Professional Widescreen LCD Displays
Here are two widescreen LCD displays suitable for a graphics professional:
NEC’s 26-inch widescreen MultiSync LCD2690WUXiSV LCD display
($1,200) has a resolution of 1920×1200 pixels, an 800:1 contrast ratio, a colorimeter, height and angle adjustment, rotation to portrait mode, and includes a built-in four-port USB hub.
Once calibrated, the display shows accurate color, and uses X-light Pro technology to keep color consistent over the life of the monitor.
It also comes with a four year warranty.
Dell’s 30-inch widescreen UltraSharp 3007WFP-HC
($1,400) is possibly a better value, with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, a 1000:1 contrast ratio, adjustment for tilt, swivel and height, four USB 2.0 ports and a digital camera media card reader.
It’s as bright and crisp as the Apple Cinema HD, but with a much greater color gamut. Unlike NEC’s display, it does not include a colorimeter so you’ll want to pick up a Pantone Huey ($89–$129) or ColorVision Spyder ($169–$279) for accurate color.
Jeff Gamet is a contributing editor for Design Tools Monthly, the executive summary of graphic design news. He is also the morning editor and reviews editor for The Mac Observer and iPodObserver.com, and contributing writer for Layers Magazine and Photoshop User. He writes the InBrief column for InDesign Magazine, and is the author of “The Designer’s Guide to Mac OS X,” from Peachpit Press
When Jeff isn’t writing about the graphic design world, he’s talking about it on the Design Tools Weekly podcast with co-host Jay Nelson. He also talks about Apple and the Mac world every week on The Mac Observer’s Apple Weekly Report.
Jeff studies, tests and reviews new software and technologies for the Macintosh community as well as the design and print industries. He is a former Pre-press specialist, and has nearly 25 years experience with computer technology. Jeff trains, lectures and consults on techniques for more efficiently using Mac OS X in creative environments throughout the country.
In the rare moments when he can get away from his MacBook Pro, Jeff spends his time climbing and biking in the Colorado mountains.