27" ACD vs 27" Dell Ultrasharp

[thermodynamic]

As promised, I ran a series of tests today.

TEST 1: Dell U2711 in well lit office:

The test instructions said to test in a darkened room. Unfortunately, my monitor is in a fully lighted office environment, and turning off the lights is not an option. I received the same results when using my Lenovo X201 and my MacBook Air. The following numbers represent the specific square number in the test.​

• 1-2 Not visible
• 3 Maybe visible (but not obvious)
• 4 Faint
• 5+ Clearly visible

Test 2: Apple Thunderbolt display in a very highly lit room

Because I could not dim the office in test 1, I decided to test the ATD in my home office which had a window directly behind the monitor. It was a very bright day, so the environment was actually quite a bit brighter than my office environment in test 1.​

• 1-10 Not Visible
• 11 Maybe visible (but not obvious)
• 12 Faint
• 13+ Clearly Visible

Test 3: Apple Thunderbolt display in a darkened room

This matches the environment specified in the test​

• 1 Not Visible
• 2 Maybe visible (but not obvious)
• 3 Faint
• 4+ Clearly Visible

My conclusion is that the ambient light in the test environment makes a big difference. I really cannot duplicate the environment exactly... but I hope these test help you make your decision.

/Jim

Thank you MUCH for taking the time to do this!

I tend to work in darker rooms and glare isn't a deal-breaker.

The Dell has a heavy AG coating, which makes everything look grainy and not in a good way. I'd rather try the gloss.

My current monitors will differentiate 3 and above. 1 and 2 are virtually black and indiscernible and I have to gawk at the screen for a long time. I had read the Dell has problems with dark grays, so reading a condition where you saw the Apple had an edge is (to me) a good sign.

And I don't do anything with print anymore, where "wide gamut" and 10-bit processing would come in handy. But I know either 27" monitor will handle more of the Adobe RGB spectrum than my 23"ers...

With extra calibration (I bought a Huey Pro at the Apple Store a couple years ago), with profiles for morning/afternoon/evening conditions, those problem darker values you'd pointed out might be able to be coaxed out. (Dell calibrates their monitors at the factory as well...)

If I could choose, it'd be an Apple display with CCFL for the slightly better color range, but comparing the two the AG on the Dell is easily a deal-breaker compared to any nitpicks for the Apple.

Apple's return policy is a fair bit nicer than Microcenter's to be sure, in case I return it and go for a high-end 24"... but one can't have everything and I really don't like having multiple monitors hooked up at the same time...

 

[Tali]

I had a Dell 30" with a pixel problem. A row of pixels (top to bottom) just stayed magenta. I called Dell and the next day a guy brought a new one and told me to test it in comparison to the old one. After two days or so he called me and asked if I was happy with the replacement (or if I wanted a different replacement) and when he could be up the old monitor.

Their CS for top end products is awesome. For cheaper ones, not so much.

 

[MRU]

Certainly would swing it in favour of the Dell. Apple warranties suck, they should be different and offer 3 year warranties on computer products (not just for students)

What about Dell's 3 year advance exchange warranty and zero dead pixel policy? Blows away Apple's 1 year warranty

Yep, Dell's next day replacement is a serious consideration for 27" ACD v Dell U2711

My media card reader stopped reading the other day, one quidk phone call and within 10-15 minutes a replacement monitor was ordered and on its way to me for delivery & exchange the next day.

It's important to note, that they don't just pawn you off with a 'repaired' monitor, they give you a brand new one in exchange.

Fantastic customer service, and one that gives piece of mind for the 3 years.



Also the 100% SRGB & 98% Adobe RGB profiles that come pre-configured meaning no messing around for Photoshop / Illustrator and other color specific work is also great with Dell.

----------

Have you ever used this:

http://www.lagom.nl/lcd-test/black.php

?

With the Dell set to Adobe RGB color profile, in a darkened room (black out blinds on) I could make out all the different blacks.

 

[cuestakid]

While I can't make the decision for you... I can list the points worth considering:

ACD vs. Dell

• Glossy vs. Matte
  
  If you can't control your lighting, go with the dell.​
• Limited connectivity vs. Loads of connections
  
  If you need to hook up other devices i.e. PS3/xbox go with the dell​
• Fixed stand vs. Adjustable stand
  
  If you need to adjust the height of your screen, go with the dell​
• Docks with a macbook vs. No docking
  
  If you need to charge your macbook and/or require integrated external speakers/webcam etc. go with the ACD.​
• Normal gamut LED backlight vs. Wide gamut CCFL backlight
  
  This one is entirely dependant on your own needs. So go with what you need.​

Otherwise, I would go for the ACD as in my opinion it just looks more stylish and has better resale value. Plus, I've yet to have a problem with apple's support.

Hope this made your decision a little easier,

Adam

Mods please please pin this-

perfect explanation of the differences to a frequently asked question