anyone else hate the ACD?

[orpheus1120]

Did you just buy the ACD?

If so, I won't call it quit just yet. Your problem is an issue that only happens to minority of the 23" ACD. So if I'm you, I will get it replaced and give the second unit another try.

 

[franz1999]

Did you just buy the ACD?

If so, I won't call it quit just yet. Your problem is an issue that only happens to minority of the 23" ACD. So if I'm you, I will get it replaced and give the second unit another try.

Yes, it is a brand new monitor.

I went to the store and looked at all the ACD monitors they had there on display and all manifested the exact same issue. I brought with me some co-workers during the lunch break to verify that I am not being crazy. They all agreed that they are all "unusable expensive pieces of ****".
There is no reason to even try a replacement.

I spoke with a store manager and showed what I am talking about and luckily he was very understanding and agreed to take my monitor back without charging me the restocking fee. I will bring it in tomorrow.

 

[Clix Pix]

That's most unfortunate. I have the 30" ACD and the 23" ACD and am VERY satisfied and happy with both. I'm into photography, too, so I understand the importance of having accurate rendition when working with one's images. I don't quite understand why you are saying that after only a few hours' work with your 23" ACD you're experiencing difficulties and tearing eyes. I have some problems with dry eyes and yet I've never had issues with my eyes tearing while using my ACDs over prolonged periods of time either when working with images or simply web surfing and reading/responding to email. I'm sorry that you are so dissatisfied with what I regard as an exceptionally good product.

 

[rpaloalto]

Thats what you get for buying a professional monitor for general use!

Their intended for professional color critical work. For people who make a living of their artistic abilities.

When you spend 4 hours in photoshop manipulating and adjusting your work, and you finally feel you have a final, finished prof. You don't want that $40 16x24 print from the shop, coming back looking completely different.

I know they do look HOT. With their beautiful aluminum design.
Unfortunately if you want that wow factor of the top of the line 1080p sony hdtv. playing the hottest blue ray movie, you will be very disappointed.

Thats also why they, unfortunately cary a high price tag, and have not been updated in such a long time.
Apple knows that people who need them, will buy them.

 

[Cybix]

I recently bought a Samsung 2243BW (22") and it's quite awful, infact, it's crap. It's so bad that I blew $200 on a calibration device and it still looks off. Better than out of the box, but still not great.

Really wish I coughed up the cash for an ACD instead of being such a cheap skate. Lesson learned.

My work samsung panel (215TW 21") looks excellent. I'm convinced it has a nicer panel in it, not to mention component, composite, s-video, etc).

I buy Samsung for the rotating base (can rotate my monitor from landscape to portrait as required)

just not happy with the 2243BW. oh well.

 

[atari1356]

I recently bought a Samsung 2243BW (22") and it's quite awful, infact, it's crap. It's so bad that I blew $200 on a calibration device and it still looks off. Better than out of the box, but still not great.

Really wish I coughed up the cash for an ACD instead of being such a cheap skate. Lesson learned.

My work samsung panel (215TW 21") looks excellent. I'm convinced it has a nicer panel in it, not to mention component, composite, s-video, etc).

I believe Samsung's "BW" monitors have TN panels... while the "TW" or "T" models (like 244T / 245T) use PVA/MVA panels.

 

[franz1999]

That's most unfortunate. I have the 30" ACD and the 23" ACD and am VERY satisfied and happy with both. I'm into photography, too, so I understand the importance of having accurate rendition when working with one's images. I don't quite understand why you are saying that after only a few hours' work with your 23" ACD you're experiencing difficulties and tearing eyes. I have some problems with dry eyes and yet I've never had issues with my eyes tearing while using my ACDs over prolonged periods of time either when working with images or simply web surfing and reading/responding to email. I'm sorry that you are so dissatisfied with what I regard as an exceptionally good product.

I can't possibly believe you are serious... I put my MacBook Pro right next to it and the clarity of the white part of the windows is amazing on the MBP. The white is smooth, there is almost no trace of the antiglare coating effect.
Then I turn around on the ACD, which was supposed to be my primary monitor, and the sparkling effect on the white areas is so strong that it gives me literally headaches and burning eyes in 2-3 hours of work.
Have you seen the recent models? Apparently the problem has been increasing in the past few months for a change in the manufacturing of the ACD (rumors say that they are putting more of this antiglare coating on the monitors?)

