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Dell UltraSharp U2711 vs Apple Thunderbolt Display

I think is appropriate to compare the Dell 2711 to the ATD's screen. But if you want to compare the total capabilities...you need to add a Delkin vaporware thunderbolt dock which adds....$399...to the Dell monitor cost. So in many ways, the ATD is a unique product without a solid competitor....for the total set of functions/features available. Each potential owner has to decide if they want a monitor with or without a thunderbolt docking station.

Personally, I do. I already purchased Apple Care from B&H for a pair of ATDs I plan to get at Christmas. I am just hoping for a refresh that replaces USB 2 with USB 3. ;)
 
Im searching for a screen for my 2012 MBA and im thinking about the U2711. What kind of cable do I need for it to properly work? The 100 euro dual link DVI of apple? Or can I get it somewhere else cheaper?
 
I've bought the U2711 for 500 euro's of of the dutch amazon (marktplaats). Seems like a good deal to me?
 
the new Dell Ultrasharp U2713HM AH IPS 27 supports x4 USB 3.0 hub!
Wonder how this would integrate with a 2011 MBP connected via mini display-port! my guess it would not give me the usb3 i so desire! oh well,

ps, there is also one more potential, the asus thunderbolt display:
http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/07/asus-shows-off-its-first-thunderbolt-monitor-along-with-3d-and/

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Vandefilm said:
I've bought the U2711 for 500 euro's of of the dutch amazon (marktplaats). Seems like a good deal to me?
Click to expand...

£431, on amazon uk marketplace a while back, showing as £469 now, so really good deal
 
Tsuchiya said:
I didn't return the Dell...
Click to expand...
Could you share a photo of the display/setup? I want to get back into photography more actively and am thinking about springing for a display. I keep my computer in the living room so appearance is mildly important and I know dell makes some nice displays.
 
Mattjeff said:
Could you share a photo of the display/setup? I want to get back into photography more actively and am thinking about springing for a display. I keep my computer in the living room so appearance is mildly important and I know dell makes some nice displays.
Click to expand...

Sorry, I just saw this. I'll take a picture in the morning and put it up (after I've cleaned up my desk a little:p)
 
I believe both monitors are using the exAct same lg panel for the display itself. Everything else is up to of you want better speakers and thunderbolt to cut down one wire vs a more utilitarian approach of more connectivity and USB 3 ports over USB 2 ports on the TBD. Also the dell is adjustable height and full rotation
 
I have both a U3011 and an Apple Thunderbolt Display both bought in October. I used a Spyder 4 Elite to calibrate both. They are running on a MBPr also bought in Oct. I am using both for work and am, sad to say, in front of them 10+ hours per day. I love the Dell, thats not to say the Thunderbolt Display is bad, and I would not change the set up if I had it to do again, Things just look better on the Dell and it is "easier" on my eyes, I don't get as tired after several hours. I am a trader and my charting platform just is so much better on the Dell it's really no comparison. I also do all my photo editing on it. The Apple was plug and play, zero issues. The Dell took work to get it setup correctly,there were several point when I thought, just return it and get another Apple, which was less expensive to boot. Yes the icons are over saturated, but the images I edit are perfect. Having both, there are some things I like better on the Apple and some on the Dell, but more on the Dell.
 
Santa (in his brown truck) delivered ATDs to the wife and I for Christmas. We previously had HP 2511x monitors running at 1920x1080. The first time the wife opened Lightroom and streached the window to full screen....and saw the level of detail revealed....her reaction was ....OMG. ;) Later she did a Facetime call to a good friend and turned to me with a big smile. You know the old story....if mama ain't happy. ;)

For an sRGB narrow gamut monitor the ATD is hard to beat if you can/will take advantage of the other functions (camera, speakers, FW, USB, and thunderbolt).
 
What are people thoughts on buying the current Apple Thunderbolt Display now? Is it still a worth the money, or is it better to hold off for a while incase of a refresh/redesign?
 
After using the Ultrasharp, I decided to sell it and go with the thunderbolt. I don't regret my decision at all. I need to do absolutely zero configuring with this thing. It's pretty awesome.

My only gripes are the that I can't adjust the brightness and it's a little too glossy. But those have already been overstated in this forum.
 
tekboi said:
After using the Ultrasharp, I decided to sell it and go with the thunderbolt. I don't regret my decision at all. I need to do absolutely zero configuring with this thing. It's pretty awesome.

My only gripes are the that I can't adjust the brightness and it's a little too glossy. But those have already been overstated in this forum.
Click to expand...

I think you made a the right choice. As for adjusting the brightness, while there isn't a physical brightness control on the display itself, you can adjust the brightness through the Apple keyboard using the F1 and F2 keys or software wise in the settings menu.

picture.php
 
Titanium81 said:
I think you made a the right choice. As for adjusting the brightness, while there isn't a physical brightness control on the display itself, you can adjust the brightness through the Apple keyboard using the F1 and F2 keys or software wise in the settings menu.

Click to expand...

Ah, Sweet!

Don't know how I overlooked that. Thx
 
ATD support for PC?

been reading this thread to decide on a ATD or a Dell U2711 (or U2713H).

