Color calibration

[pinsrw]

Hi all,
I am wondering how I can color calibrate an MBP 13.
There's a device called the Pantone Huey that will do it properly, but for me this is a one-time correction and I'd like to avoid spending the money.
Can I get this done at a print shop or Apple store?
Or are there free color calibration files floating around for various LCDs?
Thanks.

 

[ComputersaysNo]

There is no such thing as one time callibration, colors & brightness change over time. I callibrate at least once a month with a callibrator.

 

[Jaxdialation]

Never seen what you are looking for. Find a friend with a Spyder unit.

 

[lordofuo]

I callibrate at least once a month with a callibrator.

Isn't that a wee bit extreme?

 

[PaperQueen]

Never seen what you are looking for. Find a friend with a Spyder unit.

If you’d like a used Spyder, feel free to take mine. No, wait. I already dropped the thing in the circular file. Had an incredibly difficult time getting even remotely accurate color representation on three different computers. Took it back to the store where I purchased it and got the “It works just fine for us” schpeal. Not a fan.

Isn't that a wee bit extreme?

For those of us who work in fields that rely heavily on accurate color, no. Whether designing for press or in the photographic field, color is a major issue (and a moving target, as ComputersaysNo noted).

I’ve heard good things about the Huey, and heaven knows, Pantone is the King of the Color World (at least in print, graphics, paint, home accessories, etc.).

 

[djasterix]

Had mine calibrated by a friend with pantone huey and it's great...

 

[SoCalRich]

Here are some reviews. http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews.htm

Be aware the Spyder 3 Elite has some known problems with the Intel Macs.

I'm liking the LaCie Blue Eye. That unit is well regarded in professional circles.

It ain't cheap tho... LOL...