT CONDITION 21" Sony Trinitron flat screen monitor. I just got an Apple 23" Cinema HD display and so my trusty Sony is looking for a new home. It was my intention to post it in the FOR SALE section this weekend, but if you're interested, lemme know and I'll provide some pics and give you more details.:)

[fuzzygraphics]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I don't think I can bring myself to buy a CRT. The desk space and heat output are deal breakers in my small studio.

I know color shift from different viewing angles can be a substantial problem with LCDs, but I'm hoping that the Dell 2408 isn't quite as suseptable to that as TN based displays since it use S-IPS.

I pulled this from Wikipedia:

"LCD panels using TN (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thin_film_transistor_liquid_crystal_display#Types) tend to have a limited viewing angle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viewing_angle) relative to CRT and plasma displays. This reduces the number of people able to conveniently view the same image – laptop screens are a prime example. Usually when looking below the screen, it gets much darker; looking from above makes it look lighter. Many panels such as 22" and 24" LCDs which are based on the IPS, MVA, or PVA panels have much improved viewing angles; typically the color only gets a little brighter when viewing at extreme angles."

Alas, there is still a slight color shift, but not as terrible as some of the cheaper technologies.

I have shopped around a bit, and I thought the 2408 might be the best bang for the buck (at $599) but Dell is really slow at delivering and I have a project that would benifit from an upgrade right away.

More than anything, I'm curious as to what everyone else is using and what they like/dislike about their setup.

[Az2Africa]

I use an Ezio, but it's about 4 times your budget. But I look at it as an investment just like an L lens. Why spend a fortune on camera gear and then skimp on seeing what the image truly looks like. I found that often,I was correcting colors that were already fine, but looked off on my other calibrated monitors. Just a thought.

[fi20100]

Well, I've got a MINT CONDITION 21" Sony Trinitron flat screen monitor. I just got an Apple 23" Cinema HD display and so my trusty Sony is looking for a new home. It was my intention to post it in the FOR SALE section this weekend, but if you're interested, lemme know and I'll provide some pics and give you more details.:)

How do you like your new Cinema Display. I've been looking at the 23" version, but I've heard about some problems with it, like a magenta color shade on one side of the monitor. I've also been looking at the new LaCie 24" which is in the same price range.

[neil_g]

ive been very impressed with samsungs products over the last 12 months.

at work ive got a syncmaster 225BW and at home ive got a 2032BW and im nothing but happy with the colour representation etc.

[Dan-o]

I recently bought the NEC 2490 and it is incredible. I bought the Dell 2408 before the NEC but had many issues with it and sent it back.

[Kent Clark]

fuzzygraphics, I just bought the Dell 2408 last week. I'm waiting for my spyder3 pro to arrive to calibrate but I'm very happy with the monitor. Dell has done a great job with the ergonomics. It is easy to adjust and that is something that seems minor before buying but becomes major when it's sitting on your desk.

The color is beautiful, the blacks are deep and even. I have seen no color banding or other uneveness. I think 24" is just the right size.

Dell still has the $100 instant savings, making the monitor $599. I also got free shipping but I don't know if that is still in effect. It's not a cheap monitor but I feel it's worth the money, I've got zero buyer's remorse and that is rare for me.

And Dell wasn't slow delivering for me. I ordered on a Wednesday, it shipped the following Saturday and it was delivered on Tuesday, 6 days from click to opening the box.

[Epix]

Awesome LCD buyers guide:

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=31&threadid=2049206&enterthread=y

[fuzzygraphics]

fuzzygraphics, I just bought the Dell 2408 last week. I'm waiting for my spyder3 pro to arrive to calibrate but I'm very happy with the monitor. Dell has done a great job with the ergonomics. It is easy to adjust and that is something that seems minor before buying but becomes major when it's sitting on your desk.

The color is beautiful, the blacks are deep and even. I have seen no color banding or other uneveness. I think 24" is just the right size.

Dell still has the $100 instant savings, making the monitor $599. I also got free shipping but I don't know if that is still in effect. It's not a cheap monitor but I feel it's worth the money, I've got zero buyer's remorse and that is rare for me.

And Dell wasn't slow delivering for me. I ordered on a Wednesday, it shipped the following Saturday and it was delivered on Tuesday, 6 days from click to opening the box.

Thanks for your feedback.. I've been leaning toward the Dell but I'm frustrated with the order process. I ordered back on the 4th. Free ground but I'm in a hurry so I paid for next business day. I got an order confirmation saying that the it would be ready to ship the 10th. I bummed but it's an acceptable amount of time so I wait it out. I got an email yesterday saying that now won't ship until the 17th. Now I'm frustratred. My project is due the 19th so I either wait it out and get the Dell or buy something else.

From what I've seen, it's still the best bang for the buck so my order is still in and I'm going to try and get it expediited or get the shipping waived, but I was hoping to have something by now.

:End Rant.

Anywho, Thanks for all the great input. This site continues to be a fantastic resource.

[Kent Clark]

Strange situation with the shipping. I ordered on the 3rd of April, it arrived on the 9th.

[Bollan]

Go with the Dell. You will be more than pleased.

[rrrize]

How do you like your new Cinema Display. I've been looking at the 23" version, but I've heard about some problems with it, like a magenta color shade on one side of the monitor. I've also been looking at the new LaCie 24" which is in the same price range.

Thus far, I see no flaws and have experienced nothing but fantastic - and dare I say PERFECT - viewing form the Apple Cinema Display! It's still new though... I've only had it for 2 days now, so it's probably too soon to give it such a rave review. Check with me in about a month.

...but as of RIGHT NOW, I TOTALLY recommend it HIGHLY!!:)

Ron

[beepclick]

Go with Dell. I did extensive research on LCD's 2 years ago, about the different kinds of panels that the different manufacturers use, and though the specifics are fuzzy now, what I saw convinced me to buy a Dell. My first one was the 2007WFP, now in it's 3rd year of daily use, and it is still flawless.

My next Dell was the 2407WFP (now the 2408) and it, too, is flawless. 3-year warranty, too.

On your shipping delay - here's what I would do. Put on your headset so your hands are free to do other stuff, and call Dell customer service. Tell them the problems their delay in shipping has caused, and that you paid for overnight based on advertised availability, and so on. I would be surprised if you didn't get at least $75 off your order. Tell them you are tempted to return it when it arrives. Last time I called Dell and complained about my order (which was under $1000) they took $75 off my order and sent me a $100 gift card (which I used to get the BG-E3 battery grip for my XTi).

Like I said, though, wear your headset and have something else to do when you call, because it's time consuming.

But panel-wise, you will be quite satisfied with the Dell 2408. Read the user reviews.

PS: I still have my Mitsubishi Diamondtron - in the closet.

[fi20100]

Thus far, I see no flaws and have experienced nothing but fantastic - and dare I say PERFECT - viewing form the Apple Cinema Display! It's still new though... I've only had it for 2 days now, so it's probably too soon to give it such a rave review. Check with me in about a month.

...but as of RIGHT NOW, I TOTALLY recommend it HIGHLY!!:)

Ron

That sounds great! I'm sure that if there was any problems, they would already have shown up. Enjoy your new Cinema Display ;)