Mac Pro Monitor - Eizo or NEC - What are you using?

[Desmo1098]

I want to invest in some other monitors other than Apple's Cinema Displays for reasons that do not need to be discussed. So with that being said I am looking for:

- at least 24"
- thin bezel
- resolution 1900 x 1200

What are you guys using with your Mac Pro? I was specifically looking at NEC and Eizo. Are there any users out there of Eizo and NEC who can recommend something?

I do not need "professional" grade monitors. However, I do not mind spending additional money for quality. I do some light work in Adobe Illustrator for business cards and website design, I do some light photoshop work as well. Again, I do not use these monitors to make money, but I spend a lot of time in front of them, so I want quality and consistency.

I do not want to hear from Dell, HP, or any other users regardless of specifications of price or quality. I only want Eizo and NEC users.

Thanks in advance!

[covrc]

Absolutely love my new monitor.

Flawless.

:D

[blackmtn]

I've used NECs in the past, but the low-end business grade. I'll be moving to this -> http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews/nec_pa241w.htm NEC PA241 <- when I pick up my MP in the next month or so. I've gone through a bunch of reviews at the above site and also at http://www.prad.de/en/monitore/reviews.html. In general the Eizo's sound a touch more uniform/quieter/polished than the NEC's, but at quite a premium.

Even still, the NEC i'm looking at is ~1100-1300 depending on whether you order their Spectraview puck/software. If you aren't doing colour critical work (I print photographs), then this is probably overkill. It is a 10-bit display though, so once OS-X and ATI catch up you'll be ready for billions of colours instead of millions :)

[nanofrog]

Though I don't do graphics work, its a great monitor (I do keep it calibrated with a puck). Massively better on my eyes than consumer models (far far fewer headaches from eye strain).

Big difference in the quality, and worth it IMO (monitor can be transfered from one system to another longer than most any other component, so the initial cost divides out by enough time it's not as hard to handle).

BTW, the current version is the 2490WUXi2 (eliminated the polarization filter IIRC).

[dimme]

I use Eizo's CG series @ work. I love my 30" It is crystal clear and uniform 1900x1200. Native rez it just too small. A 21 step gray scale is so smooth. We bought them when times were good. At home it's a different story but you said you did not want to hear about "those brands"

[Desmo1098]

Thank you for the responses and keeping the thread on point. Thank you also dimme for not mentioning those other brands, I appreciate it.

Keep the comments coming...

[Desmo1098]

@nanofrog

What is the function of the polarization filter?

[teeck2000]

Color/contrast shifts at extreme angles are better with the polarizer.

[DoFoT9]

Color/contrast shifts at extreme angles are better with the polarizer.
wouldnt those features be better off for "presentation monitors" ? i cant really see a singular user needing those features, right?

[skyline r34]

using a 17" Sylvania but soon to be replace by Apple 27" inch LED next month

[nanofrog]

wouldnt those features be better off for "presentation monitors" ? i cant really see a singular user needing those features, right?
By getting rid of unwanted reflections (glare), you get a more accurate image from the source to the eye in the case of a monitor. It also happens to reduce eye fatigue (eye remains more relaxed as it's not trying to filter out the glare as well as focus on the image) and filter out UVA and UVB frequencies (both are better for long term eye health).

[peskaa]

My two cents - Eizo screens are excellent (I use the CG range and also the older CE) but you also pay for the colour accuracy to a huge extent (ie: a new 24" Eizo CG243W costs around £1200, and the new CG245W is £1500). My recommendation would be for a cheaper, but still high quality, NEC screen as it will produce the high quality you're after, without hitting the professional cost end of the market.


If you're still insisting on Eizo, their Flexscan range may suit
http://shop.colourconfidence.com/product.php?xProd=1933&xSec=10312 - 30"
http://shop.colourconfidence.com/product.php?xProd=2752&xSec=10312 - 24"

[DoFoT9]

By getting rid of unwanted reflections (glare), you get a more accurate image from the source to the eye in the case of a monitor. It also happens to reduce eye fatigue (eye remains more relaxed as it's not trying to filter out the glare as well as focus on the image) and filter out UVA and UVB frequencies (both are better for long term eye health).

are extra filters required inside where there is likely no external light coming in? even with my glossy iMac screen, a few fluorescent lights on overhead, and the brightness all the way up (or all the way down) i never see any glare that effects me to the point that im self conscious about it.

[shokunin]

Been using a NEC MultiSync LCD3090WQXi 30" for a few years. Excellent monitor, calibrated every few weeks using the spectraview software and the USB colorimeter sensor (Macbeth?).

