NEC MultiSync® LCD2690WUXI-BK vs Dell UltraSharpTM 2707WFP vs DELL ULTRASHARP 2408WFP

Regardless of size, all three monitors have a native resolution of 1920x1200, so the 24" would be the sharpest (smallest pixel pitch):

24" - 0.270mm

26" - 0.287mm

27" - 0.303mm

 

Probably more importantly, both Dell monitors use S-PVA panels while the NEC uses an advanced IPS panel.

 

I don't have hands on experience with any of these monitors (although I use a S-IPS 2007WFP), but the NEC looks to to be ideal for graphics work.

 

NEC LCD2690WUXI

 

Review

 

 

...sorry Dell ;)

Hmmm, interesting point about sharpness, and the IPS panel has me leaning toward the NEC.

 

Thank you for the link for the NEC review!

 

Something I just noticed reading it over is the NEC does not have the usb hub.

I like having one, but not enough to sacrafice image quality.

Still thinking it over..... 

Jules -

 

I was seriously considering the NEC (I do fine art photography), but found a review that leaned towards

this 27" Dell. Also another user on the DPReview forum gave the DELL high marks, saying it performed as well as one of his much pricier "pro" monitors.

 

Also - for the price diff, I'll be able to get a ColorMunki and be able to do monitor/printer profiling. What I forgot to look at is how well the DELL handles the NTSC and Adobe 1998 color space.

 

I also am looking to replace TWO monitors with one, so the extra few inches helps. I think the NEC may be a bit more 'pro', but with the price difference the DELL won out.  Best of luck on a very, at best, frustrating search!

 

Harrzack-

 

Do you have the Dell 27"? or did you just order it?

I'd be interested to see how you like it once you have it!

 

Thanks for the luck! I need it.

It's a frustrating search, especially since whatever I purchase I will have to keep for many years. I want to make the right choice! 

Jules --

 

I've taken the plunge for the Dell. It is to be here in NJ on the Monday the 14th. As soon as I get it cranked up and do a rough "by eye" calibration/profile, I'll report my views.

 

Don't know if you went thru the existing customer reviews on this, but they are all certainly glowing. There are no comments about using the monitor in a profiled situation, as for photo art printing. Since the price of the DELL gives room to add a ColorMunki profiler, I think I'll be close enough to the NEC and have a bit of extra real estate as well. Stay tuned!

 

=Alan R. 

Awesome, looking forward to your comments/experiences with the monitor!

Alan-

 

I saw you posted some comments on your new monitor, but only looked over them briefly. Just came back to take in what you said and find the post missing. Could you comment again on the monitor. From I did read sounded like it would not be a good choice for me.

 

Thanks!

Hi Jules!

 

Yes - I did put a post here but it was removed as I used a naughty phrase.  Sigh.  In any case, the bottom line is, for serious photo work, I'd suggest something else. The 2707 does provide a LOT of real estate, but I'm just not sure yet how it will play out for overall image quality. Out of the box, on OS X 10.4.11, it is VERY bright and a lot of web-sites do look washed out. The panel buttons are quite clumsy to deal with. Nothing one can't learn, but... The brushed aluminum frame is not a prob nor is the heat, as some reviewers felt.

 

One big noticible thing is the edge fall-off. I use a flat gray background (so it doen't conflict with any color pix), and you can SEE the darker edges all around. I think I did have sharping cranked up a bit high - when I did a reset to factory defaults, the text is now ok. Plus I'm getting more used to it. Tomorrow (16th) I'll be getting the ColorMunki and will put it thru its paces on the 2707. If that pulls it out of the bag, then it is a 'maybe'. The price of the 2707 and the Munki are about what you'd pay for a LaCie 24" - with no calib.

 

I've also discovered that my dream of replacing a dual monitor setup with one large screen is somewhat flawed. Even though I have more space, it feels like less as many windows expand to take up the full screen. Hard to explain, but it is not (at least yet) as sweet as I thought it would be.

 

Bottom line: OK monitor, lotsa space. I'm still a little unsure of the image quality -- My current impression (after only 24 hrs or so) is that it is not a whole lot different than the 7yr old Mitsubishi Diamond 9i I was using (19").

 

Unless you really want that big screen, give the others another look. I'll report back after I run the Munki on it.

 

 

Ewww, doesn't sound promising.

 

Not sure what I'll do. All I've read on the 2408 on the forums is really bad. So I don't want to shell out money for a new monitor only to have to return it for a refurb

 

All I've read on the NEC is that it is a wide gamut monitor, and I don't know if I could handle it

 

Hmmm, scratching head. My new computer will arrive today too. Wanted to have the monitor thing worked out. Oh well, just keep reading about it I guess. I have a headache trying to decide.

 

Look forward to what you get after calibration. I do have a spyder2 suite if I need to run calibration (although it's still in the box, hope it is easy to use and is good!)

 

Thanks

Jules -

 

My original plan when I found the 2707 was to get it and the I-EyeOne (Display) monitor profiler and stick with the factory profiles for printing. the Epson 3800 does quite well with factory profiles, and I could add that feature later. Then I saw the ColorMunki.  Well - it seems it's shortcomings (so far) are that it does not provide for adjusting the individual RBG channels. I've run 3 profiles and when looking at a fine grayscale gradient (d/l at drycreekphoto), it never is really neutral. By switching thru a variety of profiles while looking at this gadient, I see the color cast change, so I know it is the profiles making the diff.

 

A fellow on the DPRview forum has had great success in profiling this with another package.

 

I would suggest that as a moderate cost, large-area monitor it could be a good buy. The 2707 combinded with a colorimeter that would allow and help with the adjustments of the RGB channels could be a very cost effecttive approach. If not that - then go the the LaCie 324 and at about $1300 or so you can have it with their colorimeter.

 

I'm reasonably happy with the 2707 even though I do wish I could have gone to a higer end unit with a 12-bit color LUT. The OSD buttons are quite tedioius but workable. And the fact that you CAN get to the RBG channels is a plus. The jury is still out on the ColorMunki --- but it IS V1.0 stuff, so there is hope.

 

The Spyder2 should do a credible job on getting you profiled -- Check on their site to see if the software will utilize the RGB channel adjustments.

 

And the final-final is: This puppy does put up some heavy screen real estate! I guess I'd give it plus the EyeOne Display package (about $200 or so) a nod.  Best of luck in any case!!