30" IPS Moniotor for $686

I've bought a lot of cables and switches from Monoprice, but never a monitor. I've been happy to date, but not sure I'd buy this item, but the price is so attractive, I thought I'd pass it on: http://www.monoprice.c​om …p_id=10235&seq=​1&format=2

I heard somewhere that these use the same panels as the Apple monitors. (or maybe that's just the 27" version). Can't seem to find the link now...
Anybody else have some info?

Man, 27" for only 390...would just double on those instead of a 30"

here's some info. Says they use the same LG screens as apple.

http://nofilmschool.co​m …7-inch-display-monoprice/

I am not sure about Apple, but in the product description, they list "The heart of this monitor is the beautiful IPS (In-Plane Switching) LED panel made by LG in Korea. This is the same panel that is used in the 30" HP and Dell displays, which are famous for their stunning color reproduction and ultra-wide viewing angle."

I picked one up, and set it up yesterday. It calibrated pretty well, although out of the box it was very warm. Usually monitors break it a bit too so I will re calibrate in a couple of weeks. Screen is a matte screen, although not as matte as the Dell 30. I am not an apple guy so I haven't seen the Apple 30 to compare against. Overall I am happy with the purchase for the price.

Great deal
One thing to point out is that the input is dual link dvi -regular dvi will mot work, not all graphics cards have this. The older Dell 30 had dual dvi too.
Check before you order to avoid headaches.

You can get a 27" Dell for similar price. I know 30" is bigger, but at least with Dell you have a chance at decent support options and predictable quality.

Dell 27" 1440p for $650: http://www.amazon.com …B009H0XQQY/ref=​pd_cp_pc_1

16:9 vs 16:10 (2560x1440 vs 2560x1600) and 27" vs30" vs the dell. There are a LOT of people who got in on the 27" 16:9 korean A- panel monitors at the 300-400$ price. This 30" is really tempting. I've been dreaming of a real 30" but didn't want to pay almost double this price for a "real" one. This might push me over the edge.

I know it is tempting, I just wonder about long term if going from big to bigger is worth taking the chance on a no-name.

buddy4344 wrote in post #15768541
I've bought a lot of cables and switches from Monoprice, but never a monitor. I've been happy to date, but not sure I'd buy this item, but the price is so attractive, I thought I'd pass it on: http://www.monoprice.c​om …p_id=10235&seq=​1&format=2

Limit 2 per customer... And they show you quantity discount!

Be aware that these may be slightly lower grade panels. Yes, the same model Dell/Apple uses but probably A- panels or such due to small defects that Dell/Apple rejected them for.

Unfortunately the electronics really matter so you can't just go by the panel.

As a result I would choose that no-name thing over the Dell anytime

I know you were joking, but Dell makes some of the best monitors out there.

tkbslc wrote in post #15770676
I know you were joking, but Dell makes some of the best monitors out there.

Not mine.

Well, I went to eBay and bought this.
http://www.ebay.com …_trksid=p3984.m​1439.l2649
Hope it's not a brick.
Same specs but $550.

I've got the Monoprice 27" IPS panel. Absolute steal for $350 (after 10% off coupon). It is the same panel as the Apple Cinema/Thunderbolt, but with fewer inputs and no on-screen menu. May not be the best choice for true pros who need perfect calibration, but otherwise, I can't recommend it enough.

For anyone on the fence solely due to warranty/support concerns, don't be. The first one they shipped me had an issue (warped bezel that was covering a tiny sliver of the panel), so I took a big gulp and contacted customer support. They sent a new one AND paid for return shipping on my defective panel, which I didn't have to send until I received the replacement. I almost felt guilty, cause their margins can't be very high to begin with.