Hardware :: Torn Between The DELL U2711 - NEC PA271W And Future Apple Cinema Display 27"?
Jul 27, 2010
I have a PC with a Radeon card with a Display Port and I'm really interested in getting a 27" 2650x1440 display for mostly PC use and a little console gaming. I want to make sure whatever display I buy can be hooked up to a 360 or PS3. I know the DELL has a built in scaler and the Apple iMac 27" supports the 360 and PS3 at 720p with the Kanex XD adapter (I imagine the future ACD will work with Kanex too). Between the two I'm torn between DELLs over aggressive and "sparkly" AG coating, and Apple's insanely reflective glossy surface.
However, what's the deal with the NEC PA271W? I've seen a few solid professional reviews but I haven't read any hands on user comments on this display. Considering its the most expensive of the 3, is it worth the money? Does anyone know if it has a built in scaler? Does it work with a Playstation 3 and 360? Is it glossy or matte, and if its matte does it "sparkle"? My current wide screen monitor is dying and I've gotta make a decision on one of the above three by Fall
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Nov 24, 2010
i have recently spent several evenings re-calibrating my Dell U2711 display and have finally come up with a fantastic image so I thought I'd share my results for those having trouble calibrating this display (given the low quality AG coating this display comes with, calibration can be quite tough). Plus, during my Google search, trying to find some calibration tips, I was surprised at how little I found. Most of the forums I went to are discussions about the AG coating with hardly any talk about calibration. So, because of that, I figured I should share my calibration steps.
I edit video so I managed to come up with a calibration that shows great shadow detail (without crushing the blacks) yet still gives a deep, rich look for the graphics as well. Everything from the highs to the lows look great! And parts of the screen such as the dock look so vivid it's hard to distinguish from an Apple Display in terms of richness and clarity (without the shine, of course). You can still see the grain of the AG coating on bright areas of the screen but it's hardly distracting at all. On a side note: this is a great display for editing video even with the AG coating but if you edit still photography I would stay away from the U2711 entirely: still image + still grain = disaster!
Unfortunately I don't know much about internal computer system settings or if all displays that Dell ships are identical, so I can't say for sure that the calibration I did will work for everyone. However, if all Dell Displays and Apple computers (I use a 2010 MacPro) are 100% identical when shipped, then, if you follow my steps exactly, you should be able to come up with something similar to what I got. But I can't say for sure:
Step 1: Setting up the display.
Set the contrast to 100% and the brightness to 80%. Set the Gamma to (Mac), the Mode Selection to (Graphics), and the Preset Mode to (Custom Color). Now, in custom color leave the green at 100% and set both the Red and Blue to 98%.
Step 2: Setting up the Mac.
Run your Mac's Display Calibration Assistant (located in the Display section of System Preferences). Select the checkbox for Expert Mode and keep clicking continue till you get to the section with the lined boxes with the Apple logo in the middle.
Now, for all 5 'lined box' steps, make the Apple logo disappear using only the left slider (do not touch the right slider at all). To make the Apple logo disappear (blend into the box) you must squint your eyes until the lines that make up the box itself become one solid color (my eyes were about 75% closed). Take your time and make sure you are confident that the Logo is gone.
Then, when you come to the gamma screen either select 2.2 or 2.15 - the proper setting should be 2.2, however, I found the blacks to be not as deep as I'd like them to be (most likely because of the AG coating) so I choose 2.15 which I found to be the key to giving the display the richness it needs to look great.
When you get to the 'Target White Point' screen, select the checkbox 'use native white point'.
Then save you calibration profile and exit the assistant. Now go back to your Dell display settings and set the brightness to 100% and you should be good to go! Note: if you find your screen to be a little too dark, re-calibrate but try selecting 70% or 60% for the brightness during step one. That way, when you raise the brightness to 100% at the end, it should be somewhat brighter.
I hope this works as great for you as it did me! And even if it doesn't, hopefully you will end up with something half decent. But either way, please do share your results - I know there are a lot of people out there struggling with this display because of it's AG coating and some are even attempting to remove the AG coating with bad results. I even considered removing mine but now I am glad I didn't take the risk (I suck at doing those type of mods, haha). Now, my display looks almost as good as an Apple display (and without any glare!
