Cinema Display + anti-glare foil vs. Dell u2711

[johannesd]

Hi,
I am glad that I have found this forum and won't be alone with my problem anymore

I am quite new to the world of apple, I owned a MBP some weeks ago. I previously used linux; however I decided to switch to something that works out of the box since I finished my study and now co-founded a startup. For my new work, I want to use the MBP. However, in the office I would like to have a large display with external mouse, keyboard, eventually camera and speakers. I need it for Photoshop (good colors) and programming (shap text).

So, my first idea was of course the 27'' Cinema Display, which seems to be perfect for me. However, the glossy display is a kind of no-go for me. Then I found the (matte) Dell u2711 which can also be extended with a soundbar. Unfortunately, I cannot have a look at it since no shop in my city seems to have it. Next to good reviews, I read some bad things about the screen, that it is grainy/blurry und unsharp. Hard to say if the screen is fine for me without looking at it myself... I have read that it is worse than the anti-glare screen of the mbp which I have.

Since I like the cinema display's features for being a docking station, putting an anti-glare foil (ClearCal) on the ACD might be an option. Unfortunately, I could not find enough reviews about how good this really works. I know that it is unprobable, but does anyone have a comparison between the ACD with such a foil and the u2711? Those seem to be my options.

To summarize, what I am looking for is a matte 27'' screen of the same quality as my mbp screen (anti-glare version) which is perfect for me. But 1000€ is maximum.

I hope, anyone can help.
Bye,
Johannes

 

[alust2013]

I believe the 27" ACD and the u2711 use the exact same panel, so it's a matter of the rest of it. If you want matte, I would go with the dell, as I have only heard bad things about matte screen overlays.

 

[toxic]

the U2711 and 27" Cinema don't use the same panel. I don't why people even started thinking that, the color space isn't even the same.

do any of the shops in your area carry other professional monitors? those will probably have similar matting characteristics. or just don't worry about it...I'd rather stare at some grain than random reflections.

you could also look for a used 30" Cinema.

 

[johannesd]

Hi,
are those matte overlays really that bad? I dont understand why they are sold but everyone is telling they are crap.

A also thought about buying an old Cinema Display, but it does not have a camera and speakers, and no mini-display port. So, it does not offer the docking station feature that I like about the new ACD, and I read about problems when connecting it to the mbp.

As far as I know, the old ACD also has those grain issues, and I know a Macshop where I could have a look at it.

Thanks for your replies!
Bye,
Johannes

 

[cluthz]

DVI - Mini DP adapter costs $29

 

[Jolly Jimmy]

Hi,
are those matte overlays really that bad? I dont understand why they are sold but everyone is telling they are crap.

They're a nightmare to apply straight and without bubbles. Looking through reviews some people recommend buying 2 for when you get the first one wrong. But in the end they problably sell because people will do anything to get rid of the horrible reflections and it seems like a cheap solution.

 

[toxic]

As far as I know, the old ACD also has those grain issues, and I know a Macshop where I could have a look at it.

if you think the old Cinemas had grain issues, then what you're looking for just doesn't exist. do you want a matte screen or not?

 

[SidBala]

+1 for used ACD 30 or the Dell 30 inchers.

 

[johannesd]

Hi,
unfortunately the 30'' Cinema Display isn't there anymore, so I could not have a look at it at the store which I had in mind. So, the only option for me would be buying the Dell and eventually send it back. However, I cannot do this since the screen has to be ordered (and paid) by a foundation we receive and returning the screen would be complicated. Buying a used 30'' ACD is also impossible.

Since I dont want to buy a pig in a poke, I will buy the glossy and then I know what I get. I hope I can manage the reflections. As soon as there is a new Cinema Display with anti-glare option and I still hate the glossiness, I will buy it and sell the old.

Thanks for your replies anyway!
Best,
Johannes