[nanofrog]

are extra filters required inside where there is likely no external light coming in? even with my glossy iMac screen, a few fluorescent lights on overhead, and the brightness all the way up (or all the way down) i never see any glare that effects me to the point that im self conscious about it.
Required?

No, as you still get an image, whether a polarizer is there or not. What it the filter does with the light (backlighting = light source), improves the contrast of the image.

As per reflections from external lighting (i.e. over-head fluorescents), a coating is necessary to assist with that (i.e. anti-reflective coatings = products listed as Matte Screen). Glossy tends to indicate such coatings aren't present (saves on cost, and presumably is reflected in the MSRP).

[ghostchild]

NEC for me hasnt failed me once like my hp and apples have in the past.

[DoFoT9]

Required?

No, as you still get an image, whether a polarizer is there or not. What it the filter does with the light (backlighting = light source), improves the contrast of the image.

As per reflections from external lighting (i.e. over-head fluorescents), a coating is necessary to assist with that (i.e. anti-reflective coatings = products listed as Matte Screen). Glossy tends to indicate such coatings aren't present (saves on cost, and presumably is reflected in the MSRP).
Hmm maybe I am not fussy enough then. Ive yet to run into any problems so far with glare etc, but then again I do live in a dark room. :cool:

So the polariser will just remove incoming light from external sources, and leave outgoing light (from the monitor) going to your eyes?

NEC for me hasnt failed me once like my hp and apples have in the past.
What apple monitor had you used in the past? The cinema displays? I always thought they were pretty good, I know they are outdated now though..

[nanofrog]

So the polariser will just remove incoming light from external sources, and leave outgoing light (from the monitor) going to your eyes?
No, it's meant to filter the backlight within the monitor itself before light passes from the monitor to your eyes (improves the image contrast). The Anti-reflective coating (if the monitor has this), is meant to reduce glare from room lighting on the panel (desk lamps, over-head lighting,... from hitting the screen and bouncing back to your eyes as well as the image).

[DoFoT9]

No, it's meant to filter the backlight within the monitor itself before light passes from the monitor to your eyes (improves the image contrast). The Anti-reflective coating (if the monitor has this), is meant to reduce glare from room lighting on the panel (desk lamps, over-head lighting,... from hitting the screen and bouncing back to your eyes as well as the image).

oh - i understand now! are these polarisers customisable after purchase - as each person would be different i imagine?

[nanofrog]

are these polarisers customisable after purchase - as each person would be different i imagine?
No, they're built into the monitor during manufacture, as are the AR coatings.

But there are films available with this coating that can be applied to glossy screens (not coated with an Anti Reflective material during manufacture). I've never used them, so don't know how well they'd perform.

[DoFoT9]

No, they're built into the monitor during manufacture, as are the AR coatings.

But there are films available with this coating that can be applied to glossy screens (not coated with an Anti Reflective material during manufacture). I've never used them, so don't know how well they'd perform.

would make it a bit hard for professionals i guess if they dont see the monitor - you have the NEC high end one IIRC? how do you like it?

[nanofrog]

would make it a bit hard for professionals i guess if they dont see the monitor - you have the NEC high end one IIRC? how do you like it?
It's hard to know what you're buying for monitors sight unseen, but is how I have to buy professional monitors (nothing local that actually carries them; if a dealer is located, they don't keep a display unit on hand).

As per the model I have, it's an NEC LCD2490WUXi, and I really like it (previously used Eizo Nanao's, but their pricing has gotten too high for my tastes).

[Desmo1098]

For those that are using NEC, how have you found their technical support to be. When and if you have had a problem has it been easy to work with them? How about sending the equipment in for repair. As far as I know they are in Indiana which is soothing to know I can work with someone in this country. Any feedback?

The reason I started this thread is because I currently use an Apple 30" Cinema Display. I was going to buy another one because they are going to be discontinued soon, if they have not already. Personally, I believe the Apple 30" Cinema Display for $1799 is really a great deal! I mean people complain all the time that its outdated, etc... Most time when a product has been around this long the technology and manufacturing process along with quality control has been perfected. I mean if you look at NEC or Eizo for a 30" screen you cannot come close to the price of the Apple display. I think there might be one from NEC that comes close. But again, with Apple when I have a problem, I drive it down to the retail store, which is 5 minutes away.

I am leaning towards the NEC's because they have a nice design, well made, and come with a 4 year warranty which is very nice. In addition I have spoke with them on the phone and as I mentioned they are in Indiana so I have a good feeling there. I would order the Apple 27" Cinema Display, but the glassy screen is a huge turn off and causes me terrible eye strain.

