External Display Recommedation

[kitjv]

I would like to use a larger external display with a MacBook Pro laptop exclusively for post processing. I would appreciate your recommendations on the size & resolution of an external display. Also, any specific model recommendations?

Thank you kindly.

[jetrim]

Probably a good idea to set a budget

Of course if money is no object, my first choice would be the Eizo ColorEdge CG301W 30" Widescreen
* DVI-I + DVI-I
* 2560 x 1600
* 850:1 Contrast
* 260cd/m2 Brightness
* 178°/178° Viewing Angle
* 12ms Response Time
* 16.7 Million Colors
* USB 2.0 Hub
* Monitor Hood

* Price : $ 4,398.00

Followed closely by the Wacom Cintiq-21

*Tablet Dimensions: 22.1" W x 16.5" H x 1.8" D
*Active Area: 17" W x 12.75" H
*Screen Size: 21.3" diagonal
*Native Resolution: UXGA (1600 x 1200
*Aspect Ratio: 4:3
*Pressure Levels: 1,024 on pen tip and eraser
*Stand Adjustability: 10° to 65° incline
*Rotation: +/- 180°
*Warranty: 2 years

*price: $1999.00

[kitjv]

Probably a good idea to set a budget

Absolutely. Probably in the range of $300 - $600. I certainly understand that price is a function of quality. However, I suspect that at some point in the price range the increase in quality diminishes as price rises. So, I am looking for the biggest bang for the buck.

Also, I am an intermediate-level photog who would like to start printing & mounting some select images simply for my own enjoyment. I would need a monitor that (when calibrated) would accurately display colors.

I hope this helps. Thank you.

[jetrim]

Honestly, I think just about any monitor will do the job, but the really important considerations are:
1)Find a monitor that matches the aspect ratio of your MacBook (I know a guy that uses an Acer that distorts the image because his MacBook can't choose separate resolutions for the separate monitors)
2)Invest in a good calibration system like X-Rite or ColorMunki
3)Buy or build a hood for it. Mine is 12" deep and made from flat black 1/2" foam-core, it makes a big difference when you eliminate color cast from ambient light.
4)If you can find a monitor that already has the Mac style plug (DVI?) it'll save you $24.00 on an adaptor.

[kitjv]

Thank you. I appreciate your comment about matching aspect ratios. I had not heard that before.

[drg]

Thank you. I appreciate your comment about matching aspect ratios. I had not heard that before.

It's the resolution as well as the aspect ratio that can be an issue. The MAC Pro has a DVI output I believe, that with the appropriate equipped monitor will aid in resolving the distortion of the image problem.

Consider looking at the newest monitors from NEC. I've been using one for a couple of months for editing and it is one of the best I've seen (including the LaCie units). The newest NEC's for a very reasonable price rank right up with both Eizo and LaCie units for a fraction of the cost.

There was an earlier post on this topic at:

Which Monitor for Photography / Photoshop work?

that you might find helpful and has some more notes of mine and others regarding monitors for photographic editing.

Let us know what you find!

[kitjv]

Correct me if I am wrong. If the 2 monitors have different native resolutions (thus, aspect ratios),if the same image was viewed on both monitors at their respective native resolutions, wouldn't their resolve the distortion issue?

Also, if I were to use the 2 monitors in the "extended desktop" mode, wouldn't the different native resolutions of the 2 monitors be irrelevant?

Thanks for your help.