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Apr 2, 2009
I really want a new monitor.
and now i have last 2 choice.
Dell Ultrasharp 24" 2408 vs. Apple LED Cinema Display
1) I'm using mac pro early 2008 that make me must to buy Apple's 4870 or GT 120 to drive 24" ACD, that make all money I must pay for apple is around $944 (1-yr apple care) vs. Dell at $560 (with 5-yr warranty). is it worth?
2) I hate glossy screen but love a new ACD design very much. some people say 24" iMac screen (S-IPS) make his eye pain when using that screen for a long time do your guys think about this ?
3) my current monitor is 20" ACD, my new monitor must be better (or equal) than it. can your guy say 24" Dell is better than 20"ACD in term of color. (old S-IPS in 20" vs. S-PVA)
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Dec 14, 2009
I'm deciding to buy myself a new mac pro coming around Jan-Feb and since mac pro's cost sooo much I'm cutting money on every corner; from buying only on amazon to using magazine coupons. The biggest money waster in my opinion is the 22' Led Cinema display apple sells. It costs around 900$ to buy an apple display which hasn't been updated for 3+ years when new Dell monitors of the same size (with camera installed and quality optional speakers) cost roughly about 400 max? I know apple displays are premium but extra 500 bucks is ridiculous.
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Apr 24, 2010
Does anybody have images of the Dell 27" Display (UltraSharp U2711) next to a 27" imac? I'd like to see what the size difference is in chassis, and if the two screen line up in height.
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May 31, 2012
Both are capable of 2560x1600 pixel resolution. Display preferences shows max 1920x1080@60Hz. How do I enable higher resolutions?
Info:
MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7)
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Dec 24, 2009
The title says it all really... Quite a simple problem that I can't find any answer to!
I've hooked up my 30" Apple Cinema Display to the new iMac 27" and the highest resolution I'm getting as an option is 1280x800... The iMac correctly detects the ACD as a Cinema HD display but limits my resolution. Why oh why?!
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Aug 14, 2009
I own 23 and 30" Cinema Displays. I like the 23 because everything is larger and easier to read than in the 30". I mostly work in Logic and love that I see lots of things on the 30" but the 23" is much easier on my eyes.Is there such a thing as a display with 2560x1600 (like the 30" Apple) but that is LARGER than a 30 inch so I can see everything bigger in Logic??? Maybe a 34 or 37"? Did a search but haven't come up with anything other than other 30" displays.
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Jun 15, 2012
if i Connect my Macbook air to the apple Cinema Display through thunderbolt is the air getting power supply through the Display?
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Aug 25, 2007
I am in the market for a new display. I was thinking about getting a new dell one, but then again I love the looks of the Apple studio and cinema displays. Do you think it would be a mistake to buy a used Apple display, so long as it is in good condition? I have about $150-200 to spend
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Oct 29, 2010
I just got my Cinema Display yesterday,But one thing, the USB ports dont seem to function "normally" i got my Mouses Bluetooth Dongle plugged directly into the back, and its not recieving it?
I also tried plugging my APC40 (midi controller) into the back and it didnt get recognized, it only works when i plug it directly into the MBP.Am i forgetting something?I did a full update on the drivers soon as i plugged it in too
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Nov 7, 2010
I have an iMac 21.5 inch and I sm trying to find s dual monitor that can sorta match up to it's brightness and color quality but I don't want to drop and absurd amount to get an apple cinema display. So my question is what are my options . And what are the visual differences between LCD led and ISP displays. I'm very unfamiliar with all this so thanks for the advice and help. Btw I'm looking for a 22-23 inch display
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Jan 5, 2011
I was lucky enough to check the online Apple Store at the right time yesterday, and came across a refurbished 30" ACD for $1,299. Ordered it with next day shipping, and less than 24 hours later (i.e. now), I've got it up and running. MAN�this thing is awesome I've been using a pair of 23" ACDs�both suspended via an Ergotron dual mount (which is great). Now, I've got some reconfiguring to do. If anyone would be so kind as to tell me if the following moves make sense, I'd be truly grateful. FYI, I've got an early 2008 Mac Pro (3,1), and I do lots of graphics work (mainly Photoshop + Illustrator, CS5�but increasingly dabbling in Cinema 4D�and no gaming whatsoever). Here's what I've been thinking about buying to "refresh" my 3-year-old system:
� ATI Radeon HD 5770 Graphics Card
� SSD (120GB Mercury Extreme Pro) + "IcyDock" mount
� 2 PCIe cards (both by Sonnet Tech.):
� Allegro Express USB 2.0 Adapter Card (adds 4 ext. USB ports)
� Tempo SATA E2P Serial ATA Host Adapter Card (adds 2 ext. eSATA ports)
� NewerTech Voyager Q- (SATA Hard Drive Dock)........
