Dell 27"+ Monitor?

[Canelek]

I was pretty much looking at the 24" variety, but I am curious to see if anyone has larger monitors and if performance can be a factor for gaming.

I plan to be running 6850 c2d cpu, 8800Ultra, 2GB RAM, etc...

http://accessories.dell.com/sna/product ... u=222-7315

[Winnow]

I was pretty much looking at the 24" variety, but I am curious to see if anyone has larger monitors and if performance can be a factor for gaming.

I plan to be running 6850 c2d cpu, 8800Ultra, 2GB RAM, etc...

http://accessories.dell.com/sna/product ... u=222-7315

That 27" has the same max resolution as the 24" (1920X1200) so there would be no performance hit.

An 8800Ultra could handle the 30" 2560x1600 res so you're ok (although I'm pretty sure you have to use both DVI ports for the 30".

[Canelek]

Right on, good to know. The 30" looks pretty sweet as well, but I think I would feel goofy if I spent more on my monitor than I did on my 42" Plasma.

[Aardor]

I was pretty much looking at the 24" variety, but I am curious to see if anyone has larger monitors and if performance can be a factor for gaming.

I plan to be running 6850 c2d cpu, 8800Ultra, 2GB RAM, etc...

http://accessories.dell.com/sna/product ... u=222-7315

That 27" has the same max resolution as the 24" (1920X1200) so there would be no performance hit.

An 8800Ultra could handle the 30" 2560x1600 res so you're ok (although I'm pretty sure you have to use both DVI ports for the 30".

You wouldn't need both dvi ports with an 8800 because of Dual Dual-link DVI (http://www.nvidia.com/page/technology_e ... d_gpu.html) (http://www.nvidia.com/page/8800_features.html). Since each dvi port is dual-link, you could output 2560x1600 from both.

I personally don't like larger monitors with resolutions of smaller monitors, but that's more of a personal thing I think.

[Aslanna]

You wouldn't need both dvi ports with an 8800 because of Dual Dual-link DVI (http://www.nvidia.com/page/technology_e ... d_gpu.html) (http://www.nvidia.com/page/8800_features.html). Since each dvi port is dual-link, you could output 2560x1600 from both.

I personally don't like larger monitors with resolutions of smaller monitors, but that's more of a personal thing I think.

Ah. Good to know. I've been eying the 30" hoping it gets closer to the $1k mark and was wondering if I could still use my 24" in a dual-monitor setup.

The main thing that concerns me about the 30" is that it only has one DVI input. That's it. Don't see why they couldn't have at least stuck a component there as well.

[Winnow]

The main thing that concerns me about the 30" is that it only has one DVI input. That's it. Don't see why they couldn't have at least stuck a component there as well.

That is kind of lame. I use my old Dell 24 quite a bit to hook up my 360 and even TV sometimes. Nice to have component inputs. With a 30", it's imagine using it for console/HDTV would be even more desired/handy.

[Canelek]

Bummer on the lack of component inputs. That is a big selling point for me. I know the ViewSonic 28" has HDMI w/ DVI converter cable, but that seems much more limited....also, the viewsonic is relatively scant on inputs altogether.

May just go with the dell 24", as it is one of the best reviewed monitors available.

[Canelek]

Lifted Aslanna's quote from OS X thread, as it applies here:

It pretty much is. This 30" Dell goes for $1500 but it frequently goes on sale for around $1,250 or something. If I had some sort of coupon I'd get one. My price point for that is $1000 or so so soon as I can get one in that range I'll go for it. If anyone has any sekrit Dell coupon codes send them to me!

OK so fuck the 27"--Let's talk 30"! If there is any possibility of getting that pricepoint down closer to 1 large, then I am so fucking in. Anyone have lowdown on cheap Dell?

Also, are they still essentially the same as Samsung? I really enjoy Samsung's products, so would be open to their 30" model as well.



EDIT: Ewwww -14 ms response time enables crisp and clear images

Isn't that a bit slow for gaming/watching movies, etc? Also, would that higher resolution be rough on a 8800 Ultra? Seems like a kickass monitor, but it would need to be versatile as well!

[Winnow]

Lifted Aslanna's quote from OS X thread, as it applies here:

It pretty much is. This 30" Dell goes for $1500 but it frequently goes on sale for around $1,250 or something. If I had some sort of coupon I'd get one. My price point for that is $1000 or so so soon as I can get one in that range I'll go for it. If anyone has any sekrit Dell coupon codes send them to me!

