Dell U2711 monitor for a Programmer?

Discussion in 'Mac Accessories' started by RainerWolfram, Nov 20, 2011.

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  1. RainerWolfram, Nov 20, 2011

    RainerWolfram macrumors newbie

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    Nov 20, 2011
    #1
    Hi,

    I'm considering the Dell U2711 due to the good price and the well-received reviews from critics. However, I've read some comments on forums that the text appears to be smaller than other monitors due to its high resolution and can cause eye-strain when viewing text for several hours. I would like to know, would this be an ideal monitor for a programmer? Are there any members here that use this monitor strictly for programming? Would you recommend it?

    Also, can the Macbook Air 11' (2011) drive this monitor at full resolution?

    Your help will be appreciated.

    Thanks.
     
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  2. flynz4, Nov 20, 2011
    Last edited: Nov 20, 2011

    flynz4 macrumors 68040

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    Portland, OR
    #2
    I use the Dell U2711 at work and I enjoy the monitor. The resolution 2560X1440 is the same as my iMac. I do not code anymore, but I cannot imagine it being a problem.

    I can drive the full 2560X1440 with my MBA.

    /Jim
     
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  3. mfram, Nov 20, 2011

    mfram macrumors 65816

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    San Diego, CA USA
    #3
    I have the U2711 at home, it's a great monitor. I agree, the text can be a little small to read. I use the monitor for graphics and gaming, mostly.

    If you are concerned about the text size, would it be possible to go play with a 27" iMac for a little while? The display on the 27" iMac and the U2711 is the same, except for the coating on the monitor. The iMac is glossy while the U2711 is matte.
     
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  4. RainerWolfram, Nov 20, 2011

    RainerWolfram thread starter macrumors newbie

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    Nov 20, 2011
    #4
    Thanks for your replies.

    I was wondering, would the size of the text on the Dell monitor be somewhat similar to the size of the text seen on a Macbook Air 11" which has a really high resolution?
     
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  5. mfram, Nov 20, 2011

    mfram macrumors 65816

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    #5
    Based on the height and width specifications and the display resolutions, I estimate the 11" MBA to have approximately the same pixel density in the vertical direction. The MBA has about 15% higher pixel density in the horizontal direction than the monitor. The big monitor will have slightly lower pixel density, but not by a huge amount.

    Keep in mind that driving the U2711 at full resolution over DVI requires the Dual Link DVI adapter for your MBA. It's more expensive than the "standard" DVI adapter. Or the U2711 has a standard-size Display Port jack. Maybe you can find an adapter from your MBA video port to a standard DP connector. Apple doesn't make such a cable/adapter, however.
     
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