Dell U2412M

True, 16/10 displays are so rare these days I keep forgetting it is one :D and it does increase the bandwidth needed quite a bit I guess.

Yeah I have a zr24w at the moment and I could never get it to run above 60hz with DVI because of single-link, so I think those of you without a card that has a dp input will be out of luck when it comes to refresh rates above 60hz.
 
dell site say the new monitor uses ips, but kind of ips panel? s-ips, e-ips, h-ips? does anyone know?
 
PICTURES! :) We must have them.

I know I'm buying this because I can't afford the 30 inch that's on sale ATM. I'm not a baller though so it's okay.

I am a sweet gamer - and i've heard these are not the best for gaming because they are more professional color oriented. Yet its 1900 x 1200 for $400 and that's just freaking fantastic!

So let's see the pictures so I can order one already!! :)
 
More fun info:

1) Stand can raise the monitor to 6" off the desk and down to 1.25" so it has a fairly good range. Can pivot left and right 45 degrees and can rotate to portrait. The stand's height adjustment is not grinding or rough feeling like the U2711 or the 2209WA was

2) The bezel inset is now tapered and there is a slightly grainy plastic to it so that panel light is reflected less than the 2209WA used to be

3) Text sharpness is fine for me. I'll take some pixel photos later

4) BTW, I forgot to add, my Dell U2412M is a Revision A00 (zero) screen made in China

Ok here are some initial photos I took. I'm going to edit this particular post regularly with more info and photos as it comes along. I am also keeping it so it doesn't go away if the [H] database has a problem like what happened with my 2209WA look.

Shot 1: Default brightness/contrast of 75/75 .8 second exposure time, camera centred at 24" from screen:

img0351mb.jpg


Small amount of clouding on the top right. Don't press the panel up there, it will move and show a splashing of backlight. It snaps back, but be a bit light on pressure when cleaning.

Shot 2: Default brightness/contrast of 75/75 .5 second exposure time. Typical IPS glow, creeps in from the corners. More off-angle shots with different brightness levels which makes some difference in glow intensity coming.

Glow is the same from both sides unlike my NEC 2490WUXi2

img0349z.jpg



Shot 3: More panoramic shot of monitor next to my NEC with flash and regular lighting.

img0356la.jpg
img0356la.jpg



Shot 4: Typical Dell menu. Notice the "Energy Saving" meter at the top? That's new I believe. So green!

img0363eb.jpg


Shot 5: Gratuitous sideboob shot, with USB ports showing. Monitor is fairly thin. I'll measure this with my T-ruler soon:

img0358de.jpg


Shot 6: Buttons. They are your typical membrane buttons. Nothing special but they do the job without the typical Dell menu beep (off by default). You can see how the bezel inset is tapered

img0357oy.jpg



Shot 7: Brightness levels, color temperature of white, black levels and contrast ratios. I didn't do black level measurements at every brightness level because the contrast ratio was pretty consistent throughout at 1100:1 - 1200:1 which I think is a good result:

u2412mcontrastratios.jpg


Shot 8: This is an important shot. Full ONE second exposure, Dell on the right, NEC on the left. I turned the backlight down to ZERO/0 on the U2412M to evaluate white glow off-angles with blacks. Turns out being able to lower the backlight this much helps a lot in this regard! And yes the monitor is still perfectly usable at this low level of brightness with the lights off :)

img0390m.jpg



Shot 9: Responsiveness, camera at 1/100 second exposure Best and Worst. Best on the right, worst on the left. Out of 50 - 60 shots the shots were pretty much 50/50 identical to the best and worst. You can see there is a touch of reverse ghosting. I'm going to play some FPS games tonight and see if this bothered me or was noticeable in practice. A small picture moving quickly across the screen is not always the most definitive test IMHO.

u2412mresponsivenessbes.jpg


Shot 10: Pixel close up on medium (50%) gray. Same old H-IPS type pixel structure currently used in H-IPS, P-IPS, eIPS and pretty much any recent IPS panel dating back to 2008.

u2412mgraypixelsmacro.jpg


Shot 11: Pixel close up of some text. This is at 40 sharpness which is one less than the default. I found very little difference between 40 and 50 except there seems to be a very, very subtle haloing on text in front of grey at 50.

u2412mblackletterspixel.jpg


Shot 12: Default calibration, ie. out of the box according to Lacie Blue Eye Pro. Too bright and too warm, otherwise decent, except for 100% blue and 100% green being out of whack. I was able to get it down to 2.5 and 6.4 dE94 overall and dE94 max, respectively by tweaking custom color settings.


u2412mbriefreport201107.png


I hope to have more for y'all later tonight and tomorrow, and probably on the weekend :)
 
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In terms of input lag and responsiveness, I'm not seeing anything to be overly concerned about. There is a touch of reverse ghosting if you look closely, but not easily visible.