[nanofrog]

For those that are using NEC, how have you found their technical support to be. When and if you have had a problem has it been easy to work with them? How about sending the equipment in for repair. As far as I know they are in Indiana which is soothing to know I can work with someone in this country. Any feedback?
I've never had to use it with any NEC monitor I've ever used (years ago, and my current LCD2490WUXi; between period = Eizo Nanao), so I can't say one way or the other these days (never used Eizo Nanao's warranty or support either).

I bought my current NEC as a Refurbished unit (not sure if it ever had anything wrong with it, or was just a return), but I've never had a problem with it. Saved a decent amount of cash on it though. ;)

Though not the answer you were looking for, hopefully it helps (quality is high enough you probably won't ever have to). :eek: :D

[DoFoT9]

It's hard to know what you're buying for monitors sight unseen, but is how I have to buy professional monitors (nothing local that actually carries them; if a dealer is located, they don't keep a display unit on hand).
oh yeh i certainly know the feeling. i would have to travel to Sydney (1000km away) to find a NEC screen, there is nothing around my area for professionals

As per the model I have, it's an NEC LCD2490WUXi, and I really like it (previously used Eizo Nanao's, but their pricing has gotten too high for my tastes).
prices increased yet quality didnt? all too similar story of late :( that Nanao's sounds very familiar to your name btw :P

[atari1356]

For those that are using NEC, how have you found their technical support to be. When and if you have had a problem has it been easy to work with them? How about sending the equipment in for repair. As far as I know they are in Indiana which is soothing to know I can work with someone in this country. Any feedback?

I have an NEC 2490 as well, and absolutely love it.

When I first purchased it (2 years ago?) there was a very noticeable spot of dust behind the screen - not acceptable for a relatively expensive monitor that I wanted to use for photography work. NEC sent me a replacement monitor, and gave me 30 days to send the bad one back and they payed the shipping costs. Very good service.

[nanofrog]

prices increased yet quality didnt? all too similar story of late :( that Nanao's sounds very familiar to your name btw :P
Eizo Nanao's products are of excellent quality (one of, if not the best out there for professional monitors), and have always been pricey.

But I don't need color accuracy (don't do photo/video work), just something that's a decent monitor (switched over to professional monitors for personal use on medical advice). So I don't see the need to go for Eizo anymore (more expensive than I'm willing to pay, given what I use it for). Just need a screen that won't make my eyes feel like they're being burned out of their sockets when sitting in front of it all day. :eek: :p

[cluthz]

I had my Eizo S2231 for two years now, great monitor!!

Ergonomics and quality on the Eizos are so much better than most other brands. Tilting, swiveling and height adjustment and it's rock solid!

[nanofrog]

Ergonomics and quality on the Eizos are so much better than most other brands. Tilting, swiveling and height adjustment and it's rock solid!
They are, but when I bought last year, I went with NEC instead, as it offered a better price/performance ratio for a 24" IPS based unit (LCD2490WUXi).

I've extremely happy with it.

Either one is going to be a good brand. As per which may be the better fit, that's up to the user to decide. ;)

[cluthz]

Prad.de is a great resource for monitors btw, it's a german site, but also in english.
http://www.prad.de/en/monitore/index2.html

[DoFoT9]

Eizo Nanao's products are of excellent quality (one of, if not the best out there for professional monitors), and have always been pricey.

But I don't need color accuracy (don't do photo/video work), just something that's a decent monitor (switched over to professional monitors for personal use on medical advice). So I don't see the need to go for Eizo anymore (more expensive than I'm willing to pay, given what I use it for). Just need a screen that won't make my eyes feel like they're being burned out of their sockets when sitting in front of it all day. :eek: :p

i know exactly how you feel. the LCD screens at my work (1280x1024 IBM cheap things :eek: ) start to make my eyes water after 5 minutes of looking at them.

i don't have the same problem with my iMac/MBP - how would you compare these two monitors to the higher end Nanao's/NECs? miles infront no doubt?

[cluthz]

i know exactly how you feel. the LCD screens at my work (1280x1024 IBM cheap things :eek: ) start to make my eyes water after 5 minutes of looking at them.

i don't have the same problem with my iMac/MBP - how would you compare these two monitors to the higher end Nanao's/NECs? miles infront no doubt?

I haven't used the new iMac, but I've heard great things.