OK so fuck the 27"--Let's talk 30"! If there is any possibility of getting that pricepoint down closer to 1 large, then I am so fucking in. Anyone have lowdown on cheap Dell?

Also, are they still essentially the same as Samsung? I really enjoy Samsung's products, so would be open to their 30" model as well.

I've had the two 24" monitors for awhile now and pretty much keep the second monitor in portrait mode. 1920X1200 is nice but when you're reading pdf documents or comics, or anything that's the size of a normal page, the 1200 pixels in landscape mode is ok but not quite ideal. With a 30" monitor, I think I could live with reading full pages in landscape with the 1600 vertical pixels.

If you're going with a single monitor, I'd try hard to get the 30"! (especially since you'll have a nice graphics card)

I'm not sure who makes the panel for Dells 30" bit I found this on a quick search:

The Samsung SM-305t is pretty new so there aren't any reviews of them yet. However, the following site indicates that this monitor uses a S-PVA panel:

http://www.hardware.info/nl-NL/productd ... ster_305T/

While S-PVA panels are good for colors accuracy and blacks. They are generally outclassed by S-IPS panels (and their derivatives). The Dell 3007WFP uses a S-IPS panel and I would not hesitate to choose it over the Samsung.

Read this thread for some info on the 30"

http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php ... ht=3007wfp

[Canelek]

Yeah, this is going to be a single-monitor system, as I no longer do any sort of development...this will be for gaming, media and music recording. I'll check out that link at the bottom, thanks!

If I can grab up a deal sub $1200, that would fucking own.

[Aslanna]

Looks like there was a price drop on the Dell 30" displays. Plus it's currently on sale at $1161. The Samsung looks slightly better (faster response time for one along with better image brightness) but it's at $1300. Which would probably be worth the price if it had additional inputs over the Dell but it looks like it too has just one DVI connector.

Spec comparison between the two

Unfortunately, the 305T has two downsides, one of them being really serious. The first is the absence of new wide gamut backlighting and a limitation to the sRGB color space. It isn't a huge problem and at least, it has accurate colors from the start, which isn't the case for the Dell. Secondly, and this is what really hurts this product, is that its DVI interface isn't HDCP compatible. With a monitor of this size this is more than a problem!

Might not be a problem if you don't plan on watching HD movies with it. Which I probably wouldn't be.

Finally, according to one review I read, the Dell panel is made by LG-Phillips.

[Canelek]

While the HDCP isn't really a deal-breaker, I absolutely love all of the features that Dell provides. Both panels are well-made though.

And that price!!! oy!!! Hopefully it holds or goes down in January, when I plan to buy.

[Aslanna]

One feature of the Dell I don't like:

One last comment in this area. Those who will use this monitor with a non Dell computer can't install the Color Monitor application, which replaces the monitor's OSD. They will only be able to access brightness, which is the only option available directly on the monitor. For other parameters, it will be necessary to go through the graphic card driver. A colorimeter will also be of use to correct colors, and, unfortunately, it won't be possible to change the color temperature. The default temperature is 5900K and if you don't have a Dell computer (like us) you will have to stick to it.

[Canelek]

Hmmm, I will need to do more reading then. This isn't really a deal breaker either, as long as I only have to make one or two adjustments via the card driver. However, I ain't going to buy a fucking Dell just to use their monitors! What kid of chickenshit job is that?

[Aslanna]

Dell did come out with another 30" (3008WFP) that has loads of inputs and made up for a lot of the dificiences of their first model. I actually ordered one yesterday since I noticed it was on sale ($400 off so still pricey at $1600). However I cancelled my order today after reading about numerous problems people are having. I probalby should have done that before impulse buying!

I also notice a lot of refurbs of these on Dell Outlet which probably tells you something. I'm sure there are lots of people out there with no problems but for that sort of money I decided not to take the chance. The 2405 is still chugging along! I read somewhere that they were going to be releasing a new 30" version this year so hopefully that will turn out better. In the meantime I'll just stick with what I have. Might get another 24" if they are cheap enough who knows. 24" seems enough for my main display but it would be nice to have another for a 'second desktop' to place things I'm not actively working on at the time but still handy to have up for reference.

