30" screen cheaper than Apples? [Archive]

hush

Sep 30, 2006, 11:15 PM

I'm considering a screen that has the resolution and size of the 32" Cinema display, but hoping for one at a cheaper price than the Apple. Either that, or one of better quality at the same price. Any suggestions? What exactly is there out there that competes with this screen?

I think you mean 30", don't you?

YoYoMa

Sep 30, 2006, 11:17 PM

Yeah 30", sorry about that. So the Dell has the same resolution and quality and is 20% cheaper? Not bad. Throw in a few coupons and that might just be the ticket. How do they look? Do you have a model number?

radiantm3

Sep 30, 2006, 11:18 PM

...and of similar quality.

The panel is, but not the casing. :) Unless they are doing something different than they do with the 20" and 24" models.

YoYoMa

Sep 30, 2006, 11:21 PM

Wow, I'm looking at it now and it's quite nice, except for the word Dell written all over it. It also looks as if it tilts vertically as well; not bad. Is that pretty much the best competitor?

benthewraith

Sep 30, 2006, 11:23 PM

Wow, I'm looking at it now and it's quite nice, except for the word Dell written all over it. It also looks as if it tilts vertically as well; not bad. Is that pretty much the best competitor?

If you check out the setups thread, there are quite a few people who have Dell monitors. They also seem to have a lot less issues with the halo effect than the 30" monitors. :)

Warbrain

Sep 30, 2006, 11:23 PM

It's a 30" monitor, not 32"... anyway, the Dell 30" is substantially (~20%) cheaper and of similar quality.

And the Dell monitors are quite nice. I was a bit shocked.

YoYoMa

Sep 30, 2006, 11:25 PM

By the way, are there any slightly larger monitors than this that also run this resolution? The reason I ask is because it would come in handy when working farther away from the monitor, which I know will happen frequently.

jsw

Sep 30, 2006, 11:27 PM

If you're working farther away, buy a 1920x1080 ("full HD") capable HDTV with DVI input(s) [Westinghouse sells some for under $2000]. But I know of no larger monitors with resolution comparable to the 30-inch monitors.

YoYoMa

Sep 30, 2006, 11:37 PM

Ahh, well, the very high resolution is actually the thing drawing me to this screen, even if a lower resolution would allow me to work farther away. That'd be too bad if 30" were the maximum size, are you sure that's accurate?(it would make my purchase decision easier at least :).) I would definitely be interested in the largest screen with this resolution though (as long as it's reasonably priced) so if anyone knows of any feel free to chime in. I'd also be interested in some monitors similar to the Dell and Apple that don't say Dell everywhere;), although the Dell really is a very good looking monitor.

YoYoMa

Oct 1, 2006, 12:10 AM

Wow! The Dell's go for $1300 on eBay! That's fantastic!

aneks

Oct 1, 2006, 02:59 AM

opened up and checked the Dell's, Apple's, Sony and Samsung's all have the same LCD panel. Depending on your region Dell can be as much as $1000 cheaper. I use a 23" ACD at work and a 24" Dell 2405 fpw at home, I have placed them side by side and they are increadibly similar. I would much rather purchase the dell as it has a lot more inputs including analog and vga, plus it has a usb hub and 5 in 1 card reader.

Fearless Leader

Oct 1, 2006, 03:14 AM

i dont think 30" will be the end. Some people think 30" is way to big, my neck hurts, etc... but i use a 37" lcd tv and used a 20" together on my g5. Bout a foot away. If i could aford it i would have 2 30" monitors.

Your sounding link you'd be better off with a tv than a monitor. If i understand you want to look at them from a distance.

Did dell have a price cut? When apple lowered the 30" to 1999 i rember posting and congrad. apple on having the cheapest 30" anywhere.

wow 1500 for 30". dang.

xfiftyfour

Oct 1, 2006, 03:20 AM

Did dell have a price cut? When apple lowered the 30" to 1999 i rember posting and congrad. apple on having the cheapest 30" anywhere.
Dell's 30" is $1699 regularly, but there are always sales on it. Right now it's $1529.10, so pretty much $470 cheaper than Apple.