I recently acquired mbpR-15 and moved into the Apple camp, and just love it. Now I need a bigger display to go crazy. Very interesting info here, and am hell bent on just buying the ATD and be done..unfortunately I also have a need to hook up my work laptop, which is a PC.

I am thinking, with a Dell U2711, I can hook up both my mbpR and my work PC as it supports DP as well as VGA/DVI.

Can I do the same with an ATD? I know it just has a TB ports..

Please advise! Even if I have to go down the Dell hell hole, at least I have blessings of the gurus out here.
Thanks in advance!!!

I own a Apple mbpR-15 and a few PCs
 
jamiacajoe008 said:
been reading this thread to decide on a ATD or a Dell U2711 (or U2713H).

I recently acquired mbpR-15 and moved into the Apple camp, and just love it. Now I need a bigger display to go crazy. Very interesting info here, and am hell bent on just buying the ATD and be done..unfortunately I also have a need to hook up my work laptop, which is a PC.

I am thinking, with a Dell U2711, I can hook up both my mbpR and my work PC as it supports DP as well as VGA/DVI.

Can I do the same with an ATD? I know it just has a TB ports..

Please advise! Even if I have to go down the Dell hell hole, at least I have blessings of the gurus out here.
Thanks in advance!!!

I own a Apple mbpR-15 and a few PCs
Click to expand...

I bought a Dell U2711 for exactly that reason. I was using both a MBA + Lenovo X201 as work computers. The ability to attach both was the deciding point to go with Dell.

At home... I was only using the MBA... so I bought a TBD.

/Jim
 
The LG 27EA83-D is a better monitor than the Dell U2711 or U2713H. NewEgg is currently running a sale on it. The colors are perfect, no bleed, no bad pixels the AG coating is unobtrusive. Font smoothing... ehhh , but not worse than any other third party monitor... what a picture. It is currently probably the best picture you can get for less than $1000. Side by side with the U2713HM there is no comparison, but worth the $200-$300 premium, dunno very subjective. It is for me but I have OCD about clarity and color accuracy.

Just saying if you need/want wide gamut and Adobe RGB along with sRGB in a so called 10 bit monitor, you have alternatives that may be better for you.

DP, HDMI, DVI, and with the split screen or PIP function, you can use 1/2 for the mac and 1/2 for the PC at the same time :)

http://www.gadgetreview.com/2013/03/lg-27ea83-d-27-inch-colorprime-ips-led-wqhd-monitor-review.htm

I hear Dell U2713H and LG use the same LG panel, but the support circuits and controls are a bit different.
 
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Anyone used the 29" 21:9 from Dell?

I was waiting for a new Thunderbolt display, but I think I'm done waiting.
It's going to be the 27" or the 29" Dell :)
 
thanks for reply..

Flynz, thanks for input..I am now fixed on U2713H.

Also to keep in mind for those considering the Asus, or LG or Samsung 27" panels, the Dell U2713H supports daisy-chaining. That means, down the line, if you want to add a second monitor to your setup (even the much-aniticipated Apple TBD with thin panel, USB3.0 and works!) then its possible with Dell U2713H.
 
No-Me said:
Anyone used the 29" 21:9 from Dell?

I was waiting for a new Thunderbolt display, but I think I'm done waiting.
It's going to be the 27" or the 29" Dell :)
Click to expand...

If you like black level and contrast you may want to check out this updated review first:

http://anandtech.com/show/6741/lg-29ea93-monitor-review-rev-125

"I’d say it’s a fantastic monitor. It has incredible uniformity, the highest contrast ratio I’ve seen in a long, long time, and after calibration it’s almost totally flawless on all our tests. The CMS for video works fantastic, and watching 2.35:1 movies on it is a really nice visual treat. The lag response is very low and for gaming it will work well and offer a very nice field-of-view in games. It really is an incredibly well made, and unique, monitor in the marketplace today"
 
jamiacajoe008 said:
Flynz, thanks for input..I am now fixed on U2713H.

Also to keep in mind for those considering the Asus, or LG or Samsung 27" panels, the Dell U2713H supports daisy-chaining. That means, down the line, if you want to add a second monitor to your setup (even the much-aniticipated Apple TBD with thin panel, USB3.0 and works!) then its possible with Dell U2713H.
Click to expand...

The Dell support daisy chaining of DP digital video not thunderbolt, if that means anything. Although prices fluctuate, currently the Dell U2713H is has a $150 premium over the better performing LG 27EA83-D (NewEgg) unless you buy directly from Dell. Perhaps the same panel but blacks and contrast seems to be better on the LG in real world tests. The Dell does provide better connectivity options, a card reader, a 3 year warranty and more cables, but the quality seems to be more of a lottery.

With two TB ports on the laptop and two display ports on the desktop graphics card, daisy chaining video the may be nice but not high up there on the need list.
 
Last edited:
jamiacajoe008 said:
Flynz, thanks for input..I am now fixed on U2713H.

Also to keep in mind for those considering the Asus, or LG or Samsung 27" panels, the Dell U2713H supports daisy-chaining. That means, down the line, if you want to add a second monitor to your setup (even the much-aniticipated Apple TBD with thin panel, USB3.0 and works!) then its possible with Dell U2713H.
Click to expand...

Keep in mind the LG supports split screen (two sources each 1/2 screen), PIP and four screen split.......
 
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