This is probably going to be my gaming screen more than the NEC I have next to it.

PICTURES! :) We must have them.

I know I'm buying this because I can't afford the 30 inch that's on sale ATM. I'm not a baller though so it's okay.

I am a sweet gamer - and i've heard these are not the best for gaming because they are more professional color oriented. Yet its 1900 x 1200 for $400 and that's just freaking fantastic!

So let's see the pictures so I can order one already!! :)
 
Thanks a lot for the pictures, any chance you can take some next to a CRT for input lag test?. I currently own a Samsung xl2370 ,and I'm interested in buying this monitor depending on the input lag.
There is a big discount on dell (chile) until Friday.... I hope you can help. Thanks a lot!
 
Couple of stuck pixels you got there :(

On the camera, not the monitor. The monitor has no dead pixels, sub-pixels or stuck pixels.

Those are new on the camera too. I'll clean the lens to see if it's dust.
 
Thanks a lot for the pictures, any chance you can take some next to a CRT for input lag test?. I currently own a Samsung xl2370 ,and I'm interested in buying this monitor depending on the input lag.
There is a big discount on dell (chile) until Friday.... I hope you can help. Thanks a lot!

That's the plan. I'll be using a VGA splitter to test against a 60 lbs. CRT @ 1920x1200@60hz. I doubt the input lag is high from subjective viewing.
 
Hi 10e

I can see that you are a Monitor's Guru.

Can i ask you something, i am from Latin American, here the u2412M didn't enter yet.
I went from a 2209WA with real 8 bits e-IPS panel and i want something superior, the only mointors with IPS in my country are the dell, no samsung, no lg, no nec, no anything.(only TN's cr@p :p)
I can buy a U2410 Rev A05 Made in Mexico for u$s 550 with 3 years of warranty.

Should i wait to the U2412m and buy it or the U2410 is a superior monitor?

Because i only see that the "only advantage" over the U2410 is the W-LED backlighting, and isn't a great advantage at all because an IPS panel with CCFL have better Wide Gamut, so...

The U2410 covers more % of color gamout
The U2410 has an H-IPS with 10 bits(8 real bits + 2 A-FRC) vs e-IPS with 8 bits(6 real bits + 2 A-FRC)
The U2410 has 12 bits of internal processing
The U2410 has more connectors(HDMI, 2 DVI, Memory card reader, etc)
The U2410 are from the Performance Dell Line and the U2412m from the Mainstream(consumer) Dell Line
The U2410 has 0 pixel policy warranty
The U2410 have less ms responsive time
etc.


So... the U2410 is a best buy? Or should i wait and get an U2412m...

Thanks a lot :)
 
Hi 10e

I can see that you are a Monitor's Guru.

Can i ask you something, i am from Latin American, here the u2412M didn't enter yet.
I went from a 2209WA with real 8 bits e-IPS panel and i want something superior, the only mointors with IPS in my country are the dell, no samsung, no lg, no nec, no anything.(only TN's cr@p :p)
I can buy a U2410 Rev A05 Made in Mexico for u$s 550 with 3 years of warranty.

Should i wait to the U2412m and buy it or the U2410 is a superior monitor?

Because i only see that the "only advantage" over the U2410 is the W-LED backlighting, and isn't a great advantage at all because an IPS panel with CCFL have better Wide Gamut, so...

The U2410 covers more % of color gamout
The U2410 has an H-IPS with 10 bits(8 real bits + 2 A-FRC) vs e-IPS with 8 bits(6 real bits + 2 A-FRC)
The U2410 has 12 bits of internal processing
The U2410 has more connectors(HDMI, 2 DVI, Memory card reader, etc)
The U2410 are from the Performance Dell Line and the U2412m from the Mainstream(consumer) Dell Line
The U2410 has 0 pixel policy warranty
The U2410 have less ms responsive time
etc.


So... the U2410 is a best buy? Or should i wait and get an U2412m...

Thanks a lot :)


that depends on what you do what your monitor, are you just gaming? if so save your self $150 and go for the 2412.
 
1080p movies and working(programming, etc)

i will use sometimes as a tv too

i want the best image quality, doesn't matter the price
 
I wonder if they will keep the U2410 available as the 2411 is phased in or stop production on this more expensive model.
 
