User jjj posted a sale for Monoprice's 30" display on 03-22-13, and I took the plunge. (see comments section on http://techreport.com/news/24549/)
Unboxing was uneventful, with the exception of a few items; the first seemingly a blatant bait and switch:
• The monitor described and photographed on the product page is not the same monitor that was shipped. No two ways about it. (http://preview.tinyurl.com/c9ha8la)
- The product page says this monitor comes with stereo speakers and the cord to go with it. No speakers, no cable, nor mention of them in the two page "manual".
- The product page also includes OSD as a feature which is non-existent. (see below)
• The monitor stand has a good range of motion, but one must literally un-bolt and shift the bolt pattern over a row to pivot the screen into portrait mode.
• On a more minor note, the foot of the stand also sticks out about 2.50" from the front of the screen; something I'm not used to with the Dells I use at work.
None of the above are deal breakers for me personally, but perspective buyers beware.
With the system powered on, the screen is just 'lovely' in my opinion, but I'm also transitioning from a Samsung DF1100 CRT (http://preview.tinyurl.com/cyouvlw).
Essentially, the new monitor has about the same pixel pitch as my old monitor (at 1600X1200), and is positioned back at arms length rather than 12" from my nose on the desk.
I did check for dead pixels, and found none. There is no calibration to be had, however, beyond turning the back light up and down.
I have not yet tried to evaluate video lag (my only other big concern), but I'm hoping this thing will hold me over until OLEDs find their way into the realm of mortal men...
All and all, not a bad purchase on the face of it for yours truly.
Edit: one more bullet and a typo correction above