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matthewr

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 17, 2004
82
0
So I was all set to get a Dell 2209 WA ($369 (canadian) + tax, but I was going to contact dell and try to talk the price down a bit ), but then I found a 20 inch aluminum ACD display in local classifieds for $340 (no tax). Assuming the ACD is in good shape, which would people recommend? I'm sorely torn to go Apple, but I do like the idea of buying new.
 
I should have clarified - I plan on using it with my 12 in MacBook, mainly for surfing and photo editing (strictly hobby), and occasionally viewing digital radiographs.
 
I'm certainly leaning towards the ACD - if I go and look at it, what is the best way to test? How do you evaluate a monitor for dead pixels and other potential problems.
 
FWIW I own both.

My 20" ACD is now boxed and in storage along with a Dell 2007WFP S-IPS.

The 2209WA is on my desk and in use with my MacBook.

Things to consider:

Dell 2209WA is new, has E-IPS panel, and comes with a three year warranty. As a part of Dell's Ultrasharp line, you get a zero-bright-pixel guarantee. It is 22" and has both DVI and VGA inputs as well as USB ports.

Apple 20" ACD has an S-IPS panel, but is used with no warranty, only a DVI input, no input controls other than brightness, and although it has a firewire port it has limited USB ports. It is beautiful but smaller as well.
 
Ouch. lol.

I spent $350 on a brand new 20" ADC monitor about a year ago. Even now, I'd have considered it a no-brainer (I bought a 23" brand new ADC a few months ago for ... $675... before the 2209WA came out!) LOL needless to say I have my dream setup. :cool:

So take what I have to say with a huge grain of salt eh?

The 20" ACD has a higher pixel density and a great S-IPS screen. The aesthetics of Apples' displays are second to none, and if you have it on a table in the middle of the room or something.. fricken awesome.

However, you're comparing a brand new screen with a GOOD 3 year warranty to a used screen with no warranty, questionable usage history, and a questionable future.

If the ACD was a little cheaper, I'd think about it - but all of my computers sit on tables, and not on those "computer desks" with hutches, so I do enjoy my aesthetics and I will sacrifice in other places (like my cable bill), lol.

Yeah though, the 2209WA is a damn good monitor, I know it's ironic to say that for a screen I've never seen in person, but come on, it's an E-IPS screen for $300 and the in the pics I've seen, it is.. quite nice compared to a TN/MVA screen, just like an S-IPS screen would be.

Go for that 2209WA unless aesthetics matter *THAT MUCH* to you.
 
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