Dell S2309W or the S2209W - any personal usage views?

[Plec]

Please note i'm not talking about the ultra sharp version - it has a very similar product code. But, if you feel the 2 are comparible i'd be happy to hear your views.

I'm thinking of getting either the S2209W or the S2309W but i've not seen any user reviews on the forums.

I can get the S2309W cheaper than the 23" version today (competitor) so i'm almost on the verge of doing an impulse buy - which is very unlike me...

Has anyone had any personal experience with one of these - it's had a favourable write up in PC Format and it's the new 16:9 screen format?

£159 for a 23" monitor just seems too good to be true - i'm comparing it to the 2209WA - it has better resolution but the contrast isn't as high and it isn't as sexy the 2209WA, even with the curves - but on paper the S2309W looks ideal.

I'm sat here looking at an old 17" viewsonic - so as you can imagine i'm a bit out of the loop.

Monitors basic spec:

Panel Type TN - Twisted Nemantic
Maximum Resolution Full HD 1920 x 1080 at 60 Hz
Contrast Ratio 1000:1 (typical)
Brightness: 300 cd/m2 (typical)
Response Time: 5 ms (typical)
Viewing Angle: 160° / 170° (typical)
Colour Support: 16.7 million colours
Pixel Pitch: 0.248mm
CONNECTIVITY Analog DVI-D (Digital

 

[D D Danneh]

The S2209WA (WA, NOT W) uses an e-ips panel, which is supposed to be far superior to the TN panel that the W versions use (it's essentially an IPS panel at TN prices).

If I had to choose between the 2209W, 2309W and 2209WA, I would choose the 2209WA, but it depends whether you favour image quality or screen size/resolution. £159 is a nice price for a 23" monitor, and makes it cheaper than the 2209WA, but it's up to you.

 

[Plec]

I think the spearate models are 2209WA and the S2209W with the 2209WA model using the e-ips panel as you described - from Dells site anyway. I wish they wouldn't use such simailr codes for their products...

Thanks for the e-ips info i'll take a further look.

Does the 2209WA use 16:9 ratio - i can't see it listed on its specs?

 

[cmndr_andi]

+1 for the 2209WA. That monitor is magic, beats its TN competitors hands down.

A few weeks ago I was looking whether to get that monitor or a 24in TN at the same price. I'm so happy I went for the 2209wa, higher quality panel won it for me over the extra 2in, but ofcourse this may not be your assessment.

2209WA is 16:10

 

[Plec]

2209WA is 16:10

Thanks - i was having trouble sourcing that.

Aesthetically, i much prefer the look of the 2209WA - i like clean lines. But i keep coming back to the cheap price of the S2309W and its 16:9 ratio - but the lack of reviews and forum info is making me lean towards the 2209WA.

 

[D D Danneh]

Thanks - i was having trouble sourcing that.

Aesthetically, i much prefer the look of the 2209WA - i like clean lines. But i keep coming back to the cheap price of the S2309W and its 16:9 ratio - but the lack of reviews and forum info is making me lean towards the 2209WA.

Any particular reason for 16:9? The only difference between that and 16:10 is that 16:10 has more vertical desktop space (although the 2309W has 1080 vertical vs the 2209WA's 1050 vertical). Looking around though, it appears that the 2209WA lacks 1:1 pixel mapping, so if you're looking to run movies in full screen, you'll end up with stretched people.

 

[Plec]

Looking around though, it appears that the 2209WA lacks 1:1 pixel mapping, so if you're looking to run movies in full screen, you'll end up with stretched people.

Thanks for the reply and yes, it was just the movie banding i was trying to avoid or the stretching. But i'm not too hooked on that it would just be an added bonus.

Edit: Having said that what aspect ratio do games use as i've never owned a wide screen monitor i have no idea about gaming features etc?

I've just noticed that overclockers sell this version SP2309W.

Is the SP2309W a different model to the S2309W - i can't find it on the Dell website although i notice that it's contrast spec is 3000:1 on the OC's site compared with the the S2309W 1000:1 on the Dell.

So even though Dell don't list it i'm guessing it's a differnet model again but with a very similar code?

Jees - this is confusing.

 

[D D Danneh]

Thanks for the reply and yes, it was just the movie banding i was trying to avoid or the stretching. But i'm not too hooked on that it would just be an added bonus.

Edit: Having said that what aspect ratio do games use as i've never owned a wide screen monitor i have no idea about gaming features etc?

I've just noticed that overclockers sell this version SP2309W.

Is the SP2309W a different model to the S2309W - i can't find it on the Dell website although i notice that it's contrast spec is 3000:1 on the OC's site compared with the the S2309W 1000:1 on the Dell.

So even though Dell don't list it i'm guessing it's a differnet model again but with a very similar code?

Jees - this is confusing.

Yes, the SP2309W is a different model to the S2309W. It has a higher dynamic contrast, a higher resolution, and a more flexible stand, but other than that, I can't see many differences.

Oh, and it's listed on the US Dell site

http://accessories.dell.com/sna/pro...tdetail.aspx?c=ca&l=en&cs=cadhs1&sku=320-7641

http://accessories.dell.com/sna/pro...l.aspx?c=ca&l=en&s=dhs&cs=cadhs1&sku=320-7339

 

[Plec]

Thanks again D D Danneh, i neglected to look there - d'oh!

