Monitors for design and print work?

Associate
Joined
15 Jul 2012
Posts
26
Location
East Midlands
Hello all, my first ever post here so go easy!

I run a small design agency, we do web and print based work.

My designers all have iMacs whereas I'm a PC fan, this won't change. However what I am envious of right now is their (IPS) screens compared to my three year old Samsungs TFT.

The question is, are the mac screens overrated or actually rather good for design work and if so what's a comparable 'PC' screen to buy?

One thing I really like about my current screen is the resolution of 2048x at on;y 23", I realise that I'm going to have to jump to a rather large 27" to better that as I can't find any high res 23-24" screens.
 
Perhaps if this isn't the best forum to ask on could someone point me in the right direction (so long as it doesn't break the rules)? Thank you.
 
Ok from what I can tell from searching the Dell UltraSharp U2711 seems to be the pinnacle especially for design. Any designers on here that work with one?
 
I work with people who do 3D modelling and design. Depending on the level of detail and clarity you need you may be better off going for a monitor with a glossy screen, which is one of the major benefits your iMac designers will be enjoying (see this). The matte surface used on the U2711 diffuses light quite significantly and reduces the clarity of the image - some of the designers I know need this extra clarity, some don't. It depends on the nature of your work.

A real advantage of the U2711 over any current glossy display, aside from the handling of glare, is the colour gamut which is much broader and expands to cover Adobe RGB and NTSC rather than just sRGB. If you require that kind of colour space then the Dell is a good choice, if not then depending on your preferences and lighting your options are a bit more open. It might be worth waiting for the upcoming Samsung S27B970D but it depends how far your budget stretches.
 
Interesting stuff, I didn't realise the Dell was matte, I certainly want a gloss finish so that discounts the Dell.

We do graphic design, branding and marketing, electronic (rgb) and print (cmyk or pantone).

That Samsung looks great, rather pricey but ultimately if it does a great job and lasts a few years it'll pay for itself. Is it geared towards professionals?
 
Interesting stuff, I didn't realise the Dell was matte, I certainly want a gloss finish so that discounts the Dell.

We do graphic design, branding and marketing, electronic (rgb) and print (cmyk or pantone).

That Samsung looks great, rather pricey but ultimately if it does a great job and lasts a few years it'll pay for itself. Is it geared towards professionals?

It is, yes. It supports hardware-based LUT calibration on the monitor directly and is supposed to provide very good uniformity of colour and brightness across the screen. So it sounds like it could fit the bill quite nicely.
 
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