Monitor Question

If I get a monitor to plug my laptop to, will I get the benefit of being able to calibrate it etc. I know laptops are mot ideal for photo work but would this at least be a step in the right direction. Thanks

Yes you can calibrate the auxiliary monitor. The monitor I'm replying to you on, has been calibrated by a spyder pro.

Thanks

Sure can, and its highly advisable as well

However, keep in mind that if you intend to use BOTH the laptop screen and the external monitor at the same time and wish to have both of them calibrated you will need to purchase a calibrator that will calibrate multiple monitors. Its just a software function on their end, but they charge more for it.

Thanks Ben_r. I will just use the monitor I buy alone when i purchase this. I will search Google so not being lazy but has anyone any pointers to what type I should consider. Thanks

If you're after image quality, then you probably don't want a TN panel based monitor. IPS or PLS would be my picks. What size monitor / price range are you looking at? Monoprice now sells "generic" IPS monitors which are comparatively low priced, there are also similar models via eBay (Yamasaki, Shimian, etc.). At the higher end, you have the Dell Ultrasharp models and HP ZR series. The Apple displays are also IPS I believe, but the newer thunderbolt display can only be used with a Thunderbolt capable computer (most newer macs).

I'm assuming you care about image quality, hence the suggestions above. The downside to the no-name brands are the risk of dead-pixels and often they are not first grade panels. If you do a search you should find more than enough information regarding the risk/reward proposition of these.

intence01 is dead on.

I have a Dell U2407 which was simply amazing moving from a TN panel (a good TN panel too). You really owe it to yourself if you want to see what your images really look like, especially color depth.

Like mentioned previously, you can get a A- grade top end IPS panel from the Korean manufacturers, well worth it for $400 or so. Dell usually has sales so you can see if you can pick up a good U series model (be weary of models as a U2411m is not the same as a U2411). You can do some searching as many of the manufacturers use the same panels.

Another thing to consider is ratio. I prefer a 16x10 ratio over 16x9. (1200dpi vertically vs. 1080) The U series Dell models are all 16x10.

Color calibration is a step that needs to be done, and done often, if you want correct color.

Kind of off topic in a way, but if you plan on gaming, the IPS panels tend to have slower refresh rates (26ms vs 4ms for TN). But, unless you play a lot of quick FPS games, it won't matter. I game a lot and 26ms is not even noticeable.

Thanks all for the info. I will look into your suggestions