Another Monitor Recommendation

I don't know a great deal about what to look for or why, and don't have the time to invest to learn what to look for, so I'm turning to you knowledgeable folks here. I have read many threads and opinions on various monitors, but honestly, don't understand why many of the things mentioned make a difference (LUT numbers, wide gamut, IPS, etc.) I also don't know if I or the folks viewing my photos could see a difference if my processed colors are off a bit (as they have probably been for years). I would like to get it more correct if reasonably possible, though.

I am replacing my faulty Dell 2007WFP and am (was?) looking for a sub-$300 general usage and photo processing / video editing replacement (I do no gaming). I can swing a higher budget if it is worthwhile. At this time I am a "hobbyist" photographer; kids sporting events, car shows and racing, vacations, HS grad photos last night, etc. I was about to order this Asus monitor, or some other ~$200 monitor, but then started poking around here and http://hardforum.com/f​orumdisplay.php?f=78 and now my head is spinning.

I noticed the monitors that are highly regarded by users on newegg.com aren't mentioned here, but there seems to be a lot of emphasis on gaming in the reviews. I presume that is due to color accuracy not really mattering so much on games, whereas speed is pertinent. Here's a few that seem to be regularly recommended here:

Viewsonic VP2365wb - $299 at B&H
NEC EA231WMI-BK - $370 at Amazon
NEC MultiSync P221W-BK - $389 at B&H

The Dell 2209WA was another I looked into, but I read numerous accounts of "tinting" issues, so I'm currently not considering that one. There are surely many other possibilities, but again, I don't know what to look for or even if these three are what I should be considering! Yesterday I just wanted to order a monitor and nearly did. Today I'm just confused. Information overload...

We have the Dell 2209WA, very good monitor.

Mark

TurboDean wrote in post #10262739
I don't know a great deal about what to look for or why,...

OK...

Nonsense!

OK... The NEC P221w with the Spectraview II calibration package is the standout bargain in a high bit internal processing monitor. Unlike the other monitors mentioned, the P221W is an Integrated display and hardware calibration system. It comes with a special calibration device, made by X-Rite, specifically tuned for the NEC monitors. Calibration adjustments are done at the monitor hardware level, NOT at the video card.

What does this mean...? It's mo' betta than spending $500+ for a monitor plus calibration device.

Available from B&H for $589.

There's no question that NEC makes some very fine monitors. Some of the models though have a "gloss" screen instead of matte which may be an issue to some. If you're in a darkenned room that's not a problem. I opted a few years back for a Viewsonic since I knew there would be glare issues in my room.

I also agree with Chas about your need to properly investigate this ahead of time - unless of course money is no objective and you don't mind shipping returns .

Dell U2311H? it's a cheaper, better version of the NEC. same LG display panel too.

emdzey01 wrote in post #10263332
Dell U2311H? it's a cheaper, better version of the NEC. same LG display panel too.

What specifically makes it better?

ChasP505 wrote in post #10263363
What specifically makes it better?

just to clarify, im actually comparing it to the NEC EA231WMI . it has been reported that both the EA231WMI and U2311H are made from the same LG display. however, the U2311H is better (on paper, at least) since the U2311H has an advertised response time of 8ms, compared to the EA231WMI's 14ms. Power consumption is also a plus; with the Dell drawing 33W compared to the NEC's 43W.

emdzey01 wrote in post #10263717
...both the EA231WMI and U2311H are made from the same LG display. however, the U2311H is better (on paper, at least) since the U2311H has an advertised response time of 8ms, compared to the EA231WMI's 14ms. Power consumption is also a plus; with the Dell drawing 33W compared to the NEC's 43W.

The response time would only affect video performance.... Maybe.
Yeah, I could see some people buying a monitor based on a lower power consumption compared to its competition, all else being equal. But isn't the NEC made from recycled Dasani bottles or something?

mtimber, I read about many satisfied customers with the 2209WA, but also dissatisfied ones, and more dissatisfied recently that satisfied. emdzey01, kinda the same with the 2311.

ChasP505 wrote in post #10263026
Nonsense!

No, seriously! For instance, I don't know why the Spectraview II calibration package would be a better choice than Spyder 3 Elite. I haven't looked in depth at either, yet, but I wonder if locking into a proprietary color management system, and therefore only that make of monitor in specific models, is wise. I also don't know if by having calibration adjustments done at the monitor hardware rather than the video card is good or not, or if there are drawbacks or something to watch for with the video card (currently integrated, in my case). I don't know what a high bit internal processing monitor is or why that would be good or bad or what levels bit processing is available. Gloss vs. matte? sapearl, yep, there will definitely be a glare issue which is why we don't have a plasma TV in here. It took ~15 minutes just to find out what the NEC P221w was when I was looking it over this morning. AAACCCKKK!!!

Would I *like* to learn more about 'em? Heck yes, it bites not knowing for myself, but I would also like to have the time to learn how to use my editing software (among many other things). Time, time, time... which is why I'm choosing to rely on the wisdom and experience of those who are far more knowledgeable about this than I. I could spend all of my free time every night for days looking at monitor data, but still not have a monitor on the way.

I was hoping to avoid getting a color management system right now, but I suppose I should. Since there haven't been any objections to the below, I suppose I have these "packages" to consider:

NEC P221w /Spectraview2 & X-Rite for $586
Viewsonic VP2365wb w/Spyder3 Elite for ~$523

Since I now see that the NEC EA231WMI-BK may use the same display as the Dell U2311H, according to emdzey01, I'll rule that out for the moment.


Dean

Dean, you ARE overloaded. I think, based on what you're telling us, you need to simplify things and just flip a coin between the Dell U2311H and the NEC EA2331WMi.

But buy an X-Rite iOne Display 2 instead of a Spyder3 Elite.

FWIW, I went with the NEC P221W-BK-SV, though it went up ten bucks (to $599 shipped) by the time I decided what to do. I was tempted by the 2490WU2-BK-SV, but then came to my senses when I reminded myself of my budget.

Thanks for the guidance,

Dean

Good helpful article here:

http://www.imagescienc​e.com.au …nitor+With+Spec​traView+II

Thanks!

If this helps - the NEC EA231WMI-BK monitor is now selling for $339 at Amazon.com with free 2-day shipping.

You must keep in mind that the response time for the Dell is 8ms gray to gray while the NEC is 14ms black to white.

These are two different methods of benchmarking response times and cannot be used to compare with one another.

The input lag of the monitors is another factor, where the NEC has a lower input lag than the Dell.

Here's how I see it. NEC makes many high end panels, many of which cost over 1k. They have a good reputation for making great monitors.

The higher price of the NEC might be justified by better internal components even if the panels are the same.