Is dell really that good?

[Patman]

Everybody talks about this and that dell. I am no pro but I will buy Viewsonic until I am proven wrong, whats so good about dell anyways? I would try and avoid OEM like that but thats me.

 

[RickRock]

Everybody talks about this and that dell. I am no pro but I will buy Viewsonic until I am proven wrong, whats so good about dell anyways? I would try and avoid OEM like that but thats me.

From what I have read through out the net Dell monitors are top on the line. I think its due to the fact that they out them through tourcher test when designing them. Now their PC's on the other hand can jump in a lake.

 

[swatX]

dell desktop PC are the only thing that has crap quality..

besides that their LCD tv , monitors , Laptops are all top of the line...

 

[UnknownSouljer]

dell desktop PC are the only thing that has crap quality..

besides that their LCD tv , monitors , Laptops are all top of the line...

I think he's only refering to their monitors, not the rest of the items that they sell/produce.


I sugjest you read some reviews on the web regarding the brand spanking new 2005fpw and 2405fpw respectively. Basically the reason why they're so good is because of the 12ms grey to grey, widescreen (and therefore widescreen resolutions etc), plenty of inputs, high bightness, fully adjustable stand allowing for tons of movement, amazing warranty on parts and labor, and of course, right now they are definately the most cost effective.

There might be monitors that are of higher calibur out there, but for the, features and the money it can't get much better. Yes there is a lot of hype, but there is a lot of truth to it too. I was skeptical until I saw my friends monitor and then I was sold and got one to.

(this user went from a Viewsonic p95f+b to a Dell 2005fpw, and feels very satisfied with the purchase from not only a productivity standpoint but also for gaming)

 

[mac wilson]

very good quality

And very good prices.

They move so much merch they can cut to bone (like the Walmart of hightech )

And their support is great (IMHO)

good company.

 

[ciggy50]

(like the Walmart of hightech )

you mean they also hire illegal aliens , pay poor wages , etc

 

[modat]

i beg to differ...

Dell's quality sucks..the only reason people buy them is because u get a large monitor for a cheap price....look at past posts concerning the 21 inch and 24 inch monitors..nothing but problems.

Second...Their customer service is horrible. They hire people who dont know squat shit about their product to handle their tech support.

And im not saying this because i own a diff monitor, i happen to own a 2005fpw. And i can tell you, though the monitor is pretty decent for the price....actually, it's great for the price but, the quality sucks. If ur looking for quality, go for benQ or apple.

 

[Zardoz]

I would not say that dell LCDs are top of the line at all, but the price for what you get is very good.

 

[UnknownSouljer]

I personally believe in anandtechs reviews regarding displays, specifically:
http://www.anandtech.com/displays/showdoc.aspx?i=2400
This artical directly compares the 2005fpw to the 20" Apple display (whatev it's called) and, the apple only excels over the Dell in a few areas, and the Dell is better in one area. The rest they are equal. But even after all that the Apple monitor is significantly more expensive than the Dell without much of a quality increase.

I have had no problems what-so-ever with my 2005fpw. I'm running a SLi setup (I've already posted in that thread where people are having probles with WS and SLi), no issues there, I don't have any backlight issues, and I only have 1 dead pixel (liveable).

Bottom line I have no complaints, and really if you get a "bad" Dell monitor just shrug it off to manufactuers defect (you have to realize Dell makes WAY more of these than Apple, it's bound to happen) and utilize your nice Dell warrenty and simply get another one. It seems to me that people like to complain to complain.

 

[Icheb]

i beg to differ...

Dell's quality sucks..the only reason people buy them is because u get a large monitor for a cheap price....look at past posts concerning the 21 inch and 24 inch monitors..nothing but problems. [...]

They fixed a lot of the problems they had with the 2005FPW when making the 2405FPW. If you really read that thread you would know everyone loves it .

 

[BillR]

I would never go so far as to condemn an entire line of monitors from one company, especially when that company actually doesn’t make anything themselves.

I will tell you out of the half dozen or so LCD’s I currently use none are now Dell and none ever will be. Everyone I bought had to be returned because of all sorts of various problems. Every one I recommended for a customer (over 25) except 2 have been returned as well.

None of my Samsung or Envision monitors or my customer’s monitors needed to be replaced or serviced.

Big and cheap with a coupon isn’t always the answer.