The MBP display is clearly inferior to my Eizo,, no gradients banding on the Eizo, but the MBP clearly have bonding.
The MBP display is as comfortable to look at, and as clear, but banding issues are the problem. Just look at this gradient, on the MBP it's not "fluid" but you can see small bonds inside it. NEC and Eizo (and other high end stuff) has atleast 10bit color tables, vs the 6bit on MBP.

Look at this image on your MBP and then test it on a high end screen

[DoFoT9]

I haven't used the new iMac, but I've heard great things.

The MBP display is clearly inferior to my Eizo,, no gradients banding on the Eizo, but the MBP clearly have bonding.
The MBP display is as comfortable to look at, and as clear, but banding issues are the problem. Just look at this gradient, on the MBP it's not "fluid" but you can see small bonds inside it. NEC and Eizo (and other high end stuff) has atleast 10bit color tables, vs the 6bit on MBP.

Look at this image on your MBP and then test it on a high end screen

looking at that on my iMac 27" screen i can see said "banding" - so thats a way to tell the quality of a monitor?

[cluthz]

looking at that on my iMac 27" screen i can see said "banding" - so thats a way to tell the quality of a monitor?

I thought the 27 inch iMac had a real 8 bit panel, on a 6 bit panel like a MBP the banding will occur, but on a 8 bit panel you should not be able to see it.

[DoFoT9]

I thought the 27 inch iMac had a real 8 bit panel, on a 6 bit panel like a MBP the banding will occur, but on a 8 bit panel you should not be able to see it.

excuse the less then reasonable pictures, i cant exactly screen shot :rolleyes:

[cluthz]

I'm at holiday atm, so I can't really judge those pix on my MBP, since it has a 6 bit panel, but perhaps someone with a better screen available can check the pix and my gradient

[DoFoT9]

I'm at holiday atm, so I can't really judge those pix on my MBP, since it has a 6 bit panel, but perhaps someone with a better screen available can check the pix and my gradient

get off the computer and go holiday then! jeez :rolleyes: thanks for your input.

[cluthz]

get off the computer and go holiday then! jeez :rolleyes: thanks for your input.

Hehe :)

Take a look here:
http://www.prad.de/download/eizo-monitortest-mac.zip
It's the Eizo monitor test, can be run on any screen.
Go to step 17 of 21 (just click fast thru it) and test all different colors.
A 8 bit display should display all 256 levels of the gradient without banding, where as my 6bit MBP would have to dither colors and thus get banding.

[DoFoT9]

Hehe :)

Take a look here:
http://www.prad.de/download/eizo-monitortest-mac.zip
It's the Eizo monitor test, can be run on any screen.
Go to step 17 of 21 (just click fast thru it) and test all different colors.
A 8 bit display should display all 256 levels of the gradient without banding, where as my 6bit MBP would have to dither colors and thus get banding.

ahh got it. the iMac still displays banding at 256 levels on blacks, greens, and blues - its a bit harder on yellows, etc to see but its certainly there. guess its not a pro monitor - just high end consumer?

wow.. REALLY (http://nexus.com.au/myonlinestore/product_info.php?cPath=51_152&products_id=734&PHPSESSID=c72b3f352350bab9dc6c23a74456903c) high end!

[Kebabselector]

Hehe :)

Take a look here:
http://www.prad.de/download/eizo-monitortest-mac.zip
It's the Eizo monitor test

Thanks for the link, It'll be interesting to see how my ancient Samsung S-PVA performs. (though currently eyeing up a Eizo as a potential replacement).

[nanofrog]

i know exactly how you feel. the LCD screens at my work (1280x1024 IBM cheap things :eek: ) start to make my eyes water after 5 minutes of looking at them.

i don't have the same problem with my iMac/MBP - how would you compare these two monitors to the higher end Nanao's/NECs? miles infront no doubt?
Eizo's and NEC's professional monitors will be better than what comes in the iMacs and laptop systems.

Even if it's using the same exact panel. :eek: The reason is, there's more to a monitor than just the panel and backlight. The electronics matter too, and that's why those Eizo's and NEC's can get the results they do out of the panels. From LUTs, to drivers, to PSU. It matters.

Cheap monitors cut corners in the circuits, and Apple has to contend with budgets like anyone else. Eizo and NEC just make those budgets larger, so they can go for additional parts (when necessary, such as additional/more extensive feedback control systems) and better quality parts everywhere (makes a difference if a capacitor actually holds the necessary value at working temp for example, all the way up to better semiconductors; aka results in tighter electrical tolerances). And it's reflected in the MSRP too. :D :p

[DoFoT9]

Eizo's and NEC's professional monitors will be better than what comes in the iMacs and laptop systems.