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May 4, 2009
I've been trawling the net to find a review of the Apple Cinema Display by a professional who has used it every day for at least one month, to see whether the reflection on it is as off-putting as it looks in the store.
I went into the Apple Regent Street Store in London on Friday all ready to buy an MBP17 & an ACD24 but then when I looked at the Cinema Display I saw my own ugly face reflected back at me horrifically clearly... When I was trying out the various apps on the screen, even with a white background the glass was still very reflective.
Granted the Apple Store is probably the brightest work environment you'll ever see, but I need to know from people who own and use this monitor daily: is it as reflective as it seems and is that off-putting for your work?
My work requires very precise colour definition so if the reflections will get in the way of that then I'll essentially own a very expensive mirror/paper weight.
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Aug 9, 2010
I have a gorgeous 24" ACD that I bought earlier this year for my MBP. The MBP was sold, so I now want to use this display with my hackintosh that I built.
I think this adapter will work, but I'm not sure.
[URL]
I'm not sure because the DVI end of the adapter appears to be female, and I need a male end to plug into my computer.
I'm not sure if I'm over-thinking, confused or just plain dumb. All I want to do is plug the ACD into my desktop.
by the way, I went to microcenter for this, and they pointed me to a 150 dollar adapter - plug the monitor into one side, of it and the other side goes into the DVI port of the computer. I'm hoping I don't need to spend 150
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Aug 25, 2010
When do you think of that you can order the new Apple Cinema Display 27"?
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Sep 11, 2010
I'm wondering how can I use my Apple LED Cinema Display with my PC laptop.
The laptop has VGA and DVI inputs but not the small Apple thingy.
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Sep 20, 2010
I have a very lovely and presently not working Cinema Display 24 inches.
Here is what it is doing.
When connected to my Mac it shows up as a valid screen in the Monitors System preference and if I am not mirroring displays my mouse and windows can be placed in this 'space'.
However there is not any on LED power light nor does the USB/Firewire port function.
What is odd, is this is intermittent. It used to be dark for a bit but mostly on. Now it is dark 99% of the time, and occassionaly comes to life.
When it comes to life, it is bright, and clear. So the lamp is more than likely OK.
The power supply has been tested with another unit and it is not power supply (external) related.
I have thought it could be the inverter board which is a part I can buy cheaply and repair. However I was told my LCD is more symptomatic of the LCD panel being bad.
Apple wants a $450 fee to diagnose that would be applied towards repairs, but at that cost, it is almost worth getting the new LED model. I would prefer to fix it in a more economical manner.
Does anyone know of what could be causing my set of symptoms and/or a reliable LCD repair source preferably in the NY/NJ region?
I would prefer to have some idea of a diagnosis before I go and buy invetertor boards and A/D boards. However I can replace the power supply, inverter and A/D board for under $300 so that is abetter option than Apple's. However if the LCD panel is in fact dead, then it is a lost cause. New panels are very hard to find.
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Nov 2, 2010
I plan to buy a 27 inch Apple Cinema Display to connect my 13 inch Macbook White too. I also plan to wall mount it and use it to run my ps3 through. I've looked around on the apple store and found the Belkin AV360 to use. I was just wondering if there are any issues I should be worried about? PS3 on a apple display sounds sooo good Also I want to use wireless headphones for sound on the ps3.