 

[peacetilence]

Viewsonics reminds me of offbrand monitors you find in those little local computer shops where everything is overpriced and outdated. Way back my first monitor after my IBM was a Viewsonic and it died on me in less than a year, I made the switch to a samsung 950p and was amazed by the different in quality and features the samsung had over the Viewsonic. "High end" Viewsonic monitors don't even have detatchable power cables or RGB inputs. If I were to go from my 2405FPW to a highend Viewsonic it would be like going from the best Sony VVega TV to a generic Funai tv you find in some cheap motel.

 

[SLiCkFX]

Well, I used to despise Dell. But I could not pass up the prices, so I jumped on the bandwagon. This is upgrading from Samung and Sony panels. Dell's design leaves a lot to be desired, but eventually it grows on you and then you realize the bezels are one of the thinnest available. The only gripe I have left about the design is the nasty Dell logo embossed onto it.

Here's where I'm going with this. BenQ manufacturers some of Dell's displays. Dell and Apple uses panels from Samsung and LG. For all the people who say the Dell LCD's suck, they are in essence, saying Samsung, LG, Apple and BenQ suck.

Not only does Dell use the same high quality panels from Samsung and LG, they offer more for the package for significantly less. Let's see here:

9 in 1 card reader
2 or 4 USB ports
DVI and VGA
Composite, Component, S-Video
Height adjustment, tilt, rotation
Picture in Picture
Picture by Picture
Thinner bezel

Let's do some comparisons. To be fair, I will use pricegrabber.com for the lowest prices for brand new shipped and after taxes. The Dell is still bigger than the rest (with the exception of the 243T), lower priced, has a better response time and a higher contrast ratio.

Dell 2405FPW = $1007.32
HP L2335 = $1155.63
Apple Cinema Display 23" = $1423
LG L2320A = $1518.64
Samsung 243T = $1571
Sony SDM-P234 = $1614
Viewsonic VP231wb = $1648.18

Customer service and quality varies from person to person. Everyone is going to have a good experience or a bad one from any manufacturer. A small percentage of electronics will fail, this is the nature of electronics. There are no exceptions to any manufacturers. They mostly have the same failure rate, some are just more tight lipped about it. Dell may sell more panels then anyone else, this may be why it appears there are more failures, but in reality the percentage of defects is equal if not less to anyone else. Not only that, people that are upset with an experience they have will voice their opinion anyway they can. People who are satisfied generally stay quiet. Another thing is people who post problems on forums are the minority and are generally picky ass motherf**** (I'm one of them). People need to understand this.

To put the nail in the coffin, I purchased a Dell 2405FPW($860) and two Dell 2005FPW ($345 each) for a total price of $1550.00 directly through Dell. You get three LCD monitors for the price of ONE LCD monitor from some of the other manufacturer's above.

How can you beat that? The moral of the story, pick whatever the hell you want. It's your money.

 

[Goat_187]

becuase you cant beat their quality/price ratio.


yea, sure there considerable better brands, but you will pay an arm and a leg for them.

 

[FusionXP]

Who makes the bezel for the 2405? Is it BenQ? I think the quality of the bezel and stand is exceptional. There is nothing wrong with it.

 

[Goat_187]

Who makes the bezel for the 2405? Is it BenQ? I think the quality of the bezel and stand is exceptional. There is nothing wrong with it.

LG.

 

[BillR]

imo, the dell 2405 monitor is the best lcd monitor on the market right now when you factor in cost. you would be hard-pressed to find a similar monitor at the same cost from other lcd manufacturers. and the fact that dell's rma process is so effortless and quick (i got my replacement monitors within 2 days), makes dell the logical choice.

And therein lies the problem, go count the posts in here about RAMing a Dell monitor. It’s non-stop. Their (Dell’s) site if full of refurbished product. I’d pay a bit more for anything if was consistent and worked. Dell can’t seem to fill that need.

 

[peacetilence]

I'm RMAing my 2405 because it has a one small grey pixel in the upper left hand side, truthfully I could live with it but I will take advantage of the 21 day return policy simply because it exists and would be foolish not too if I can get a perfect monitor out of it. I see no harm in that. This is my first ever Dell purchase BTW and aside from the one dead pixel and 16:9 component aspect scaling I couldn't be happier with my purchase.

 

[UnknownSouljer]

I'm RMAing my 2405 because it has a one small grey pixel in the upper left hand side, truthfully I could live with it but I will take advantage of the 21 day return policy simply because it exists and would be foolish not too if I can get a perfect monitor out of it. I see no harm in that. This is my first ever Dell purchase BTW and aside from the one dead pixel and 16:9 component aspect scaling I couldn't be happier with my purchase.

