Apple Monitor or Dell Monitor????

Steve Shovlar

Steve Shovlar

DVXuser Sponsor
I am going to buy a new 30 inch HD monitor this week and would like your thoughts. Both the Apple and Dell have the same specs, but the Dell is a fair bit cheaper.

So I ask, is the overall image better on the Apple? Or is the build quality better to spend the extra money on it?

Or is the Dell a bargain and its worth saving the extra cash spent on an Apple to put towards something else?

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=222-0863

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APP...oa/wo/0.RSLID?mco=9F8FBAD3&nclm=AppleDisplays
 
The Dell displays are nice computer displays, but they are useless for judging color in digital photography or video. The 30" model also has a reputation for ghosting and poor blacks.
 
The Dell 30" has only DVI AFAIK...


None of them are video monitors. Both are computer displays.

You could buy something like my HD link to work with an SDI signal and deliver a better approximation of a video monitor.

I bought the HD-link in arch... and used it for a week.

Then Iordered the Panny 17"

No regrets.

That said, I think the Dell is a much better buy. I have both the Dell 24" and the Apple 23" and think the Dell is by far the superior (and cheapest) computer monitor.

Gunleik
 
do you really NEED a 30" monitor? the dell 24" has every input known to man and looks way beeter than apples 23"
 
To me the specs imply that it's the exactly same LCD panel used in both monitors.
So the quality should be exactly the same.

So the only difference is the design and the accessorys.

The dell has a built-in card reader and 4 port usb hub.
The Apple has a built-in 2 port usb hub and a 2 port firewire 400 hub, and includes a cable. I would prefer the firewire hub over the card reader any time.

Design wise I think the Apple Aluminum exterior wins, and would make my desk look way cooler than the Dell.

If Alu enclosure and Firewire hub is worth $470, you'll have to decide....
 
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Well you say they are computer displays rather than video monitors, but we use them in FCP and vegas etc, so whats the difference? We use them for colour correction in FCP.

So what should we be using?
 
Its tough to say with all the different technologies now, LCD , plasma, 3 different projections, CRT, i just do what looks god on my 24" iMac and go with that.
 
I just bought the Cinema 30". I got it with a Mac Pro, so I have extended applecare on the monitor too. I decided that a screeen is important because I look at it all day. So I went with the 30".
 
OK I have made up my mind and am going with the Apple 30". A couple of reasons. First of all build quility is usually good. And secondly when it comes for that time to upgrade, a 30" Apple Cinema Monitor is going to be worth more on Ebay than a Dell 30 monitor which looks unfashionable in comparison.
 
Steve Shovlar said:
OK I have made up my mind and am going with the Apple 30". A couple of reasons. First of all build quility is usually good. And secondly when it comes for that time to upgrade, a 30" Apple Cinema Monitor is going to be worth more on Ebay than a Dell 30 monitor which looks unfashionable in comparison.
Click to expand...

We bit the bullet and matched our MacPro with a 30 inch.

Don't regret it.

Fabulous monitor.
 
Well, I would disagree with your choice, but you'll be happy either way. I would get the Dell 30" (which I own). Great monitor. You are spending extra money for no performance boost by buying Apple. Are you really planning on reselling your 30" monitor? If so, by the time to want to resell it, 30in monitors will probably be only $700. The price has already came down on those monitors almost $1000 in just a single year.

Another little benefit of the Dell. The Dell has an external power cord. The Apple has a built in power cord. So, if for some reason your powercord gets screwed up, your whole monitor is useless until you send it in to get repaired. I know this is a very small benefit, but when you are comparing almost two exact monitors, every little benefit counts. Now $500 price difference...thats a BIG benefit. Personally I like the looks of my Dell monitor. It's black, with a thin bezel, clean and simple. Just my opinions. I think the Apple looks better, but I definetly don't mind the looks of the Dell.

OH, and if you can afford a 30"...definetly get it. I use every bit of real estate on my screen when working with HD clips. Your screen will actually get a little cramped when working at full res on 1080p clips.

I'm planning on buying a Mac tommorow, and I am leary about getting the 24 in iMac, because I'm scared it won't compare to the 30" luxury I've grown accustomed to.
 
Both are great monitors, that's a given. It really comes down to the aesthetics of the display, the number of inputs needed and ones affinity to Apple or Dell.

One thing most don't know is that you can score a discount on Apple just by asking, either at one of the Apple stores, or online. You can also join a professional association such as NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals) and get 8% to 12% off of Apple hardware just by linking through NAPP's website.

When you do this, you bring the price difference between the Apple and the Dell to less than $200.

So enjoy either flavor,

Rob
 
wgzn said:
do you really NEED a 30" monitor? the dell 24" has every input known to man and looks way beeter than apples 23"
Click to expand...

Have to agree, the Dell 24 is the best value out there, no question.
 
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