Offtopic (maybe): Shopping for a monitor and a question

[RBA]

After I had to retire my good old monitor (I use a dual system where only one monitor was really worth looking at - images that is), I've been in the market for a new monitor for over a month... And I'm still undecided...

One question that I haven't completely answered is... Do I want a monitor with a wide gamut or not?

FWIW, so far I mainly live in sRGB land. I just don't know if that might change should I buy a wide gamut monitor.

I tend to believe that wide gamut will be better for me, and that I'll be able to take advantage of that.
But I also worry about perhaps not being able to do just that, in which case, getting a wide gamut monitor might not be the best option.
Clearly for the most part, my images will ultimately be saved down to sRGB, and I don't do any printing work here at home, although I do offer prints through a third party service. I do some "daylight" image processing but very little compared to anything else.

I have my eyes on the Eizo EV2333W (standard gamut),  the NEC PA231W (standard gamut), NEC PA241W (wide gamut), and the HP LP2475w (wide gamut). You can tell from those models that my budget is somewhere around 600 US$ give or take, and that I'm only considering IPS monitors...

Or... what are you using and why do you love it?

Thoughts? Thanks in advance for any insight!

Cheers,
Rogelio

[Nocturnal]

Hi Rogelio,

I've had my eye on a Dell Super Sharp for a while. Dell monitors have a good reputation and sometimes they're on sale. I generally use LogicBuy for stuff like that. Here's one that's a bit out of your price range:

http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/dell-ultrasharp-u2711-27-inch-lcd-monitor/18859.aspx

[RBA]

Hey Sander,

Thanks for the feedback!

I had that one in my radar also as well as the Dell U2410. I decided against the U2711 because of many very negative reviews regarding the anti-glare coatings being "overkill" for text work. Otherwise I think it'd already be here at home. I don't remember why I also crossed out the U2410. I don't really mind going all the way up to $1,000 if it's really really worth it, although I'd probably be declared officially insane here at home 

Of course, if I could test these monitors first hand, that'd be a plus, but despite living in one of the meccas of high-tech, all the stores I know around here, only sell TNs. Pretty amazing..

[Nocturnal]

Hi Rogelio,

the best monitors you can 'touch 'n see' in the Valley are probably the Apple ones at Fry's. Of course you'd pay the Apple tax of about 50% for a comparable Dell. I find it hard to believe that an expensive top-brand monitor can really be disappointing. I've been working with a Samsung and ASUS 1080p monitor here and they were both sub $300. I doubt they're holding me back. That's probably different in your case but I have to think that getting an Eizo, NEC, Dell or HP monitor in this price range has to be a good experience. Get it from a reputable vendor so it can be returned if needed. With HP and Dell direct that should not be an issue but order by phone and ask.

I would like a wide gamut monitor but like you I consider that publishing happens at sRGB so I'm not sure how I'd benefit. I primarily want it for the higher pixel count.

[sleshin]

Hi Rogelio,

I have the NEC 2690 WUXi which I see has been replaced with the PA271W-BK. So I have a 26 inch wide gamut model that is probably equivalent to the NEC PA241W (wide gamut) you are looking at. I really like the 2690. It has a bright exquisite display. Your images look fantastic on it.

Steve

[Juan Conejero]

Rogelio,

We have recently purchased a Dell UltraSharp U2711 and it is an excellent monitor. Absolutely no problem with text (we use it for programming) and it is wonderful for images. For 1100 USD I think this monitor is difficult to beat.

One thing that you must take into account is that these monitors require a powerful graphics card to work optimally. Driving 2560 x 1440 pixels is not trivial.

[RBA]

Absolutely no problem with text (we use it for programming) and it is wonderful for images.

Hmmm...Who should I trust? You or "Average Joe on Amazon"? Tough call!!

Well,, I guess the U2711 is back on the list of candidates... again. A bit out of my budget, but definitely tempting.

GPU shouldn't be a problem I think, but thanks for the warning. I think my GTX 260, while not top of the line, should deliver at 2560x1440 for the "slow" work I'll be putting in through (I wont be playing Call of Duty IX here).  Worst case, I'll tap on my good friend & neighbor Hans (NVidia) see what he has on his attic

[bitli]

I have a HP LP2475w with quite a low end graphic card and I am quite happy. I calibrated it, borrowing a calibration tool of a friend. This make some difference.
-- bitl

[Nocturnal]

Rogelio,

GTX 260 should be fine. Sure 2D on a large display causes some load but it's -nothing- compared to playing 3D games at 1080p. My GTX260 eats Bulletstorm without hickups at high quality levels.