Are you referring to not liking to see black bars on the top and bottom when you are watching something that is 16:9, or are you referring to the monitor stretching the images when you are viewing something in 16:9.

The OSD controls allow you to choose to view it in it's original aspect or stretch it. I dunno if this is what you're talking about, but trying to help anyway.

 

[ImLazZzy]

Well, I used to despise Dell. But I could not pass up the prices, so I jumped on the bandwagon. This is upgrading from Samung and Sony panels. Dell's design leaves a lot to be desired, but eventually it grows on you and then you realize the bezels are one of the thinnest available. The only gripe I have left about the design is the nasty Dell logo embossed onto it.

Here's where I'm going with this. BenQ manufacturers some of Dell's displays. Dell and Apple uses panels from Samsung and LG. For all the people who say the Dell LCD's suck, they are in essence, saying Samsung, LG, Apple and BenQ suck.

Not only does Dell use the same high quality panels from Samsung and LG, they offer more for the package for significantly less. Let's see here:

9 in 1 card reader
2 or 4 USB ports
DVI and VGA
Composite, Component, S-Video
Height adjustment, tilt, rotation
Picture in Picture
Picture by Picture
Thinner bezel

Let's do some comparisons. To be fair, I will use pricegrabber.com for the lowest prices for brand new shipped and after taxes. The Dell is still bigger than the rest (with the exception of the 243T), lower priced, has a better response time and a higher contrast ratio.

Dell 2405FPW = $1007.32
HP L2335 = $1155.63
Apple Cinema Display 23" = $1423
LG L2320A = $1518.64
Samsung 243T = $1571
Sony SDM-P234 = $1614
Viewsonic VP231wb = $1648.18

Customer service and quality varies from person to person. Everyone is going to have a good experience or a bad one from any manufacturer. A small percentage of electronics will fail, this is the nature of electronics. There are no exceptions to any manufacturers. They mostly have the same failure rate, some are just more tight lipped about it. Dell may sell more panels then anyone else, this may be why it appears there are more failures, but in reality the percentage of defects is equal if not less to anyone else. Not only that, people that are upset with an experience they have will voice their opinion anyway they can. People who are satisfied generally stay quiet. Another thing is people who post problems on forums are the minority and are generally picky ass motherf**** (I'm one of them). People need to understand this.

To put the nail in the coffin, I purchased a Dell 2405FPW($860) and two Dell 2005FPW ($345 each) for a total price of $1550.00 directly through Dell. You get three LCD monitors for the price of ONE LCD monitor from some of the other manufacturer's above.

How can you beat that? The moral of the story, pick whatever the hell you want. It's your money.

i'd rather get just ONE good monitor instead of three crappy ones......2405 is not that bad cos they use the Samsung panel.

 

[UnknownSouljer]

i'd rather get just ONE good monitor instead of three crappy ones......2405 is not that bad cos they use the Samsung panel.

I wouldn't call a 2405fpw or a 2005fpw a crappy panel. Yes I'm quick to defend it, but it seems people are bashing them without having any user experience with them.

 

[peacetilence]

Are you referring to not liking to see black bars on the top and bottom when you are watching something that is 16:9, or are you referring to the monitor stretching the images when you are viewing something in 16:9.

The OSD controls allow you to choose to view it in it's original aspect or stretch it. I dunno if this is what you're talking about, but trying to help anyway.

No, I wish it was only the black bars. When you select aspect 16:9 mode on a DVD player through component the image is still vertically skewed, it appears skinny no matter which setting you select. I guess the 2405's internal firmware can only scale 4:3 input correctly through component, as selecting aspect in 4:3 mode is geometrically perfect.

The best way to see this is to get a DVD that has THX audio and video tests on it and cycle through to the aspect ratio test, the circle is shaped vertically oblong, like an oval, under any mode, whether is be aspect, 1:1, or fill in 16:9 while using component input. The only way around the issue is to watch DVDs through software on a PC and select widescreen mode as well as "keep aspect ratio" than when 16:9 movies are played they fill the entire screen horizontally with small black bars on top and bottom as they should. Or if you want to watch movies through component you have to select 4:3 on the DVD player and use aspect mode which basically wastes the monitors widescreen potential.

 

[UnknownSouljer]

No, I wish it was only the black bars. When you select aspect 16:9 mode on a DVD player through component the image is still vertically skewed, it appears skinny no matter which setting you select. I guess the 2405's internal firmware can only scale 4:3 input correctly through component, as selecting aspect in 4:3 mode is geometrically perfect.

