Monitor for a CPU, need suggestions please

joshua_ · Jan 5, 2013

Hello Everyone,

I'm very new to photography and am having a lot of fun so far.

My laptops cannot keep up at all with what I'm trying to do and I know that will only get worse from here.

I have a CPU on the way, but still need some help deciding on a monitor. I'm not going for the latest and greatest or anything.

I will actually use this stuff though. I'm reading a lot and really getting out and practicing.

I realize I need a decent monitor and to then calibrate.

Do you have any suggestions for monitors? I'd like to understand what I should consider to be at the lower end for my use and then on up if you happen to have that sort of knowledge to share.

Also: I'll be adding a hard drive or two and I notice there are different 'grades' even within the same specs. What do you recommend, there?

Just trying to put my money to the best use.

I'd appreciate any time and information anyone has to offer.

KmH · Jan 5, 2013

Dell's UltraSharp series of IPS displays are pretty good values if you're on a tight budget.

What we really need to know is how much of your money we can spend. $400 to $500 (+ $200 - $250 for calibrating hardware) will probably do the trick, but $2000 to $5000 would be better.

joshua_ · Jan 6, 2013

KmH said:
Dell's UltraSharp series of IPS displays are pretty good values if you're on a tight budget.

What we really need to know is how much of your money we can spend. $400 to $500 (+ $200 - $250 for calibrating hardware) will probably do the trick, but $2000 to $5000 would be better.

I see, thank you.

I hope, for my use, something like the Dell UltraSharp will do.

Are there any others like that Dell that are worth considering?

Thanks for your help.

KmH · Jan 6, 2013

Not in the same price range.

Pick what size you want. The U 2410 is pretty popular - Dell UltraSharp Monitors, UltraSharp Monitors | Dell

joshua_ · Jan 6, 2013

KmH said:
Not in the same price range.

Pick what size you want. The U 2410 is pretty popular - Dell UltraSharp Monitors, UltraSharp Monitors | Dell

OK, thank you.

I really appreciate the help.

mipo · Jan 6, 2013

And if you can wait the Dell U2410 is on sale from Dell about every 3 months.
Sometimes only for 24 hours....so check the site very regularly or get on Dell's mailings.
Got 2 of those. Regular price is around $549. and now on $100 off. @$449.

joshua_ · Jan 7, 2013

mipo said:
And if you can wait the Dell U2410 is on sale from Dell about every 3 months.
Sometimes only for 24 hours....so check the site very regularly or get on Dell's mailings.
Got 2 of those. Regular price is around $549. and now on $100 off. @$449.

mipo, I can see that you don't reply often so I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to help me.

Thank You

Joshua

Garbz · Jan 8, 2013

Oh wow, second reply since 09! hahahah

I'll put in another vote for the Dells as a great entry level solution. However in addition to the montior you should consider some kind of calibrator. The cheapest one will do for a standard LCD. Something like the DataColor Spyder4Express is hard to beat. There's no point in having an expensive screen if it's not displaying the correct colours.

Also for the record that's not called the CPU, just the "computer". The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is a large 40x40mm chip in the middle of the computer's motherboard.

joshua_ · Jan 8, 2013

Garbz said:
Oh wow, second reply since 09! hahahah

I'll put in another vote for the Dells as a great entry level solution. However in addition to the montior you should consider some kind of calibrator. The cheapest one will do for a standard LCD. Something like the DataColor Spyder4Express is hard to beat. There's no point in having an expensive screen if it's not displaying the correct colours.

Also for the record that's not called the CPU, just the "computer". The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is a large 40x40mm chip in the middle of the computer's motherboard.

Thank you, I've looked at some of the calibrators and have been considering that part. I've used that CPU term wrong for years now, knowingly. I'm not sure why I don't just move past it :mrgreen:.

Thanks