 

[franz1999]

Thats what you get for buying a professional monitor for general use!

Their intended for professional color critical work. For people who make a living of their artistic abilities.

When you spend 4 hours in photoshop manipulating and adjusting your work, and you finally feel you have a final, finished prof. You don't want that $40 16x24 print from the shop, coming back looking completely different.

Oh I see, so I buy a 23" that costs 800$ but I can only use it when I do my photoshop? For my emails, internet browsing, for answering this post, I am supposed to buy another cheaper model?

 

[franz1999]

I believe Samsung's "BW" monitors have TN panels... while the "TW" or "T" models (like 244T / 245T) use PVA/MVA panels.

I am actually looking at the reviews of the 245T and it does sound like an excellent monitor. There are a few people complaining about a "buzzing" sound coming from the back of the monitor though, which is bothering me. Has anyone ever "heard" this?

 

[supercooled]

Franz1999, have you considered a Dell? They are very competitively priced and look great. I would seriously put the 2707 in contention or their 2408 although I dislike the plastic housing. This coming from a guy who upgraded from the 2407 to my current 3008.

 

[franz1999]

Franz1999, have you considered a Dell? They are very competitively priced and look great. I would seriously put the 2707 in contention or their 2408 although I dislike the plastic housing. This coming from a guy who upgraded from the 2407 to my current 3008.

Speaking of the 3008 you have, how would you describe the white of this window where you read this forum? Uniform areas look clean or do they appear to have a faint texture?
Is the 3000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio a problem for you? Does it force you to turn down the luminosity a lot causing a loss of "sharpness" in everything that is supposed to look sharp (like text and lines)?

Thanks

 

[supercooled]

Speaking of the 3008 you have, how would you describe the white of this window where you read this forum? Uniform areas look clean or do they appear to have a faint texture?
Is the 3000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio a problem for you? Does it force you to turn down the luminosity a lot causing a loss of "sharpness" in everything that is supposed to look sharp (like text and lines)?

Thanks

I'm afraid I can't give you a qualified answer on those questions. The luminosity is quite high which forces me to use a 30-40 and even at that setting it is quite bright. For curiosity sake, at 100 brightness I could feel the heat emanating.

The white background on the forum looks good, imo. I would encourage you to read up a proper review before deciding either way.

 

[franz1999]

I'm afraid I can't give you a qualified answer on those questions. The luminosity is quite high which forces me to use a 30-40 and even at that setting it is quite bright. For curiosity sake, at 100 brightness I could feel the heat emanating.

The white background on the forum looks good, imo. I would encourage you to read up a proper review before deciding either way.

Thanks for your reply. According to most reviews I read, the 2408 seems to be very similar to the Samsung 245T (same S-PVA panel). Do you notice any "buzzing" noise behind the monitor?

I think I might just buy one and try it out but I'd like to hear your feedback.

What do you attach to that 3008 of yours? an MBP? If yes, how would you compare the image between the MBP and the 3008?

Thanks again for your kind help

 

[Clix Pix]

I can't possibly believe you are serious... I put my MacBook Pro right next to it and the clarity of the white part of the windows is amazing on the MBP. The white is smooth, there is almost no trace of the antiglare coating effect.
Then I turn around on the ACD, which was supposed to be my primary monitor, and the sparkling effect on the white areas is so strong that it gives me literally headaches and burning eyes in 2-3 hours of work.
Have you seen the recent models? Apparently the problem has been increasing in the past few months for a change in the manufacturing of the ACD (rumors say that they are putting more of this antiglare coating on the monitors?)

Um....yes, I AM serious. I wouldn't have responded otherwise!

OK, let's see, my 30" ACD is about a year and a half old and my 23" ACD is not quite a year old.....

15" MBP is two years old, the Mac Pro a year and a half old, the 17" MBP not quite a year old and the MacBook Air just a couple of months old.......

Yes, I've certainly seen the recent models of both Apple computers and ACDs, as I have this odd urge to hang out in the Apple store each time I go to the mall. Since I haven't been in the market for a new ACD I haven't paid that much specific attention to them. No idea about whether or not they're putting more of the antiglare coating on them or not.

I do know that if I were to buy a new Apple computer (MacBook Air being the exception) I would not want the glossy screen and would opt for one without it. The MBA's screen is fine, it really doesn't bother me, but then again I am not using this machine for serious editing of my digital images. I really think it unfortunate that with the iMacs there is no choice offered as far as the screen is concerned. This pretty much limits the serious photographer or other creative..... Mac Pro and ACD, MacBook Pro with or without ACD....

