Best 22-24 inch HIGH-END LCD for 3D Art and graphics?

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HiTekJH

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Hello,

I am seeking personal help for choosing a new 24 inch HIGH-END LCD monitor for my Mac Pro (2008) and PC. Due to business, I will be switching using a KVM between the two systems so that won't be an issue.

What I need the new monitor for the most is doing 3D art work/design, some video editing, web design, etc. It wouldn't hurt if it was capable of doing gaming, but that is at the BOTTOM of my list of needs. Basically, something really nice. NOTE: I will NOT be using this for a TV, only production. Price is not a big concern since I am after quality first. Therefore, I am wondering what I have to choose from that is current 2007/2008 models that would fit my needs. I have looked at:

1. Apple Cinema Display 23" inch - like it but don't like the fact it does not swivel for portrait or landscape modes like most do now days. Also, lacks some inputs found on todays models.

2. Dell 24" inch - like the new 2007/08 version, but not high-end enough panel like I need. Otherwise features are good.

3. NEC, LaCie, HP? Not sure what is available there, but some REALLY like their high-end models.

I have looked at the LaCie 526 25.5" Widescreen LCD Computer Display with VGA/DVI-I/DVI-D Inputs and Blue Eye Pro Colorimeter for around $2,200 and the NEC MultiSync LCD2490WUXi for around $1,100. I am leaning to one of those models but wanted to see if anyone had one of those and opinions.

Any thoughts/advice appreciated.
 
I've never had the pleasure to own or look at a high end NEC, but let me propose the following logic for you, and see if it's of any help.

Dell does not market their monitors to the high end. Their market is consumer. They do use S-IPS, which is good, but they also go for economy solutions in that range.

Apple does cater to creative professionals, but they have not updated their ACD line in quite a while. They also use nice panels, but technology may be behind the curve.

NEC has a specific line of monitors marketed towards professionals that they actively develop.

Just from that observation NEC would be the safest choice. But my monitor buying mantra has always been to look at the monitor and not the specs.
 
The NEC LCD2490WUXi is probably the best choice for the kind of work you're doing. You can get the SpectraView bundle for around $1,200 which includes a colorimeter and software to calibrate the monitor itself.

http://www.provantage.com/7NECL090.htm

The LaCie 526 is just a rebranded NEC LCD2690WUXi. The only difference between the 2690 and the 2490 other than size is the 2690 has a wider color gamut, which I don't recommend unless you actually need it because only color-managed programs can handle it properly. Everything outside of color-managed programs will be oversaturated, and you can't calibrate to a lesser gamut.
 
ToastyX said:
The NEC LCD2490WUXi is probably the best choice for the kind of work you're doing. You can get the SpectraView bundle for around $1,200 which includes a colorimeter and software to calibrate the monitor itself.

http://www.provantage.com/7NECL090.htm

The LaCie 526 is just a rebranded NEC LCD2690WUXi. The only difference between the 2690 and the 2490 other than size is the 2690 has a wider color gamut, which I don't recommend unless you actually need it because only color-managed programs can handle it properly. Everything outside of color-managed programs will be oversaturated, and you can't calibrate to a lesser gamut.
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Thanks for your post, that is VERY useful information about the LaCie which I did not know. Given what you said about the color gamut and managed software to take full advantage, I am certainly going to look into it. If I can get 85% of the performance from the NEC I will certainly go that route.
 
second on the NEC 2490. worth every penny.

just make sure you get the spectraview package or software (if you already have an x-rite or eye one display colormeter), because thats the only way to access the 12bit LUT from what i understand.

stunning display. (y)
 
exspes said:
I've never had the pleasure to own or look at a high end NEC, but let me propose the following logic for you, and see if it's of any help.

Dell does not market their monitors to the high end. Their market is consumer. They do use S-IPS, which is good, but they also go for economy solutions in that range.

Apple does cater to creative professionals, but they have not updated their ACD line in quite a while. They also use nice panels, but technology may be behind the curve.

NEC has a specific line of monitors marketed towards professionals that they actively develop.

Just from that observation NEC would be the safest choice. But my monitor buying mantra has always been to look at the monitor and not the specs.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your reply, those are good thoughts I may not have made first hand. NEC certainly has had a very good reputation for many years and like you said, build monitors for specific needs for different users. I am leaning that way more, see post above.
 