YoYoMa

Oct 1, 2006, 07:20 PM

Well with Apples EDU discount and shipping on the Dell, that price would make it about $200 more expensive than the Dell, so I'd prob go with the Apple at that price. The eBay prices are around $1400 shipped which makes the Dell $400 cheaper and a much better value than the Apple. The only thing it would be missing is a cooler name, like Apple or Samsung.

xfiftyfour

Oct 1, 2006, 07:27 PM

Well with Apples EDU discount and shipping on the Dell, that price would make it about $200 more expensive than the Apple, so I'd prob go with the Apple at that price. The eBay prices are around $1400 shipped which makes the Dell $400 cheaper and a much better value than the Apple. The only thing it would be missing is a cooler name, like Apple or Samsung.
Dell has free shipping, just like Apple.

Apple's edu price is $1800. When you figure Dells are always on sale, to about $1550, and the fact that they both charge tax, I don't see how you ever figure that Apple's pricing will be cheaper?

Plus, there are a TON of Dell coupons floating around for 20% off (I just used one to buy myself a 24"). With that coupon, the Dell 30" drops to $1360+tax.. SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than Apple's (who never seems to have any sort of discounts or sales or significant coupons, btw).

Plus, the Dell has a slew of extra ports that make the Dell a better buy, IMO. But that's a whole other debate, probably.

YoYoMa

Oct 1, 2006, 07:36 PM

xfiftyfour

Oct 1, 2006, 08:17 PM

Would that coupon work with the 30"? I was under the impression that Dell coupons exclude the 30". If it's included then I'll be buying that screen ASAP!

I didn't know Dell offers free shipping as well. Don't they charge shipping for their laptops?

Also, I meant to say that the Apple would be $200 more expensive than the Dell. Mixed up the names, sorry about that.
Ah, you might be right about the coupon excluding the 30" - I didn't do any looking for that, since I wasn't in the market. That's too bad if they do, but $1530 isn't too bad, either.

As for shipping: I don't know about Dell's other products, but for their "peripherals," any item over $49 ships free right now (and has for the past few weeks). They market it as an "additional discount," which implies that it may not be the case forever, though (unlike Apple, who just has free shipping as standard).

Good luck on the buy. When and if you do, be sure to post pictures to make us all jealous! :p

Zwhaler

Oct 1, 2006, 08:40 PM

Is that pretty much the best competitor?

I think it's pretty much the only competitor... I would buy that because it is worth it to save the money.

mashinhead

Oct 7, 2006, 01:20 PM

i have a dell tv. which i love, and i'm selling my 20' acd cos i just ordered a 24 dell. but they take forever to send it. Its a great deal those dells, they can turn vertically. I can let you know what its like when i get it if you haven't already ordered. it.

And they redesigned them from a year ago, they look much better not as much weight in the back

iGary

Oct 7, 2006, 01:21 PM

It's a 30" monitor, not 32"... anyway, the Dell 30" is substantially (~20%) cheaper and of similar quality.

And completely hideous.

dmw007

Oct 7, 2006, 01:41 PM

And completely hideous.

I have to agree with iGary, the 30" ACD wins hands down when it comes to looks. :)

the kid 05

Oct 7, 2006, 02:13 PM

the last one is the most expensive at 799.99 :)

Olevia 332H 32" 1366x768 / 8ms / 1600:1 Contrast Ratio / HDMI / PC Input / LCD Display with Speakers and Stand - No Tuner
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2191145&CatId=0

Sceptre X32sv-NagaII 32" 1366x768 / 800:1 Contrast Ratio / 8ms / HDMI / DVI / PC Input / LCD TV w/Speakers
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1777603&CatId=0

Hyundai Q321 32" 1366x768 / 1000:1 Contrast Ratio / DVI / ATSC Tuner / HD LCD TV w/Speakers & Stand - Black
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1597385&CatId=0

dukebound85

Oct 7, 2006, 02:23 PM

And completely hideous.

some people need the space and for it to be fuctional and still be quality so the dell works fine. not everyone has alot of dough to spend on a dang acd jeeze

plus the dell is not hideous by any means

combatcolin

Oct 7, 2006, 02:33 PM

The big Dell's look good, they just don't look as good an the big Apple's.

