I asked the questions here because the sale's rep on the phone won't be able to answer to them —they don't know each and every product, do they?

Someone, please?

Thanks a lot.

Is this monitor that much outdated so no one cares?

Since my old 17" TFT (1280x1024) ran into problems, i'm on the market for a new and bigger 4:3 monitor (quite hard to find these days) and the 2007FP could be a challenger. The French Dell store features two kinds of this one (I translated the specs in French), both at the same price:
LCD Dell UltraSharp 2007FP 20,1 in. flat panel Black Framer (2007FP TCO99)
Manufacturer Part# 858-10043
Dell Part# 59202
LCD Dell UltraSharp 2007FP 20,1 in. flat panel Silver frame (2007FP TCO 03)
Manufacturer Part# 858-10073
Dell Part# 73486
In a matter of taste and picture editing purpose I'd rather choose the black framed one but I noticed TCO specs difference that hint me for noticeable hardware/firmware differences: the way the monitor will speak with my hardware, afaik.
Am I wrong with that? What are the other changes between these?
* There is no difference as far as Dell is concerned. If there were, we would have two User Manuals with different specifications. There is only one.

What kind of the panel S-IPS or PVA?
* LG.Philips S-IPS (LM201U05) or Samsung S-PVA (LTM201U1)

btw am I guaranteed to get a S-IPS?
* Nope.

I own two Win XP SP3 computers (both with nVidia 7600GT GPU —I'm not a gamer), the main rig inputs the DVI and the back-up the VGA and I'm used to switch from one to the other via the OSD of my Belinea monitor (note my DVI cable is a third party fat, heavy cable).
Would this way be OK with an 2007FP or shall I run into some refreshing issues or whatever prejudicial for the monitor health?
* You can use the 2007FP the same way.

I'm really picky about noise, both PCs are entirely foamed, hard-drives decoupled (luckily I live in a quiet part of a big city so the PCs are the noisiest things around). Is the 2007FP really silent? I mean emitting any noticeable humm, crackle, buzz, whine at whatever setting?
* Not that I have noticed.

Hi,

Thanks Chris for your accurate other answers.

btw am I guaranteed to get a S-IPS?
* Nope.

PVA a handful of bucks lesser or an IPS with a premium would be OK but such industrial schizophrenia disappoints me.

I've read —so why you ask? to get a real professional's answer :emotion-51:— that end 2008 build models bought in 2009 were IPS but as of now you Dell rep' still can't be sure of what the customer gets? French or European warehouses can be full of oldies you never imagine. :emotion-3:

I had a 22" 16/9 monitor for a few days (TN panel, never mind), it was an awful experience... I'm a bit reactionary about that, I really don't find that comfy to work on (no-no-no with the head) and I felt happy when I saw that some professional concern's manufacturer keep this kindof products —I mean 4:3 ratio with accurate pitch— on shelves.

When some reseller in UK (Hampshire) with some good fame on French hardware forums —no anonymous no brokers or refurb seller— at a quite regular price can guarantee IPS and recent revisions without infringing Dell warranty for European customers (afaik)... why Dell can't a bunch of month after the initial launch?

That's annoying, but thanks again for your concern & sincerity, Chris, I appreciate that.