Dell ships 27-inch display using iMac's panel
updated 10:50 am EST, Wed February 10, 2010
Dell UltraSharp U2711 hits 2560x1440
Dell today began shipping a new range-topping display teased at CES. The UltraSharp U2711 is one of the first outside of Apple to use the 27-inch LCD found in the iMac and gets the same 2560x1440 resolution as well as its pro-friendly color accuracy. With 12-bit internal processing and an IPS panel, the U2711 can cover 100 percent of the sRGB color space and 96 percent of Adobe RGB.
Its contrast ratio is also high, at 80,000:1, and is mated to a wide 178-degree viewing angle. Unlike Apple, Dell uses a matte finish that cuts back on glare.
As a stand-alone display, the Dell offering has much more room for input than the iMac and carries two dual-link DVI inputs as well as one each of DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA, component and RCA. Four USB ports and a multi-format card reader top off its expansion.
Dell's pricing provides a minor clue as to the cost of the screen by itself as the new UltraSharp costs $1,099.
We had an opportunity to see the display at CES and can vouch for its image quality, although its design is tellingly about as large as the entire Apple system.
Good Job, Dell
02/10, 11:15am (1 reply) reply
Can they make it bigger and uglier? I think I could shove 2 imacs, an iPad and a couple of iPhones in the same space.
And more wires, please.
Raman
Grizzled Veteran
Joined: Mar 2001
cost vs iMac
02/10, 11:17am (1 reply) reply
So, for $600 more, I get a 3GHZ Core 2 Due, 4GB RAM, a 1TB drive, and of course OSX. I guess I could get one of those fantastic Windows boxes and connect it to the Dell display and it would automagically become something on par with the iMac. (not!)
Boy, it has a big backside.
prl99
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2009
CCFL/10-bit
02/10, 11:19am reply
1. The U2711 uses CCFL backlighting whilst the iMac uses LED.
2. 12-bit internal color processing and outputs 10-bit color.
revco
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2005
Does it come in yellow?
02/10, 11:34am reply
your comment
cmoney
Dedicated MacNNer
Joined: Sep 2000
Amazing
02/10, 11:48am reply
Amazing work. They made the display on the iMac look like utter c***.
Billrey
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2010
Amazing
02/10, 12:00pm reply
Amazing work. They made the display on the iMac look like utter c***.
Billrey
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2010
Sort of embarrassing
02/10, 12:11pm reply
That Dell beat Apple to offering this as a standalone display -- could be a nice option for Mac Pro users. Whatever your opinion of their aesthetics, Dell panels are generally of high quality as long as you stick with the UltraSharp line, and offer very good warranty coverage.
andrewbw
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2001
Revitalized IPS
02/10, 12:25pm reply
It's incredible how IPS is being touted as new when, along with PVA, it was common amongst quality LCD panels five years ago until everyone including Apple went ultra-cheap with crappy TN technology. They're giving back what they took away and at a higher price.
Feathers
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 1999
Matte Finish!
02/10, 12:43pm reply
This wouldn't be half-bad if the hideous Dell logos were removable. Grinding is an option, I guess. ;^)
Apple should offer the monitor separately, with a matte option.
JeffHarris
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 1999
Imitation
02/10, 02:37pm reply
As they say, imitation is the highest form of flattery. But not close enough...
Tanker10a
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2003