Dunan said:
second on the NEC 2490. worth every penny.

just make sure you get the spectraview package or software (if you already have an x-rite or eye one display colormeter), because thats the only way to access the 12bit LUT from what i understand.

stunning display. (y)
Click to expand...

I don't have a colormeter at the moment, but certainly need one for my work with this monitor. Can you or someone else point me to a link where they sell the hardware and software for the NEC 2490 monitor, I looked at places like newegg and couldn't find it. Would you recommend this NEC package or the x-rite or eye one package better than the NEC. I was thinking to stay with NEC brand if I went that route, but if there is one better then I would lean that way.

Thanks
 
HiTekJH said:
I don't have a colormeter at the moment, but certainly need one for my work with this monitor. Can you or someone else point me to a link where they sell the hardware and software for the NEC 2490 monitor, I looked at places like newegg and couldn't find it. Would you recommend this NEC package or the x-rite or eye one package better than the NEC. I was thinking to stay with NEC brand if I went that route, but if there is one better then I would lean that way.

Thanks
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what comes with the nec package is basically a eye on display colormeter, just branded a little differently.

http://www.amazon.com/Pantone-MEU103-Eye-One-Display-2/dp/B000CR78CO

theres a $30 difference from the eye one and x-rite but the eye one will give you more calibration options.

http://www.amazon.com/X-Rite-Eye-One-Display-Windows-355420/dp/B0007ZGCT6

for the spectraview II software and colormeter package you have to order from the NEC website itself, and it usually takes 3-5 days from nec to your door.

http://www.necdisplay.com/Products/Accessories/

the SVII-KIT is really the way to go from NEC, as it'll cost less for the same colormeter/software bundle.
 
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Dunan:

Do you or anyone else know if the NEC spectraview II software and colormeter package are Mac OS 10.5 (leopard) compatible? I tried to get someone from NEC to answer, but their customer service is really not easy to get through to. In fact, most that pick up the phone have no clue what I'm even talking about with the "spectraview II software and colormeter package".

I'm running an Intel Mac Pro and wanted to make sure before I buy a $250 package it would work with it. If not, would it work OK if I used it under Boot Camp with Windows XP? Would it loose it's settings if I did once I went back to the Mac Leopard OS? Need some advice from Mac users out there please or anyone with thoughts on this.

Thanks.
 
Spectraview II requires OS X v10.2.8 or higher, you're good.

But if you want to dip into the dark side and run XP on bootcamp, you're also good, because the special purpose of spectraview II is calibrate the 10 bit LUT of the monitor itself, not the video card. Which means you could also just visit ToastyX or Duncan once a month or week and use his machine to calibrate your monitor!

It's buried on the NEC support site, but here's the link that explains more about Spectraview2: http://www.necdisplay.com/SupportCenter/Monitors/spectraview2/
 
I am also looking for a monitor for graphics working (photo editing and design). As such I have been looking at both the NEC 2490 and 2690, as well as the Planar PX2611.

I know the NEC are great monitors, I am currently using two 2070NX's, but am looking for a bigger work space for my Mac pro G5.

On the Planar, most of what I have seen in terms of reviews and comments are mostly centered on how well it works for gamers. Something I do not take part in, yet I would like to know more about this monitor in the graphics capacity.

Any users care to share their experiences.

www.waltstearns.com
www.underwaterjournal.com
 
Walt Stearns said:
I am also looking for a monitor for graphics working (photo editing and design). As such I have been looking at both the NEC 2490 and 2690, as well as the Planar PX2611.

I know the NEC are great monitors, I am currently using two 2070NX's, but am looking for a bigger work space for my Mac pro G5.

On the Planar, most of what I have seen in terms of reviews and comments are mostly centered on how well it works for gamers. Something I do not take part in, yet I would like to know more about this monitor in the graphics capacity.

Any users care to share their experiences.

www.waltstearns.com
www.underwaterjournal.com
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nice photography!

the planar is an S-IPS panel, the NEC is an H-IPS, but honestly I dont know the difference between the two. i think the H-IPS is a little better from what i've heard.

i'm not familiar with the Planar panel unfortunately but do own the NEC2490 and I can say its definitely a pro monitor. i'd say for the work you do, i wouldnt get anything that you couldnt hardware calibrate. that would be the NEC's, Eizo's and the LaCie's - i dont see the Planar being touted as a graphics monitor but maybe i'm not looking hard enough either.
 