Value for money wise the Dell beats the Apple, and by a large margin.

generik

Oct 7, 2006, 07:17 PM

Spanky Deluxe

Oct 7, 2006, 09:38 PM

Are you sure on this?

I thought the Dell and Apple uses Philips panels while the Samsung uses.. erm.. samsung panels?

I don't know about the panels, I seem to remember reading that the 30" ACD and the 30" Dells have the same panel but different backlights which made the biggest difference.

The Apple screens are much nicer looking than the Dell screens going from the images on the Dell website. The smaller sizes are a tougher call because they're significantly cheaper than the Apple screens and offer many more connections. The 30" Dell screen isn't discounted as much as the smaller sized ones and if you have access to the HE discounts then the Apple screen is basically the same cost.

I'd guess that the two screens are pretty similar in all ways apart from the materials used. The Dell's made out of plastic, the Apple's made out of aluminium.

YoYoMa

Oct 8, 2006, 12:04 AM

HE discounts?

ripfrankwhite

Oct 8, 2006, 12:48 AM

I have to agree with iGary, the 30" ACD wins hands down when it comes to looks. :)

I also think it wins, but the Dell isn't hideous. I would just spend more for the ACD, but the Dell is still a smart choice.

mashinhead

Oct 8, 2006, 12:57 AM

the price of the 24" dell right now is $20 more than an apple 20" display.

thats pretty much all there is to say.

combatcolin

Oct 8, 2006, 11:20 AM

Plus VGA, component and a USB hub.
HDMI on the 24"

3 year warranty too.

YoYoMa

Oct 8, 2006, 12:43 PM

The 24" has HDMI and the 30" doesn't? That's interesting. Is an update to the 30" expected in the near future? Looks like I may wait a bit before buying.

Spanky Deluxe

Oct 8, 2006, 03:35 PM

The 24" has HDMI and the 30" doesn't? That's interesting. Is an update to the 30" expected in the near future? Looks like I may wait a bit before buying.

I've got a feeling that dual link HDMI doesn't exist yet. The 24" screens have a resolution of basically 1080p which is what all the high res HD screens are doing right now and that's going to be the limit for HD content for a good few years to come. 2560x1200 is better than any of the current HD standards.
It'd be hard to convince someone that the 23" ACD is a better deal than the 24" Dell since the Dell has so many extra connections, an extra inch in size and is way cheaper. The 30" screens on the other hand aren't as far apart in price, have the same kind of connectivity and differ only in looks and materials used. I would recommend the Apple screen over the Dell screen in this size range any time.

YoYoMa

Oct 8, 2006, 07:22 PM

I thought HDMI had more bandwidth than DVI? Also, I thought I heard something like DVI is only capable of transfering 8bit color, and HDMI can handle 12bit. If DVI can handle all that blue-ray and HD-DVD can throw at it, then I most certainly wouldn't wait for an HDMI enabled 30". Are there any benifits that the HDMI connection could offer the 30" over the dual link DVI?

combatcolin

Oct 8, 2006, 07:35 PM

HD can go a lot higher than 1080P, but its thats years down the line.

Foggy

Oct 9, 2006, 10:48 AM

After 2 years one of my Dell monitors developed an intermittent fault (2001FP 20" LCD) where if running through DVI @ 1600x1200 it would sometimes just blank out. I called them on Friday afternoon, my replacement was here at 8:40am this morning (Monday). Cant complain about a 3 year swapout warranty that was included in the price :D

Once I get the funds up for a mac pro I will be getting a 24" widescreen to sit in the middle of the 2 20"'ers.

As for looks....I really dont think they look bad at all. Not quite as nice as the ACD's but certainly not what I would call hideous and for the money I think they represent a far better buy.

Ezekiel

Oct 9, 2006, 12:29 PM

the price of the 24" dell right now is $20 more than an apple 20" display.

thats pretty much all there is to say.