The best way to see this is to get a DVD that has THX audio and video tests on it and cycle through to the aspect ratio test, the circle is shaped vertically oblong, like an oval, under any mode, whether is be aspect, 1:1, or fill in 16:9 while using component input. The only way around the issue is to watch DVDs through software on a PC and select widescreen mode as well as "keep aspect ratio" than when 16:9 movies are played they fill the entire screen horizontally with small black bars on top and bottom as they should. Or if you want to watch movies through component you have to select 4:3 on the DVD player and use aspect mode which basically wastes the monitors widescreen potential.

Really that seems like a waste, but I haven't tried doing that yet. Personally it seems much more easy to just use the software option.

 

[Mr_Evil]

I got a 17" Ultrasharp here (cuz I'm a broke SOB alright ) Not a problem with it at all. Response time leaves a bit to be desired, but I've learned to deal with it. Lovin that contrast ratio though. I mean black is like PITCH BLACK on this thing. I have a 19" Viewsonic CRT next to the LCD and the difference is NIGHT AND DAY. The LCD is so much easier to read text on. I have a Sony 17" CRT that's close to this panel's image quality, but still a bit blurry.

 

[peacetilence]

Really that seems like a waste, but I haven't tried doing that yet. Personally it seems much more easy to just use the software option.

Yeah, in the future I might build a little shuttle pc soley dedicated to playing media so I can take advantage of the PiP, that's my only option really I think. Please tell me VGA and DVI work at the same time...

 

[UnknownSouljer]

Yeah, in the future I might build a little shuttle pc soley dedicated to playing media so I can take advantage of the PiP, that's my only option really I think. Please tell me VGA and DVI work at the same time...

It should. I haven't tested it, but yeah.

 

[Dark Assassin]

It's also important to note that many times, Dell simply rebrands from other manufacturers along with acquiring their panels, bezels, etc.

I personally only bought through Dell because I financed a Samsung 710T. Nothing like making manageable monthly payments for something that has proved its worth over and over...

Dark Assassin

 

[UnknownSouljer]

It's also important to note that many times, Dell simply rebrands from other manufacturers along with acquiring their panels, bezels, etc.

I personally only bought through Dell because I financed a Samsung 710T. Nothing like making manageable monthly payments for something that has proved its worth over and over...

Dark Assassin

Not exactly true. It is true that their LCD substrate is shared between a few different companies and made by the same manufacturer, but that is true for virtually every LCD manufacturer including Samsung, and Viewsonic.

However the controller, and backlight that Dell uses is their own. I can't say anything about the bezels and stands, but I don't really think I've seen them anywhere else.

 

[steviep]

Dell 2005: BenQ bezel, LG panel
Dell 2405: BenQ bezel, Samsung panel.

Makes me laugh when I hear someone say "Dell quality sucks, if you want quality buy a Benq".

 

[peacetilence]

Dell 2005: BenQ bezel, LG panel
Dell 2405: BenQ bezel, Samsung panel.

Makes me laugh when I hear someone say "Dell quality sucks, if you want quality buy a Benq".

hahahahfsdhfsdnjnfdas

I've never heard anyone say this. Benq is on the lower end aren't they? I don't care if they manufactered my 2405 with it's panel straight from Samsung but I've never really heard anything positive, or even negative, about this obscure company.

Over the past 4 months I've learned a few things about Dell, if you don't know anything about PC's or aren't inclined to build your own, they're great (i.e. cheap) for business purposes. They know the ropes enough to outsource the highest quality panel manufacturers, where it really counts, like Samsung and LG, then outsouce the rest to smaller companies. Who really cares about the panel chassis as long as it serves its purpose and isn't obtrusive (like the latest sony's)?

 

[UnknownSouljer]

It's true.
People complain about Dell I think just because they are big. But the panel substrate isn't even made by them... it's idiotic. They make a panel as good as anyone else, and in most cases better, for cheaper.

 

[peacetilence]

It's true.
People complain about Dell I think just because they are big. But the panel substrate isn't even made by them... it's idiotic. They make a panel as good as anyone else, and in most cases better, for cheaper.

Yeah, I think so as well. The reason you don't here more complaints about similar apple monitors and the like is because barely anyone owns them. Just look at this forum for example, atleast 80% of the people on here with a widescreen display own a Dell, that has to say something for the overall total of people across the world that own these monitors.

 

[SirKenin]

If ur looking for quality, go for benQ....

bwahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!! You actually almost had me until I got to this load of crap. BenQ??? The Wal-mart special??? They SUCK!!!!! rofl.