What was tuirning into an impulse buy is now looking very considered...

I'm really torn - the reviews of the 2209WA are amazing and as mentioned previously aesthetically it really looks the part - although picture quality is my main concern.

I think i need to see these models in the flesh - i'm guessing both models are going to impress me compared to what i'm using now. It just boils down to value for money - but both probably justify their price tag looking at reviews.

 

[D D Danneh]

Thanks again D D Danneh, i neglected to look there - d'oh!

What was tuirning into an impulse buy is now looking very considered...

I'm really torn - the reviews of the 2209WA are amazing and as mentioned previously aesthetically it really looks the part - although picture quality is my main concern.

I think i need to see these models in the flesh - i'm guessing both models are going to impress me compared to what i'm using now. It just boils down to value for money - but both probably justify their price tag looking at reviews.

I agree, the best way to tell is by looking at them in the flesh. I will say though, that I'd be willing to put money on it that the 2209WA has better image quality and viewing angles than the other models, simply because of the better panel. If your main concern in picture quality, and you like the design of the 2209WA, I would recommend it to you. Also, if you plan on gaming with it, the smaller resolution might actually help, as you'll get more frames per second.

 

[Plec]

Also, if you plan on gaming with it, the smaller resolution might actually help, as you'll get more frames per second.

Yes, this is something i'm having to consider as i bought my existing gfx card around a 17" low res screen. I'm guessing that an Asus 4850 512mb would still be man enough for a 1680 X 1050 monitor?

Additional: Not being a TN panel - does the 2209WA have ghosting issues at all?

Thanks again for your input.

Plec

 

[cmndr_andi]

From the reviews I have read as well as my own experience with the monitor there is no ghosting at all. Furthermore, input lag is very low too.

 

[Plec]

Thanks - i think i'm going to throw the kids into the car and subject them to some electrical stores so i can compare models (stock allowing). That should please them...

 

[D D Danneh]

I'm guessing that an Asus 4850 512mb would still be man enough for a 1680 X 1050 monitor?

Yes, it'll perform great. I'm running a 260 on 1920*1200, which only has slightly more performance on a fair bit more resolution, and it copes brilliantly.

Additional: Not being a TN panel - does the 2209WA have ghosting issues at all?

Can't answer that as I haven't used it. Check some reviews and this thread to see if anyone mentions ghosting.

Thanks - i think i'm going to throw the kids into the car and subject them to some electrical stores so i can compare models (stock allowing). That should please them...

Careful with store viewing. It's a common trick that they adjust the settings so the more expensive models look the best. Other than that, good luck

 

[Plec]

Thanks for the info Danneh and that link looks useful.

Well, my trip was next to useless - all the screens i got to view had low res looped video running through them which didn't do any of them any favours.

None of the shops had the products i'm considering and the only half decent 22" display was the Samsung T220 which i made them hook up to a pc just so i could see a desk top. The colours seemed washed out but that could well have been due to the setup. However the screen looked more like a mini-tv than a monitor - it's a shame as Samsung used to have simple stylish designs that would fit in with any enviroment.

Looks like i'll be buying on recommendations and reviews...

 

[Rooky007]

I too wish I could drive somewhere and have a view of some screens but just like you nothing there I am interested in. I have been interested in getting a Dell 2408WFP which Poeple say are very good. But after following this thread the Dell 2209WA is now getting a look in just wish I could try them somewhere.

 

[Plec]

Can't answer that as I haven't used it. Check some reviews and this thread to see if anyone mentions ghosting.

Well, i read that thread from beginning to end and it reads like a horror story but with all the victims, apparently, insanely happy.

There seems to be an on going issue with the LG panel the the Dell uses and one poor guy, Zensuji, had to replace 6 monitors!

However, the reason why most, if not all, are happy is that Dell seem quite happy to keep sending out new monitors until you get one your happy with - and most ppl have. Which is a great service by any standrads.

So, from what i've gathered it's a great monitor with minor input lag issues but is prone to dead pixels and buzzing noises - but Dell will quite happily keep replacing your unit, if you're not happy, for a brand new one until your insanely happy - if you're with in the 30 day guarantee.

Great service - but i hate hassle - then again it's been 2 months since some of those posts so hopefully the new batches have been QC corrected.

I've deff ruled out the S2309W but dispite that thread and it's victims - i'm really leaning towards the happy insanity of the 2209WA.

I'm confused as to how i've read that thread and still want to buy one

Plec

 

[cmndr_andi]

Happy insanity - what a brilliant assessment.

I must attest that I am one of the happy insane. My dell 2408WFP A00 developed some annoying vertical lines when it started up. I called up dell, told them about my problem. The next day a dude was at my door with a shiny new monitor. Furthermore, they gave me the new A01 revision of the monitor, so it has reduced input lag In contrast, Samsung took a month to repair my 32in LCD TV, I just wish dell were still in the TV market.

So, yes my dell monitor broke, but it doesn't matter because Dell backup all their monitors with such good service that you can't help but love them. I for one will be buying my next monitors from Dell before anyone else.

 

[Plec]

I'm going to take the plunge next month as the extra size would be very benificial with the amount of excel work i have to do over the coming weeks.

Thanks for all the input guys.

Here's hoping i get a recent batch...