It depends on your usage, if you need a reliable color consistent monitor, Dell isn't even close.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=2804646

mashinhead

Oct 9, 2006, 12:34 PM

It depends on your usage, if you need a reliable color consistent monitor, Dell isn't even close.

i have an apple and believe me its not perfect either, and while the apple is a little bit better it litterally is a "little bit" better, fractionally. its isn't a huge gap between the two in performance, color or ability to say something like Dell isn't even close. come on.

Ezekiel

Oct 9, 2006, 01:37 PM

i have an apple and believe me its not perfect either, and while the apple is a little bit better it litterally is a "little bit" better, fractionally. its isn't a huge gap between the two in performance, color or ability to say something like Dell isn't even close. come on.

I've had and have both, the dell v apple is no contest in my opinion.

steelfist

Oct 9, 2006, 02:16 PM

personally, i find the dell's 20 inch monitor to have an even higher percentage of savings. it was around $3498 HK for the 20 inch widescreen dell monitor, compared to $5600 from apple's hong kong store. i also looked 20 inch widescreen up on samsung and lg but they don't specify the price nor do they have an online store.

mashinhead

Oct 9, 2006, 03:51 PM

well i just got my 24 and hooked it up, there is banding so i might end up swalling my words but i'm calling dell to see if there is a firmware update, if not, it might go back and its acd for me. but the design is ok.

kenrobin

Oct 9, 2006, 03:54 PM

Desktop space is an issue for me, but I'd love to get a 30" monitor with Mac Pro. Can the Dell 30" be used in a compressed state?

Dell's specifications say the monitor is 18.49 inches compressed and 22 inches extended.

suneohair

Oct 9, 2006, 04:04 PM

:D :D well i just got my 24 and hooked it up, there is banding so i might end up swalling my words but i'm calling dell to see if there is a firmware update, if not, it might go back and its acd for me. but the design is ok.

Dell won't help you. Chances are you got an A02 rev. Which is the rev where Dell said they fixed the banding. So they won't let you swap it out for the A03... which some are claiming the problem has been fixed with A03.

I got rid of my Dell, I went with it initially for the savings. Had the banding and the "extra" connections looked horrible. Which is what everyone raves about. Basically for the monitor to look good at all (including getting rid of the banding) you have to use the VGA connection. Which is a waste.

A computer monitor is a computer monitor, not a TV. You can't tell me Dell didn't cut corners to get those inputs in that display. Which is why they look so awful.

To the guy who said the 20" ACD has better color consistency, I have news. The Dell uses the same S-IPS panel as the Apple. So aside from having to mess with the Dells OSD to get everything right, they are the same. The Dell just comes looking like crap out of the box and you have to spend hours getting it to look right, and no the calibration does nothing because the Dell has so many options built into it.

If you need a cheap display get the Dell. If you have the cash and want a monitor that is nice and matches your other Apple products, get the Apple.

However, if you are remotely thrifty you can get the Apple for a reasonable price. I got mine brand new (latest rev) for $750, only $50 more that I paid for the Dell.

mashinhead

Oct 9, 2006, 04:11 PM

its says A03. i have a black Mb so it looks fine but theres banding in one area

:D :D

Dell won't help you. Chances are you got an A02 rev. Which is the rev where Dell said they fixed the banding. So they won't let you swap it out for the A03... which some are claiming the problem has been fixed with A03.

I got rid of my Dell, I went with it initially for the savings. Had the banding and the "extra" connections looked horrible. Which is what everyone raves about. Basically for the monitor to look good at all (including getting rid of the banding) you have to use the VGA connection. Which is a waste.

A computer monitor is a computer monitor, not a TV. You can't tell me Dell didn't cut corners to get those inputs in that display. Which is why they look so awful.

To the guy who said the 20" ACD has better color consistency, I have news. The Dell uses the same S-IPS panel as the Apple. So aside from having to mess with the Dells OSD to get everything right, they are the same. The Dell just comes looking like crap out of the box and you have to spend hours getting it to look right, and no the calibration does nothing because the Dell has so many options built into it.

If you need a cheap display get the Dell. If you have the cash and want a monitor that is nice and matches your other Apple products, get the Apple.