BenQ.. haha. Good one.

I have had Dell Trinitron monitors for years and I have have had nothing but the best luck with them. They are very reliable. Some of you guys don't realize that Dell doesn't make monitors. All they do is have someone like LG build the monitors and stamp the Dell name on them. Not even Sony builds their own stuff. Most of it is sourced from LG.

lol. Too funny.

 

[steviep]

Don't slam BenQ, they DO make decent monitors. I just wouldn't put them in the "top quality" section. For instance, I think they made these widescreen Dells look nice. They just fucked up large with the first batches of 2005, hence the backlight leakage.

 

[SirKenin]

They are junk. Severely overrated, their colors are way off as are their specs. The only thing good about them is their price. Noone can touch their 24" widescreen for that kind of money. Then again, when you look at it critically it's easy to tell why.

 

[rhashem]

However the controller, and backlight that Dell uses is their own. I can't say anything about the bezels and stands, but I don't really think I've seen them anywhere else.

The controller is a Genesis 1601. It's a pretty damn high-end controller chip.

 

[rhashem]

They are junk. Severely overrated, their colors are way off as are their specs. The only thing good about them is their price. Noone can touch their 24" widescreen for that kind of money. Then again, when you look at it critically it's easy to tell why.

Now that's an interesting statement. Anandtech's review of the 2405FPW shows that the 2005FPW has a picture every bit as good as the 20" Apple. Having seen both myself, I'm inclined to agree. As for the 2405FPW --- it's a Samsung panel on a Genesis controller. Every display based on that panel is going to use that combo. Pretty much the only difference is going to be the backlight, and the 2405FPW's is as good as you can reasonably expect --- its uniform, bright, and doesn't muck up black levels.

The most valid complaint you have is that the colors are generally not calibrated properly. However, the colors *can* be calibrated properly, and when so calibrated, are not any worse than other displays using the same panel.

 

[rhashem]

And therein lies the problem, go count the posts in here about RAMing a Dell monitor. It’s non-stop. Their (Dell’s) site if full of refurbished product. I’d pay a bit more for anything if was consistent and worked. Dell can’t seem to fill that need.

Go to an Apple board and count the posts complaining about dead pixels, a pink cast on the monitor, etc. Does Apple have a lower defect rate? Maybe. Do they have $600 worth of less defects? Factoring in Dell's awesome return policy, I'd say not.

 

[SirKenin]

Now that's an interesting statement. Anandtech's review of the 2405FPW shows that the 2005FPW has a picture every bit as good as the 20" Apple. Having seen both myself, I'm inclined to agree. As for the 2405FPW --- it's a Samsung panel on a Genesis controller. Every display based on that panel is going to use that combo. Pretty much the only difference is going to be the backlight, and the 2405FPW's is as good as you can reasonably expect --- its uniform, bright, and doesn't muck up black levels.

The most valid complaint you have is that the colors are generally not calibrated properly. However, the colors *can* be calibrated properly, and when so calibrated, are not any worse than other displays using the same panel.

I don't care about Anand. He's a sold out loser. I have seen all these monitors personally, comparing up to 15 of them side by side and I still hold to the fact that BenQ is crap and their specs are wildly overstated. I can't remember where that review is on the internet, but search for the 24" widescreen reviews and you'll probably find it.

Don't bother with Anand. All he is interested in is manufacturer freebies and the almighty dollar. He has proven on many occasions that he doesn't have a clue what he's talking about.

 

[HvyMtl]

1. Dell does not make its own monitors.
2. The monitors are purchased from various suppliers.
3. Most likely those suppliers are the lowest bidder.
4. In some cases, Dell will swap suppliers in mid-stream.
5. Learn WHO supplied the monitor before purchase.
6. After reviewing the supplier's own products and find them satisfactory, remember # 3, they may have had to cut some corners to meet the contracted price to make profit.
7. If the Dell deal is better than the supplier's own similar product, it is a near guarantee than # 3 and # 6 are true.
8. These "rules" do not automatically make a Dell monitor a poor deal. Just be informed.
9. These "rules" also apply to basically any accessory to the system (printers, keyboards, mice,etc.), and to their notebooks as the barebones are generally supplied by 5 or so independent manufacturers (also true for most all notebooks out there such as Compaq, HP, etc.)
I do know that some of the standard crts are made by Phillips (or their supplier) and are decent monitors.
Again just be informed in you decision, as in some cases the Dell deal is the best option and in others it is not...