Alternatives to Apple Cinema displays

C

chocblu

Member
Hey All,

Ive got a macc book pro and am looking for a big LCD to go with it for editing in FCP. The most obvious choice would be a 23" Apple cinema display. But i dont quite know how far out of my price range it is. I could probably stretch to one, but it would be a bit of a stretch. So, with that in mind, i think i would like an LCD of that size becuase i really do like that amount of screen real estate. Are there any other options out there that people have used and recommend. Ive used the dells, but they're quite noisy.

Also, if i did get one of these, would you say the quality of the Mac book pro LCD would be better to view on, so i could use that as my monitor, or would that be not such a great idea.

Cheers

Mark
 
dell 24, gateway 24, benq 24 all get good reviews. Are you using this as a video monitor or a computer monitor? For video the Dell as well as the others are going to be noisy. I use the gateway as an editing monitor and as a focus monitor for production. Its pretty much limited to framing and focus as color and noise levels arent true at all, but I like the size for composing a shot. For editing I have a seperate CRT to judge color and exposure by.
 
Its for editing.

So is the Apple cinema display a serious cut above the rest?

Also if i got a dell or something similar, would my mac book pro be better for the viewing screen?
 
If its just for editing I'd save the money and get a Gateway 24 (or two). Not sure on the Laptop display for viewing video...
 
Dell and Apple use the same screens in their displays, with subtle differences like controls and what not, and a bloated price. Lots of people like the cheaper Dells which used to have the same model screen from the same manufacturer apple has in theirs.

LG had a very good widescreen 20" come out a while back, but the dells 2007WFP are a popular choice.

Check out the display forums at hardforums.com for more info and advice.
 
Not entirely true about Dell and Apple using the same components or quality control. That said if you're looking to save a few bucks and don't mind the aesthetics of the Dell monitors they are a solid alternative.

Noah
 
I HIGHLY recommend the Gateway 24" monitors. Firstly, they're a bit less expensive than the Apple and Dells. Secondly, they have a higher contrast ratio, which is the main concern when attempting to judge an image on an LCD display. The idea that these monitors don't reproduce color is a rather inaccurate idea, you can callibrate ANY monitor to display color accurately, the only advantage with certain production monitors is that they have a blue gun in them. Obvioiusly, the Gateway doesn't have that, but you can still get accurate results if you put some time and effort in.
 
I'm using a Dell. Way, way cheaper than Apple's offering. It's with a Mac Pro, but in relation to your question - it's a Mac and Dell combo and works just fine.

You need an adapter to attach between the two - Apple supplied one in the box with my Mac Pro so no problems. Spent a little time fiddeling with the settings, and it's pin sharp.

The Apple monitor looks more styled, if you're keen to make an impression on potential wealthy style-conscious clients who insist on seeing your equipment (ironic, bitter, twisted laughter from this videographer whose clients ask for discounts before even checking the quality of my work). Having said that, the Dell is a handsome devil (like myself) and can look rather swish astride a mac book pro.
 
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