Comments on: Which monitor has the best picture quality?

Question: Which monitor has the best picture quality?

Idiot Mittens — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 07:12:22 -0800

Could you please help me decide on a new monitor? I have it narrowed down to three.

I'd like to run something 20' or more (widescreen) off a new Macbook Pro. My main concern is picture quality. I'll be doing video editing, photoshopping, and watching the odd DVD. I don't play video games. I'm willing to spend $500-600. Here are the 3 I've narrowed it down to:

HP 22' W2207

Dell UltraSharp 2007WFP

Samsung SyncMaster 24" 245BW

I've learned what all of the stats mean on each, but it seems like colour quality is a bit more subjective, and cnet hasn't done a review yet of the Samsung 245BW. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

By: mrmcsurly

mrmcsurly — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 07:45:09 -0800

I have an older model of the Dell. It is the best monitor I've ever owned. I use it with the DVI input out of my Mac G5, and it is fast, sharp, and bright. Great colour.

By: cmiller

cmiller — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 08:01:50 -0800

I haven't tried any of them, but my Dell 2005FPW is great. My only complaint is that I can't dim it enough.

By: BrotherCaine

BrotherCaine — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 08:42:19 -0800

The SyncMaster has the best contrast ratio (3000:1) and Max Resolution. I'd think the color would be the same on all of them. Do fast LCDs still only do 6 bits per color instead of 8?

By: Riki tiki

Riki tiki — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 08:46:49 -0800

I have the Dell 2005FPW, which is nearly identical except for a few years' worth of advancements. I upgraded to it from a 2000FP which is still going strong at my folks' place.

Both are absolutely top-notch monitors. I'm not a color accuracy connoisseur or anything, but I've done web design, gaming, photo editing, and 3d modelling on both monitors with wonderful results.

I can only assume that the 2007WFP is similar in quality. For all of Dell's faults, it's developed a great reputation for LCD monitors.

By: junesix

junesix — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:53:05 -0800

The Dell and Samsung LCDs are fine and of great quality. You're kind of comparing apples and oranges because the Dell is only 20" and $100 less than the 24" Samsung.

Regardless, if you're really concerned about color accuracy, you should get a color calibrator like this LaCie Blue Eye Pro. Out of the box, any LCD is going to look worse than a properly calibrated LCD. Start with your budget, subtract the amount for a color calibrator, and then go shopping with the remaining amount.

By: jeffxl

jeffxl — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:58:19 -0800

I still get excited when I look at my Dell 2007WFP, which is running off my MacBook Pro. The thing is gorgeous. I recommend it.

If you want a bigger one, get the next model up. I think they have a 24".

By: limeonaire

limeonaire — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 11:23:27 -0800

I'd say go with the Samsung—I've had nothing but good experiences with their monitors, whereas I've been disappointed with most Dell monitors I've used. In addition, the Samsung monitors don't look cheap like the Dell ones do.

By: Zed_Lopez

Zed_Lopez — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 12:10:05 -0800

Here's the Anandtech Forum's LCD Buyer's Guide thread. There are several different kinds of panels for LCD displays; the cheapest ones all use TN panels, which generally have worse color than the others. Of your list, only the Dell isn't a TN. With photo editing and color as a primary concern, it's probably the best choice. (if you can stretch that $600 budget, the 24" Dell lists for $679.)

I don't have personal experience with non-TN panels, but there seems to be wide agreement that their color quality is quantifiably better.

By: indyz

indyz — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 12:30:18 -0800

I run dual 2007WFPs on Windows and they are great.

By: autojack

autojack — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:18:34 -0800

Note that you can get refurbished 2007WFPs for a ridiculous price. Guaranteed returned within 30 days of original purchase, and they have a same-as-new warranty which I think, and you should verify this, includes dead pixels. This is what I have, and I love it.

By: dmd

dmd — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 14:28:21 -0800

I adore my Dell 2007WFP - I have two at work and one at home.

My (pretty sharp) eyes find them as good as good as Apple' cinema displays (which I have in the same room at work).

By: Idiot Mittens

Idiot Mittens — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 10:21:02 -0800

Thanks for the advice. I went with the Samsung, and for anyone using this in the future for research, it is a wicked, wicked monitor.