However, if you are remotely thrifty you can get the Apple for a reasonable price. I got mine brand new (latest rev) for $750, only $50 more that I paid for the Dell.

suneohair

Oct 9, 2006, 04:28 PM

its says A03. i have a black Mb so it looks fine but theres banding in one area

One area? That isnt even possible. What are you using to test for banding?

Did you switch it to desktop mode?

Good to know that the problem isnt even fixed in the A03.

mashinhead

Oct 9, 2006, 04:42 PM

One area? That isnt even possible. What are you using to test for banding?

Did you switch it to desktop mode?

Good to know that the problem isnt even fixed in the A03.

i changed the color profile in the mac system prefs, to apple rgb and that helped a bit. i'm didn't really test it. I have apples standard desktop image. Thats where i'm noticeing the banding and noise, not really in applications. The lower left hand quadrant is where it is noticible.

edit, i'm cycling throught apples deskop images to test more. some are find, but the gradient ones, apple's signatrure ones, some look awful. if you cycle through those you'll see what i'm talking about, doesn't handle gradation well.

mashinhead

Oct 9, 2006, 05:46 PM

they're sending a new one, if i have the same problem i'm returning it, but i did hook them both up to my desktop now, previously it was on a laptop, and the dell is much brighter, a but the apple has better resolution, i think thats the diff. The 24 dell and 23 apple have the same resolution.

acutally there was one final thing which coudl have an effect, the sharpness on the dell, has a setting, but i can't adjust it, its greyed out, and at 50%

Veritas&Equitas

Oct 9, 2006, 05:57 PM

I understand this "banding" issue, but is it really that big of a deal? Do all models have it?
Reason: I've convinced my buddy to sell me his Dell 3007 for $900 (it's 2 months old). Should I just buy it on the spot? If there are issues, could I still send it in to Dell and get it replaced even though I'm buying it from him?

combatcolin

Oct 10, 2006, 12:35 PM

Pretty certain the warranty is transferable.

rxse7en

Oct 10, 2006, 12:48 PM

Hi All,

Getting ready to make the plunge myself and have been doing a ton of research as usual. Here's a couple of deals I found:

1. http://www.fatwallet.com/t/18/659240
30" Dell for $1350.

2. or get 20% off if you buy 20% off coupon on ebay for the 24" Dell LCD.

3. On October 13th Costco will be selling the Sceptre and Viewsonic 22" LCDs for ~$300--I'm thinking of picking up two of them for the price of one 24" Dell. Granted the resolution is slightly less (1680 X 1050)
http://www.fatwallet.com/t/24/658994

If you find any other deals this week, please post them!

B

YoYoMa

Oct 10, 2006, 02:31 PM

That Fatwallet deal is pretty good. Thanks!

YoYoMa

Oct 13, 2006, 01:45 AM

Has anyone seen the Apple 30" in the refurb section? If so, how much does it go for? Is buying a refurb screen from Apple a good idea? Bad pixel worries maybe? It'd be nice if a refurb Apple 30' would be cheaper than the Dell, and it would have higher resale.

Veritas&Equitas

Oct 13, 2006, 02:43 AM

Truthfully, I think the best monitor, the best bang for your buck isn't the Dell, or the ACD. I think it's the Westinghouse LMV-37W3, the 1080p 37'' beauty. Seriously, I've gamed on it, and used it extensively for Photoshop, video editing, etc., and it's the best monitor I've ever seen, plus, it's CHEAPER than the ACD or the Dell, and it's 7 inches bigger!

Here's a review (http://hometheater.about.com/od/productreviewstoppicks/fr/westi37w3full.htm) for it. Also check here (http://reviews.cnet.com/Westinghouse_LVM_37w3_LCD_flat_panel_display_37/4505-6482_7-31948531.html) at CNET all the user reviews (everyone loves it)
or check here (http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1088497&page=1&pp=20) for more some words/pictures about it. No joke, this baby can be had for $1200 at Sam's Club, or $1300 shipped from Amazon, or buy.com, etc. It's flat out sick. Granted, it doesn't have the resolution, but if you want sheer size, this is the baby to get. Yes, it's an LCD, but if I had the dough, that's where my money would go.

7778818405

Oct 13, 2006, 05:20 AM