Even if it's using the same exact panel. :eek: The reason is, there's more to a monitor than just the panel and backlight. The electronics matter too, and that's why those Eizo's and NEC's can get the results they do out of the panels. From LUTs, to drivers, to PSU. It matters.

Cheap monitors cut corners in the circuits, and Apple has to contend with budgets like anyone else. Eizo and NEC just make those budgets larger, so they can go for additional parts (when necessary, such as additional/more extensive feedback control systems) and better quality parts everywhere (makes a difference if a capacitor actually holds the necessary value at working temp for example, all the way up to better semiconductors; aka results in tighter electrical tolerances). And it's reflected in the MSRP too. :D :p

yeh i have no doubt that the professional monitors will be many times higher quality then the pro-sumer iMacs.

i feel almost stupid asking this - but do you think the panels in the iMacs and NEC/Eizo might be similar?

[nanofrog]

i feel almost stupid asking this - but do you think the panels in the iMacs and NEC/Eizo might be similar?
If they're 8 bit IPS based panels, it's possible (not as many available as other panel technologies, such as TN, as it's expensive).

But some of NEC and Eizo's products are PVA based, and there's also 10 bit panels (IPS) available as well (quite new actually, so there's just a few units using them; NEC has 2x, and the montitor model numbers start with PA...). I've not looked into Eizo's, so I don't know which models do/don't have the 10 bit panels.

[davidp158]

I use a NEC MultiSync LCD2690WUXi 26" monitor and it has excellent color and comes with a hardware calibrator. I work with Photoshop, and need a monitor with consistent calibration. You mention that you don't need a "pro" grade monitor, so the NEC MultiSync LCD2690WUXi may be overkill for your needs. If you could see a few higher end monitors next to an Apple Cinema Display, you'd likely notice the difference.

I want to invest in some other monitors other than Apple's Cinema Displays for reasons that do not need to be discussed. So with that being said I am looking for:

- at least 24"
- thin bezel
- resolution 1900 x 1200

What are you guys using with your Mac Pro? I was specifically looking at NEC and Eizo. Are there any users out there of Eizo and NEC who can recommend something?

I do not need "professional" grade monitors. However, I do not mind spending additional money for quality. I do some light work in Adobe Illustrator for business cards and website design, I do some light photoshop work as well. Again, I do not use these monitors to make money, but I spend a lot of time in front of them, so I want quality and consistency.

I do not want to hear from Dell, HP, or any other users regardless of specifications of price or quality. I only want Eizo and NEC users.

Thanks in advance!

[DoFoT9]

If they're 8 bit IPS based panels, it's possible (not as many available as other panel technologies, such as TN, as it's expensive).

But some of NEC and Eizo's products are PVA based, and there's also 10 bit panels (IPS) available as well (quite new actually, so there's just a few units using them; NEC has 2x, and the montitor model numbers start with PA...). I've not looked into Eizo's, so I don't know which models do/don't have the 10 bit panels.

i believe them to be 6-bit AFAIK. is there anyway to tell?

the iMacs are apparently IPS panels - their quality/manufacture im not sure of.

[darwin022]

I've got 3 NEC 2490wuxi hooked up to my Mac Pro and will highly recommend them. The only issue is that the bezels aren't that thin. If you're using it for pro use or have a few of them, look into NEC's spectraview software. It will calibrate the computer and the monitor itself and works pretty well. I hear it's not cheap though

[RebootD]

Another NEC 2690WUXi2 owner here.

Love: Hardware calibration, picture/color quality, it's matte and wide gamut for design and photography is amazing.

Don't Love: Noisy at times. Depending on the settings I get a high pitched whine that can drive me up a wall and I'm stuck using Firefox until other browsers allow forcing sRGB tagging for everything on the web. Safari, Chrome etc all look horrendous while surfing the web.

[nanofrog]

i believe them to be 6-bit AFAIK. is there anyway to tell?

the iMacs are apparently IPS panels - their quality/manufacture im not sure of.
You could take a look here (http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/), and see if they offer any details (seem to recall they do, but haven't dug around to verify).

[DoFoT9]

You could take a look here (http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/), and see if they offer any details (seem to recall they do, but haven't dug around to verify).

thankyou micro nano ;) ill have a search through that.

edit: it appears to be 8-bit according to tftcentral :)

[ValSalva]

Anyone have any experience with the NEC MultiSync 3090WQXi 30"? I'm considering this vs the yet to be released Dell U3011 (Sorry OP) but I'm concerned about the latter's AG coating.

What calibrators have people here used? I was considering the Spyder3Pro.