The U2410 covers more % of color gamout
Wider gamut is usually more of a problem for 99% of people than it is a benefit. Internet/images/TV/movies are all standard gamut. Feeding this into a wide gamut monitor just creates more difficulty getting realistic looking color.
The U2410 has an H-IPS with 10 bits(8 real bits + 2 A-FRC) vs e-IPS with 8 bits(6 real bits + 2 A-FRC)
The U2410 has 12 bits of internal processing
Looks more impressive on the spec sheet, I doubt you could actually see a benefit. Even if you calibrate it will be in the 8 bit LUT of your graphics card either way.

The U2410 has more connectors(HDMI, 2 DVI, Memory card reader, etc)

Yes it does, how important is that to you? Me I don't care, my monitor has been only using one connector the whole time I have owned it. My problems usually go the other way. More monitors than computer connectors.

The U2410 are from the Performance Dell Line and the U2412m from the Mainstream(consumer) Dell Line
I don't see how this matters to it's performance.


The U2410 has 0 pixel policy warranty
You can pretty much send any Dell back if you aren't satisfied.

The U2410 have less ms responsive time

Not sure what you mean here, but if anything I suspect the U2412 is actually the better panel in this respect. Less complex screen modes, usually equals faster throughput.

So... the U2410 is a best buy? Or should i wait and get an U2412m...
Personally I prefer the U2412 already. Paying more for wider gamut that is more pain than pleasure simply doesn't appeal.

I am betting the U2412 is going to become one of the more recommended monitors on this forum in the coming months. It is a great price for a 1920x1200 IPS screen, it has great native contrast for an IPS screen, sound like it also has great response time as well no signs of BLB.
 
I'm impressed by your contrast measurements. The panel looks very solid; is it, in fact, the same one used in the zr24w?

I think i mentioned this earlier, but I'm definitely not a fan of the aesthetics, something Dell usually handles so well. The rounded corners (larger radius) on the bezel really look out of place next to the NEC, which would be the same situation for me.

Perhaps it has to do with the difference between the "professional" and "consumer" lines. Maybe "consumers" dislike sharp angles?
 
i dont want really to be a pain in the ass. but, this monitor sucks, comparing it to the 2410?! anyone agree?
 
Hmm... wonder how this will compare to a Soyo Topaz S PVA for games, surfing and coding? I'm feeling the urge to splurge...
 
i dont want really to be a pain in the ass. but, this monitor sucks, comparing it to the 2410?! anyone agree?

Based on what? As long as srgb colour is good when calibrated, I rather have a srgb screen for that I use in my photoshop and light room work flow. Cheaper is a plus...for the price of, the 2410 you can almost get a 2711 (which sells for $670 ish aud from a retail store) which makes the 2410 a really bad deal.
 
img0356la.jpg



I'm not a fan of the rounded edges on it. But it makes your NEC look like crap in comparison when they're side by side.
 
i dont want really to be a pain in the ass. but, this monitor sucks, comparing it to the 2410?! anyone agree?

What do you dislike, the much lower price, or the much higher contrast?

No, I think it doesn't suck, I think it is in sweet spot of price/performance.
 
This makes me wish they would make a 30" e-IPS with sRGB. I would have been all over that.
 
for the price of, the 2410 you can almost get a 2711 (which sells for $670 ish aud from a retail store) which makes the 2410 a really bad deal.


Pfff whaat? Umm, hate to break it to you but the 2711 is nowhere near that low of a price in the states, discounts or not compared to the 2410. Must be nice to have a grand burning a hole in your aussie wallet I guess

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&sku=224-8284

Whatever the case, this thread helps affirm I made the right decision for the U2410 I believe, can't wait to get it tomorroo!
 
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1080p movies and working(programming, etc)

i will use sometimes as a tv too

i want the best image quality, doesn't matter the price

For those purposes, I wouldn't recommend U2410 at all. In my opinion, the only other consideration for you should be the Benq EW2430V with AMVA panel, the only downside being it is 1080p. 16:10 is much more suitable for programming.

10e, if I'm not mistaken, you seem to have used a Benq *VA panel as well. How do you rate the new Dell in comparison to Benq for movies?
 
For those purposes, I wouldn't recommend U2410 at all. In my opinion, the only other consideration for you should be the Benq EW2430V with AMVA panel, the only downside being it is 1080p. 16:10 is much more suitable for programming.

10e, if I'm not mistaken, you seem to have used a Benq *VA panel as well. How do you rate the new Dell in comparison to Benq for movies?

I bought this panel because of the touted 3,000:1 native contrast and I hated it. Gave it to my father and he likes it just fine, but gamma shifting was still unbearable to me coming from a zr24w and without a proper hardware calibrator the colors were awful. Yeah the blacks were deep, thus the contrast was high, but that was really it's only redeeming quality.
 
