Apple Monitor for MacPro?

[Spencer Broschard]

Hey guys,

So I'm looking to get a MacPro sometime in the near future and I was wondering what other monitor options I have (if any) that are cheaper but have similar quality to an Apple monitor. For an extra $1000, The apple monitor better be precise! Also, I don't know if I'm really going to need or have the space for a 27" monitor so are there any smaller monitors I could buy with similar or better quality?

thanks in advance!

-Spencer Broschard

[Ben Brainerd]

The Apple monitors are overpriced for what you get. For my money, I would look into the Dell panels. The quality is similar to what you get from Apple (They used to use the exact same LED panels, don't know if that's true anymore) and they're usually about 50% cheaper. I run a pair of Dell 2405FPWs (4+ years old at this point) and couldn't be happier.

As far as *smaller* goes, I wouldn't suggest going too much smaller. Down to 24", maybe, but once you drop below 24" you'll lose the ability to display 1080P at native resolution. Plus the loss of desktop real-estate (Computer desktop, editing space, not actual physical desk) means you'll probably wish you'd gone bigger.

[Jeff Kilgroe]

Most all my LCD's are Dell. I'm sitting in front of two Dell 30" (older 3007WFP models) and I prefer them over the Apple 30". They can raise and lower, rotate, same resolution and brightness (same LCD panel and backlight system).

The current Dell U2711 is a 27" display similar to the new Apple display, but a better backlight system, IMO, and more interface connections.

Also look at Samsung.

If you want something that's more color accurate than the Dell 2711, which isn't bad in itself, then look at the HP DreamColor and the Eizo monitors. But they cost more and pretty well lock you into a 23~24" screen size for the best color performance.

[Ben Brainerd]

They can raise and lower, rotate, ... and more interface connections.

I totally didn't think of that when I was recommending the Dells. Yeah, there's a lot more options as far as placement, and you've got (On my 2405s) DVI, VGA, Component, Composite and a couple others I can't remember off the top of my head.

[jimhare]

I recently got the Apple 27" and am very happy with it. I used to use Dell but they now look dull and greenish to me in comparison. Also, the Apple has a pretty good sound system that makes a big difference in everyday when you don't want to turn on the big studio speakers.

I think $1000 for a great monitor is cheap, and well worth it. I remember when the 22" LCD was $7,000!