 

[supercooled]

Thanks for your reply. According to most reviews I read, the 2408 seems to be very similar to the Samsung 245T (same S-PVA panel). Do you notice any "buzzing" noise behind the monitor?

I think I might just buy one and try it out but I'd like to hear your feedback.

What do you attach to that 3008 of yours? an MBP? If yes, how would you compare the image between the MBP and the 3008?

Thanks again for your kind help

I haven't really calibrated my displays, but out of the box the MBP looks richer with a darker tone. I'm using the Adobe RGB (1998) profile on both.

 

[dante@sisna.com]

I can't possibly believe you are serious... I put my MacBook Pro right next to it and the clarity of the white part of the windows is amazing on the MBP. The white is smooth, there is almost no trace of the antiglare coating effect.
Then I turn around on the ACD, which was supposed to be my primary monitor, and the sparkling effect on the white areas is so strong that it gives me literally headaches and burning eyes in 2-3 hours of work.
Have you seen the recent models? Apparently the problem has been increasing in the past few months for a change in the manufacturing of the ACD (rumors say that they are putting more of this antiglare coating on the monitors?)

I think you might have a bum monitor. I worked on a brand new ACD 23 while in Pennsylvania 5 days ago -- I spent 12 days in front of this monitor. It looked comparable to my older ACD 23 which I use at my Utah Studio. The new ACD is my brothers -- he is a professional photographer and journalist and works on this monitor daily. Neither of us noticed the effects you mention. I use my ACD as a second monitor next to a wide gamut HP LP3065 -- I also have an older ACD 30" in my studio.

Just my thoughts.

Dante

 

[franz1999]

Yes, I've certainly seen the recent models of both Apple computers and ACDs, as I have this odd urge to hang out in the Apple store each time I go to the mall. Since I haven't been in the market for a new ACD I haven't paid that much specific attention to them. No idea about whether or not they're putting more of the antiglare coating on them or not.

I do know that if I were to buy a new Apple computer (MacBook Air being the exception) I would not want the glossy screen and would opt for one without it. The MBA's screen is fine, it really doesn't bother me, but then again I am not using this machine for serious editing of my digital images. I really think it unfortunate that with the iMacs there is no choice offered as far as the screen is concerned. This pretty much limits the serious photographer or other creative..... Mac Pro and ACD, MacBook Pro with or without ACD....

I have to agree with you on the poor combination choices of display types on the current generation of machines from Apple.
I would never buy a glossy screen so I am - as you said - limited to an ACD with my MBP. I have honestly never noticed the problem I later found out about them until the moment I have actually used one for an extended number of hours.
For work reason I spend a lot of time in front of computer screens in the office and never had an issue of burning eyes and headaches until I got myself at home the ACD. Next time you hang out at the Apple store go there and open an empty white large window with small text and compare it with an MBP, iMac or Air.

I think now I am down to either the Samsung 245T or the Dell 2408. Wish I could try one at a store... does anyone have an idea of where I could possibly find a 245T on display in the US? Which chain of stores might have one?

 

[franz1999]

I haven't really calibrated my displays, but out of the box the MBP looks richer with a darker tone. I'm using the Adobe RGB (1998) profile on both.

Looks like a sweet setup... Tempting indeed...
I wish I could see one of those live before buying it though... Too bad there is no Dell store

 

[franz1999]

I think you might have a bum monitor. I worked on a brand new ACD 23 while in Pennsylvania 5 days ago -- I spent 12 days in front of this monitor. It looked comparable to my older ACD 23 which I use at my Utah Studio. The new ACD is my brothers -- he is a professional photographer and journalist and works on this monitor daily. Neither of us noticed the effects you mention. I use my ACD as a second monitor next to a wide gamut HP LP3065 -- I also have an older ACD 30" in my studio.

Just my thoughts.

Dante

Thanks for your thoughts...
After having had that bad experience I went back to the store to see if I was allucinating or I was right and ALL the models on display were at least as bad as mine. Even the store manager tried to modify the setting but agreed that has nothing to do with the settings... According to some people on other forums this is a problem that started being widespread only after 02/08. Maybe your brother was lucky enough to get an ACD monitor manufactured before that date.