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Nov 22, 2010
have been looking around online on how the best way to connect my new Mbp that arrives tomorrow to an old apple LCD cinema display that my dad managed to save from redundancy from one of his work clients. (am being given the screen).
I know there is a mini display port to dvi adapter sold by apple but it has very negative reviews, and wondered if anyone has any better suggestions for a way that i could connect it?
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Dec 15, 2008
So is there a way to make it work?
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Dec 19, 2008
Frustrated. To my excitement, I purchased this display last week. In my previous thread, I posted that it looks stunning and works as it should. Well, last night I was using the display, then I noticed a color change on screen. Overall tone of the display turns "greenish" and turns back to normal. A few moments later it turns "cooler" then back to normal. The "discoloration" is for five seconds or so. And it's very irregular. I might be over-stating when I say discoloration, but the overall color changes back and forth. BUT not all the time. I thought my eyes were wrong. But the problem is, it's not a constant issue. If my screen was flickering or had distorted images I could understand that it's defective. The symptom that I just explained doesn't even happen unless I use it for hours. So these might be issues with this:
1. Running it too long. I've had the display on and was working on it for hours. But then, why won't I be able to use it for hours? Even if I had decided to keep the display at full blast for hours and days, this shouldn't happen.
2. 10.5.6 update. I have no conclusive evidence that the recent OS X update had to do anything to my mini display port and external monitor capabilities, but since some have reported issues with it, it could be the cause.
I would hate to drag it down to a local Apple store to meet with one of the genius guys or ship it in for a repair/replacement. I already know what's going to happen at the Apple Store; one genius guy would ask what the problem is and after I explain it to him, he won't see the problem in front. And repair/replacement takes too long.
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Jan 12, 2009
I know to go to settings/display but which option to choose?
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Mar 29, 2009
Under display profiles, No. 13 it list some Apple display make and model info such as Manufacturer (00000610) Model (00009221) and Manufacture date (C5942D00).. does anyone know how to decipher these? I tried CoconutIdentitycard, but that only give Mac and ipod details based on serial numbers
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Jun 3, 2009
I have a first gen Mac Pro with a 20" Apple Cinema Display connected to it. I always leave my computer in, but I let my display sleep. My display will go to sleep fine but it will wake up randomly and then fall back asleep again after the time interval. This has been going on for a long time but it's starting to really bother me.
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Sep 9, 2009
Just got a 20" Apple Cinema Display LCD that didnt come with the power cord. It has a usb, firewire, DVI and the cable to connect the power supply. What is the best way to connect this screen to my MacBook Pro? Is it possible to have it powered through my laptop?
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Sep 10, 2009
Anyone have any idea when these suckers might be updated, I want to buy but Im not paying �1100 for something with 700:1 Contrast.. Anyone hear anything new on these? I dont know why they just didn't update them when the 24" came out.
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Sep 17, 2009
Just turned my com from sleep and im greeted to a 640 x 480 uber low res display! it's the second 24" ACD ive had as the first had a crack in in the screen. I have tried plugging into a single wall outlet, restarting, shutting down the mbp - still the same 640x 480 - really poor show on this apple product, from my personal experience. What is the definitive solution? Ive had it 2 days - the cracked one worked fine for 4 days and that was running of the exact same plug / socket. Another thread on ASupport discussions - [URL]
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Jan 14, 2010
I have 2 extra 30" Cinema Displays in my place since I switched over to Lacie Monitors for my color workflow, I want to sell one and keep the other if I can use it on the PS3. I received a second PS3 for Christmas and would like to set up the 30" display with the PS3 in the client waiting area. I was just wondering if this is possible at all? I know I can just sell the monitors and buy a tv but I'd like to keep at least one as a spare just in case.
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Jan 29, 2010
i am planning to buy an apple's LED cinema display to connect it to my PC.
[URL]
the all new
24-inch (viewable) LED-backlit thin film transistor (TFT) active-matrix liquid crystal display
reason i chose this is because its the best in the market. and its brilliant quality stuff...
at least its the best currently in Indian market...
i want to know if it contains or has the capability to connect with DVI port on my nvidia 8600GT...
will it be able to display the same quality.
or will there be any resolution problem with the type of hardware i have?
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