Displays [update: Good news, everyone!] - New Dell U series coming Q3. A downgrade big time

As ever, your feed back is awesome.

 

I still haven't this supposed difference expressed anywhere except in your posts. I'm not claiming that you're wrong, but perhaps what you see as two (or more) different models should rather be seen as different SKUs for different regions? You know, different kettle leads, manuals, warranty options etc.

I might be wrong, though...

There are two specific reasons why Goodbytes, myself and others argue against LED-backlit monitors. Firstly, those supposedly white LEDs aren't white. Those white LEDs are actually socalled pseudo-white LEDs, which emit a blue light. To produce the white-ish light they're coated with (yellow) phosphor. White light created this way isn't particularly white and it's (to my knowledge) impossible to create a wide gamut colour white-LED backlight, which can produce more than just the sRGB colour space.

The second reason is the way those pseudo-white LED arrays are placed in regard to the panel. Usually this occurs in the form of a socalled Edge LED backlight, where an array of LEDs is placed at one or more sides of the panel (left, right, top, bottom). From there, the light is guided across the entire panel with special light guide sheets.

Early on, when LED-backlit monitors were just coming out and commanded a price premium the LED arrays could be found at two or more sides. As always, companies look to cut costs so more and more LED-backlit panels come with only a single LED array, usually placed at the bottom. This makes it much harder to guide the light properly, which results in uniformity issues. Broadly speaking LED-backlit panels suffer much more from uniformity issues than CCFL-backlit panels.

Some very rare and *very* expensive monitors (e.g. the LG W2420R and the Samsung XL24) use an RGB LED backlight instead which utilizes red, green and blue LEDs. Also, those LEDs are actually mounted behind the panel (a socalled direct LED backlight) so light guiding issues are minimized (some issues will always remain). And to top it off, RGB LED backlights can achieve wide gamut colours.

As GoodBytes stated, you can't really go completely wrong choosing an IPS monitor, and to allay your fears I'm certain you could do A LOT worse than buying the new U2412M.

 

Oh, it looks like HP UK changed.


HP Canada and U.S still has the sub-model I was talking about:
Example:


Another one:
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ca/en/sm/WF25a/382087-382087-64283-3884471-3884471-4101131.html

 

I'm fairly certain it's the same monitor. There are two "specs" that seem off, dimensions and brightness. As for the dimensions I'm certain this is just a typing blunder. The monitor is 55.6 cm wide, 8.65 cm deep (25.3 cm incl. stand) and the (adjustable) height is between 36 and 42 cm (which, arguably, could be better).

As for the brightness, 1 nit == 1cd/m2, but don't take my word on it...

Your link to the Canadian versions do indicate some differences, though. At least "on paper".

This is the Danish spec, by the way. We apparently only have one SKU.

 

The other example I posted, have different response time.
And again, the price is completely off between the 2.
If it's a revision thing, why the prices are so apart?

yes I did link the Canadian HP site, it's the same story at HP U.S.
It USED to be the same for HP U.K, as I did show this sometime before, but I guess HP changed.

 

About the difference in specs I'd say it's down to error. As for the difference in price here in Denmark the ZR24W is listed both at a "special introductory price" and a price which is significantly higher. I don't believe anyone ever bought at the expensive price. Why did HP do it? Your bet is as good as mine. I'd like to believe that huge multi-national corporations are sometimes schizophrenic.

 

Well if it is an introductory price, it's some long intro... as this was the case since day one, and the monitor has been out since 2009.

 

I asked CCL computers in an e-mail yesterday why they have this monitor twice at different prices.

Their response (and I quote):

"Unfortunately I am not aware of any differences between the two monitors, other than a slight variation in manufacturers part code.

My apologies for any inconvenience this may cause."

 

This may explain the different SKUs (and prices).

 

Hi guys,

I got told by an Aria sales Rep that this U2410 will be reduced to £255 today or tomorrow. Full details over in the hardware bargains thread in Marketplace

 

How totally bizarre. Both models are available in the UK at wildly different prices. Its just odd.

 

It makes sense.... well no it does not, because Dell offers the same thing without a penny more... but assume they charge a fee and apply it on the price, why it varies between different monitor models, and why it's sooo huge, without any info on the website?!

 

on the link:
They have to put what it looks like a cut off porn picture...
Well at least it sales.

 

I think she is just impressed with her new shampoo

 

Well, the price is definitely right, but 30 days of warranty would put me off.

 

One of, if not, the first review of the new Dell U2412M.

Seems to be better than first anticipated. At least for the general users. Apparently also has less clouding than e.g. the U2311H.

 

I don't like the review, not enough details. The simple fact they said that the monitor is targeted at photographers is plain wrong (including the U2410), and provides a feeling that they don't know what's out there.

 

Hmm, seems like they liked it with its better black depth than the U2410 (after calibration) and "slightly better colour gradation and shadow detailing". Obviously this is only one review, but I guess it wont be the massive 'downgrade' that some people thought afterall, and if you can live without a HDMI port and don't need the wide gamut, it seems like the one to buy out of the two seeing as it will be considerably cheaper yet offer very similar performance

 

It's not a PRAD.de-style review, but I think it's fairly good. I know Rasmus (though not really personally) and he tends to do a pretty decent job at reviewing monitors and tvs.

As for the U2412M being targeted towards (amateur) photographers, amongst others, I'd claim colour accuracy would be more important than a wide gamut backlight. He also insists that the U2410 would be more appropriate for that kind of work.

 

Exciting stuff!

Shame that the performance was not slightly better uncalibrated, but not sure if this is something the average person would notice.

Personally I would not miss the HDMI port, card readers or wide gamut so it seems good value for a 24" screen.

He talks about overdrive trailing, but Dell Ultrasharp monitors normally allow you to tone down the overdrive setting?

Also, I bet his review copy was checked for back light bleed etc. and he got a really good one.

Will be interested to see the forums once real people start taking delivery and see if there are any quality issues.