[Winnow]

I've got a 24" LCD I dont use. I didnt want to add another video card to have three monitors yet so have the 1920X1080 46" LCD and my primary and 1920x1200 as my secondary. With my new PC (upgrading later this month), I'll probably get the 2X24" + 46" setup going.

I'm wary of Dell's LCDs. Loved my original 2405 but it devloped brown discoloration after about a year and, while it may be the sheer number of people that own them, there's tons of complaints about 2407, and 30" monitors, etc. Who knows. Glad Im not in market for a display.

The Samsung ln650a 46" is awesome though!

[Canelek]

Did Dell move away from the Samsung LCDs? I love my 24" Samsung.

[Kluden]

Depends on the model. The 30" monitors are IPS panels, the 24" and 27" are MVA panels. Samsung makes mva, LG makes ips.

If you have a corporate in with Dell, the 27" is just as much as the 24" from them with corporate discounts. I think the 27" is maybe $35 more.

As for the 30", going with the 3007 from the outlet is the way to go...with outlet coupons, you can get it for $600 some dollars...you can't beat that for a 30" IPS panel.

[Aardor]

As for the 30", going with the 3007 from the outlet is the way to go...with outlet coupons, you can get it for $600 some dollars...you can't beat that for a 30" IPS panel.

=O. Is it refurbished or anything, or have a warranty?

[Aslanna]

They are refurbs. Regardless, the 3007s still have the crippling limitation of only one input but I guess if that's all one had a need for it's not bad. They are currently $750 in the outlet thingie and come with a 1 year warranty although you can pay for an extended. Personally I'd rather pay the extra and get something new but I've always been wary of used items. It must have been returned for a reason!

[Winnow]

Are those refurbs guaranteed to not have dead pixels? That's why a lot of peeps return them.

[Kluden]

they currently have the same guarantee that new ones have...if you don't like it, send it back for an exchange...dead pixel included...although Dell's policy doesn't state that. That is exactly what folks at [H] have been doing for the past few months, though, along with getting free dual link cables just for calling and complaining it didn't come with one, even after the outlet site specifically says it won't have cables. The 15% off coupons you have to buy on fleabay or somewhere else...but 3 bucks to save another 100 is worth it...obviously...but it also looks like they all expired on 1/24. So you will hve to wait for the next batch of vendor 15% coupons come out, and get sold on the web.

If you MUST have hdmi, I would say all Dell offerings are not worth it...because the monitors with HDMI inputs have terrible input lag, but that of course is subjective...or is it objective...whichever one means personal experience.

When I say the 3007 is totally worth it from the outlet, I mean the panel quality, color reproduction, and overall awesome with a 30" IPS panel monitor are worth ~$670, imho.

edit: HERE is the [H]ardforum discussion thread on the Dell Outlet refurbed 3007WFP-HC. Its like 20+ pages long now, and it only started back in december. You can clearly see people are getting monitors with no dead pixels, and ones that do, send them back. Dell treats its outlet customers like they are buying new stuff...its actually kind of amazing IMO.

[Aslanna]

Dell did come out with another 30" (3008WFP) that has loads of inputs and made up for a lot of the dificiences of their first model. I actually ordered one yesterday since I noticed it was on sale ($400 off so still pricey at $1600). However I cancelled my order today after reading about numerous problems people are having. I probalby should have done that before impulse buying!

Glad I cancelled my order. You can get them now for $1139. The new 2009 models must be on the way soon so Dell trying to get rid of the 3008s. That or they're not selling fast enough due to people cancelling their orders after reading about problems!

[Fairweather Pure]

Thank jebus for the Internet. It has saved me from making several bad buys over the years. It's even worse now that I carry my iphone with me when I shop. Just the other day I hesitated with an impulse buy. I looked the item up online, and ordered it from Amazon while still standing in the store! Saved me 20$.

AS far as monitors, I'm content with a single 24 incher. I'm not on my PC as much as I used to be.

[Aslanna]

I got tired of waiting for a decent 30" (features/price) so decided to just get another 24" for now since they were on sale ($430 with coupon). Maybe in a year or two I'll go with a 30" depending on what's out at the time.

Oh and the 2408WFP is PVA not MVA. Not sure there's a whole lot of difference but being technically accurate! Some people have said the text on PVA is fuzzy and hard to read, at least for them, but hopefully that's not the case. Some people also develop headaches. If so it's going back! I don't need more headaches.