Thank for replying.

The Planar PX2611W uses the same Philips LM260WU1 H-IPS panel as the NEC 2690WUXi. Most of the physical details about both I know. As for the NEC’s, I have seen plenty of praise on the photography forums, but the Planar is a bit of an enigma, being that few have even looked at it, let alone tried it.

So I am looking for those among this forum to see, and hopefully hear from those who have the Planar 2611 in a graphics capacity.
 
Walt Stearns said:
Thank for replying.

The Planar PX2611W uses the same Philips LM260WU1 H-IPS panel as the NEC 2690WUXi. Most of the physical details about both I know. As for the NEC’s, I have seen plenty of praise on the photography forums, but the Planar is a bit of an enigma, being that few have even looked at it, let alone tried it.

So I am looking for those among this forum to see, and hopefully hear from those who have the Planar 2611 in a graphics capacity.
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I have been doing research for a HIGH-END graphics LCD as well lately and I too will be using it with a 2008 Mac Pro. In short, I have read many reviews, comments from owners, etc. that use the same category type LCD for graphics and the bottom line is there are really just 4 companies to consider:

1. Apple Cinema Display - would love them but they have not been updated in a LONG time and there are better graphics panels available now. If they get updated later this year will have to check them out.

2. NEC 2490 and 2690 LCD for graphics pros. VERY good color that is better than the ACD. Be sure to get the colormeter and software from NEC according to most to take full advantage of it. Best sub $2K LCD from what I have seen for graphics work.

3. LaCie - tend to be expensive for what you get. The 25" inch model is basically the NEC 2690 with just a little tweaking and the colormeter/software. Still VERY good, but $2,300

4. Eizo - VERY good graphics monitors for the pro. Be sure to check out the NEW models of the CG line. This is my second choice to go with if the NEC doesn't pan out for me. It's in the same $2,300 price range and much more expensive, but certainly one of the most current and HIGH-END choices for graphics out there.

Those are the top 4 I would recommend. Like others have said, I would stay no matter what with an IPS panel for graphics work and those 4 really have some VERY nice displays.

If you want any details on my NEC I will post it here or you can PM me for more. Happy shopping.
 
HiTekJH said:
Dunan:

Do you or anyone else know if the NEC spectraview II software and colormeter package are Mac OS 10.5 (leopard) compatible? I tried to get someone from NEC to answer, but their customer service is really not easy to get through to. In fact, most that pick up the phone have no clue what I'm even talking about with the "spectraview II software and colormeter package".

I'm running an Intel Mac Pro and wanted to make sure before I buy a $250 package it would work with it. If not, would it work OK if I used it under Boot Camp with Windows XP? Would it loose it's settings if I did once I went back to the Mac Leopard OS? Need some advice from Mac users out there please or anyone with thoughts on this.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

I had problem initially when trying to calibrate the monitor on my Mac Book Pro. There is a work around for it. Spectraview readme stats:
Known issues:

Mac Pro with Nvidia graphics card and dual monitors may not detect monitors correctly:>

The Mac Pro with Nvidia graphics card may fail to correctly detect the connected monitors if dual monitors are being used. SpectraView may either incorrectly detect no supported display monitors, or detect two identical monitors. This issue is caused by a bug in the Nvidia video driver and may be fixed in a future Mac OS update (it has not been fixed as of Mac OS 10.4.10).

To workaround this issue, perform the following steps:

1. Disconnect the display monitor connected to the DISPLAY 1 connector on the rear of the Mac Pro.

2. Shutdown the Mac and then power on (do not just restart).

3. After the system has booted, connect the second monitor to the DISPLAY 1 connector.

4. The system will detect the display monitor correctly.

5. If the monitors are disconnected, reconfigured, or replaced, the above procedure may need to be repeated.
Click to expand...

Or if you work like I do when connected to NEC you don't use laptop screen, you can just reboot the notebook with lid close and NEC attached. Once it boots, spectraview will be able to recognize the monitor.
 
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