Seems that the Dell 2005FPW is the best 20" LCD?
I'm ordering a dual 2GHz PM and even with an educational discount it seems that the Dell is better and cheaper than the Apple 20" display, with the exception that the Dell doesn't have firewire access and it's fugly.
I can live with a monitor that reads "Dell," I can just use the plugs on the PM itself, and cable clutter isn't a big deal so is there really any downside to the Dell?
Is there anything better I should check out?
I can live with a monitor that reads "Dell," I can just use the plugs on the PM itself, and cable clutter isn't a big deal so is there really any downside to the Dell?
Is there anything better I should check out?
Comments
Originally posted by Macinphile
is there really any downside to the Dell?
it's ugly as sin.
Originally posted by ipodandimac
it's ugly as sin.
If you decorate the monitor with the money you saved ordering the Dell over the Apple, the Dell looks mighty slick!
I agree tho, the Dell isn't in the same league as the Apple as far as aesthetics... I just wish the price disparity weren't so great.
Originally posted by Macinphile
I'm ordering a dual 2GHz PM and even with an educational discount it seems that the Dell is better and cheaper than the Apple 20" display, with the exception that the Dell doesn't have firewire access and it's fugly.
I can live with a monitor that reads "Dell," I can just use the plugs on the PM itself, and cable clutter isn't a big deal so is there really any downside to the Dell?
Is there anything better I should check out?
Yes, the samsung 213T is 21 inches, and gorgeous for about 100 bucks more. Just got one and it kicks ass. It is not widescreen though.
I don't agree that it looks ugly at all. Admitedly my last screen was a massive old CRT but this still looks pretty nice to me. The base is overly bulky but in it's favor it can be rotated easily to portrait mode. The main advantage of this for me is the ability to play vertical shooters in MAME as they should be played with the screen rotated. I also have my Dreamcast plugged into the screen for the same reason, and conveniently it can use the VGA input while the PC uses DVI. A little button on the front switches inputs, and there are also SVideo and Composite inputs to be had.
The Apple 20" Cinema is a beautiful thing, and if I was pairing it with a PowerMac I'd be tempted to go for it just for the aesthetics. But for value and features, and remember the screen itself is identical on both, then the Dell is the clear winner.
Anandtech recently reviewed both and came out with the idea that Apples monitor is superior to Dell and the tests show that Dell greatly exaggerate their specs to try to sound better than Apple. The reality is that both companies use the exact same panel, but some other internal circuitry is left to to Apple and Dell. That is where Apple takes the lead. Also, for some reason the Apple is brighter and attained greater color clarity after tuning-it was not as good out of the box.
The dell did end up being the pick, but not because it is better-in fact the Apple is. the dell was picked because it is 200 dollars cheaper and can be had for a ridiculously cheap price if you look hard enough.
Whoa... A Dreamcast user. Me too!
ha ha. I actually think the DCs graphics are every bit as good as PS2 (except for GT of course)
Color accuracy shouldn't be too much of an issue unless it's noticeably off.
If the picture is more or less identical, the Stupid Bezel is worth saving a few hundred $$s.
Time to order the Dell and a couple sticks of RAM 8)
Originally posted by JonE
Stay away from the Dell unless egregiously flagrant backlighting issues don't register on your list of concerns. Perhaps they have resolved this issue by now, I've no clue, but I'd pay the extra premium on the Apple offering for the reassurance alone.
The backlighting issues are only apparently if you look at a black or very dark screen in a dark room with the lights off. They're impossible to see under normal lighting and screen display conditions.
That said, I think the issues are all fixed now anyway.
TBH the ability to play games in TATE (rotated) mode is worth buying the Dell alone, and when you take the price difference into consideration...
Originally posted by kotatsu
The backlighting issues are only apparently if you look at a black or very dark screen in a dark room with the lights off. They're impossible to see under normal lighting and screen display conditions.
That said, I think the issues are all fixed now anyway.
TBH the ability to play games in TATE (rotated) mode is worth buying the Dell alone, and when you take the price difference into consideration...
That situation comes up often in everyday recreation, such as watching a movie or playing a game at night. And in the interest of proper color, you want your blacks to be black. Although if the problems are fixed, then by all means, get the better value.
What kind of Mac games are designed with portrait mode in mind, BTW? I would value that feature more for viewing web pages and working with documents, as it emulates the dimensions of paper well.
Originally posted by 9secondko
Anandtech recently reviewed both and came out with the idea that Apples monitor is superior to Dell and the tests show that Dell greatly exaggerate their specs to try to sound better than Apple.
You mean like that contrast ratio measurement that shows 4x bullshit factor for Apple and 6x bullshit factor for Dell?
Sorry, but I had to score their honesty on that one, I'd give a big fat "F" to both. Failed equals failed.
The reality is that both companies use the exact same panel, but some other internal circuitry is left to to Apple and Dell. That is where Apple takes the lead. Also, for some reason the Apple is brighter and attained greater color clarity after tuning-it was not as good out of the box.
The article clearly says the Dell was both measured and subjectively observed to be brighter and to have superior contrast ratio. Besides, how do you change maximum brightness by calibration? You have not only misread but claimed the impossible.
Subjective scores show color advantage to Apple after calibration, that much is true.
The dell did end up being the pick, but not because it is better-in fact the Apple is. the dell was picked because it is 200 dollars cheaper and can be had for a ridiculously cheap price if you look hard enough.
I quote Anandtech from the final page from the review:
"In fact, if both monitors cost the same, it would be very difficult to choose either display"
There's no way to twist that to "Apple's monitor was better". Did you even read the article? I'm beginning to have doubts.
To recap, pro Dell:
contrast, brightness, VGA, SVHS, composite, PiP, pivot, height adjustment, side adjustment, 3yr warranty, price
pro Apple:
colors, Firewire hub, cable management, looks, less chance of having to return units before getting good one
Which display is better? The right answer is, it depends. Objectively speaking, Dell takes clear feature and price lead. Apple has mostly subjective things going for it.
Originally posted by JonE
That situation comes up often in everyday recreation, such as watching a movie or playing a game at night. And in the interest of proper color, you want your blacks to be black. Although if the problems are fixed, then by all means, get the better value.
What kind of Mac games are designed with portrait mode in mind, BTW? I would value that feature more for viewing web pages and working with documents, as it emulates the dimensions of paper well.
I've played a lot of Doom 3 and Half Life 2 in a totally black room, and the only time I notice the back lighting issues are when I am looking at a near or totally black area of the scenery. I'm pretty fussy about the quality of display equipment but I think this has been blown out of all proportion.
As for TATE mode, if you use MAME you would get a lot of use out of it. Completely transforms vertical shooters, of which there are many in MAME.
/me out
Here's the quick breakdown of specs between the two: http://www.anandtech.com/displays/sh...spx?i=2400&p=9
Originally posted by klinux
Has no one seen this yet? http://www.anandtech.com/displays/showdoc.aspx?i=2400
...
Two posts above yours discuss that article.
Pixel Test was 100% and it's such a pleasure to work with.
It was really only a bit more than the Apple 20" and well worth the difference.
Originally posted by ipodandimac
it's ugly as sin.
Just because you are dating Helena Christensen it doesn´t mean all other women are unattractive.