Perhaps it has to do with the difference between the "professional" and "consumer" lines. Maybe "consumers" dislike sharp angles?
A long time ago I read somewhere that more modern designs are disliked by professionals in general, because it drew too much attention. I.e. suggesting they are more obsessed with their monitors to actually get work done. They'd prefer to keep it neutral with the work setting.
It's about the same for all professional displays.

As someone who greatly prefer timeless designs and clear lines, to me the Dell looks disgusting - a lot like those crappy consumer displays are usually just throw away stuff (because they don't last).
It actually also looks like a counterfeit U2410. The worst part of this is that the rest of the U-series would likely also adopt this new design at some point.

But it's good to know they spent the money on the panel instead (regarding CR), although it's too early to draw any conclusions about QC control.
About the 6 bit+AFRC: It still takes an 8 bit input, so they may actually only apply dithering at darker color shades, which isn't as easy to see, but annoying when you have spotted it once - or work with photos in the hope to preserve film grain.
 
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For those purposes, I wouldn't recommend U2410 at all. In my opinion, the only other consideration for you should be the Benq EW2430V with AMVA panel, the only downside being it is 1080p. 16:10 is much more suitable for programming.

10e, if I'm not mistaken, you seem to have used a Benq *VA panel as well. How do you rate the new Dell in comparison to Benq for movies?

Well for action movies the U2412M is superior due to response time being far better. The blacks on the U2412M go very low too, so if you want to turn off the lights and watch a movie, you can turn down the brightness and this definitely mitigates the off-angle blacks glowing by quite a bit. I was thinking last night that if the backlight was reduced enough, the off-angle glow would be as well. I was right. This is probably one place it is a bit better than an HP ZR24W.

Default colors are not bad. The 100% blue and green are off, so I've been playing with custom color modes and have gotten dE94 to be as low as 2.4 on average, but the blue always seems to be over, and around 6. My eyes are saying this isn't a big deal. I couldn't get colors anywhere near where I wanted them on the BenQ. There always seemed to be a blue shift unless I turned the whites orange.

Also this may show a slightly smaller movie image because it's 16:10 versus the Benq's 16:9, but I much prefer 16:10 for a monitor.

I bought this panel because of the touted 3,000:1 native contrast and I hated it. Gave it to my father and he likes it just fine, but gamma shifting was still unbearable to me coming from a zr24w and without a proper hardware calibrator the colors were awful. Yeah the blacks were deep, thus the contrast was high, but that was really it's only redeeming quality.

The gamma shift wasn't a big deal to me, although worse than Samsung S-PVA panels, and the black levels were excellent from all angles, but yea this panel had potential that it never really seemed to reach.

The cons were very poor response time that could not be mitigated with AMA/overdrive/RTC and the production defects. The thing that bothered me the most was when moving a white window on a background and there was this "transparency" effect where the response time was so slow you could see an after-glow of the background when the window moved over it. WTF.

I sold it to a friend because it had no dead pixels and he wanted a cheap 22 - 24" monitor, and he seems to prefer it to his laptop's glossy TN.
 
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I'm not a fan of the rounded edges on it. But it makes your NEC look like crap in comparison when they're side by side.

Don't put down my NEC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

The NECs have a very industrial design. I love this screen too for different reasons. The NEC is almost twice as thick as the Dell!
 
In terms of input lag and responsiveness, I'm not seeing anything to be overly concerned about
you didn't mention tearing, so I assume you haven't really noticed much (or any.) What's it like with vsync off?
 
I ordered this last Tuesday. Just got an email saying it is delayed a week. Hopefully it is due to a large amount of orders and not any problems with it.
 
Don't put down my NEC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

The NECs have a very industrial design. I love this screen too for different reasons. The NEC is almost twice as thick as the Dell!

I am betting he is referring to the calibration differences on screen, with the nec losing most of the image in darkness. Which is almost certainly just an artifact of photography and different calibration.

I do prefer the case on Dells previous U2410, but the athe U2412 is acceptable, it isn't like they made the bezel glossy (which should be a hanging offense). He better not be referring to the Awesome industrial case on the NEC, or we will have to get an NEC posse together and string him up.

Sitting down and actually using that U2412 with my NEC, would give me no issues, I likely wouldn't notice anything about the case design, which is a good thing.
 
What are the button functions? Hoping one is to cycle through inputs (not a deal breaker, but is convenient for my setup). Now if only Samsung will release their 24" PLS so we can get some head-to-head comparisons. About time we has some competition in the 24" 16:10 IPS arena again.
 
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