27" vs 30" Displays

[vargis14]

As someone else previously noted if you want bigger for entertainment purposes grab a nice panasonic plasma. Size is up to you just get a good one:).....plasmas destroy lcds for black levels and response times along with picture quality. The only time lcd tv picture quality is better is when your very close to the TV...but that's my opinion.

I am running Panasonic vt30 55inch 3d tv and let me tell you.......Its closer to a crt then a lcd, the black levels are fantastic,Color reproduction is spot on in my eyes and text is crisp and very easy to read, so much better then my 46 lcd and 37 in lcd tvs.

Also to play say BF3 in 2560/1600 in native resolution you need much more then a 560 ti since you are pushing twice as many pixels.

Right now i am sitting a little over 3ft from my plasma and its not easy to see the pixel edges at 4ft away they vanish.

I want to add that i have been playing diablo 3 lately and since the HDMI standard will not allow more then 24fps in 3D 1080p i have had to run the game in 720p to get the max frame rate of 60fps the HDMI standard will allow in 3d. Well at 720p diablo 3 in 3d looks amazing and breathtaking once i used the maximum aa and af on the game in 3d the jaggies pretty much vanished and it looks almost like 1080p...almost, but the 3d effect makes up for it BIGTIME

[Airmantharp]

1. You should probably check out the new (last couple years or so) Samsung etc. LCDs. I understand that LCD technology prevents it from providing perfect black levels, but damn, they get close. Response time is fairly irrelevant, but input lag is another large consideration. At it's fastest, my LG 55" is just barely noticeably slower than a TN monitor. Enough for most gaming scenarios but definitely not good for competitive shooters.

2. You cannot escape basic geometry- 1080p at 50" plus makes for massive pixels. Sure, you may either be too blind to see them or the plasma grid may just be that tight, but they're still huge.

3. HDMI allows for higher bandwidth feeds in newer specifications; current GPUs support these, so the onus is on whatever display is used.

4. 3D is great and getting better, but is far from relevant to this discussion. There are no IPS 3D monitors available, especially not in the range that the OP is looking for.

[vargis14]

I believe Justanengineer has the same tv i do. Maybe he could give us his thoughts on how my plasma displays computer text and images onto this 55" tv i am looking at right now from 4ft away. Sure i can see the pixels in say the smilies on this forum and on a few other things but its not bad at all. My vision is fine and i normally look at the tv from about 6ft away...at 6ft away they are pretty hard to see even in the smilies selection on this forum.

As for black levels, here is a good example put on a black screen in a dark room with a lcd and it will still light the room up unless the backlight itself shuts off. This VT30 might give off 1/4 of the light a comparable lcd will give off in a black bark room with a black blank screen.

I have nothing against LCD's, i steered people away from plasmas. bute with the new plasma panels , I actualy preffered LCD's untill i was looking for a 3d tv. After reading countless reviews going into stores etc.....I purchased the panasonic vt-30. all i can say is seeing is believing.....no grayscale in dark scenes, also no color scaling in scenes where colors lighten and deepen.

I am pretty sure i have 20-20 vision still........but i have to be honest i hsave not had my eyes checked so i cannot provide proof i am not blind sorry

[Airmantharp]

I'm not countering any of your observations; I use my 55" 1080p with a gaming laptop every day. It's my HTPC for now.

But I can't say that an HDTV would be good for the OP; he's in a barracks, has limited space, and is looking for a high quality, high resolution solution. Plasmas have the quality, but they can't match the resolution .

[DeadOfKnight]

Haha you're all just making this harder. I do think the 27" would probably look better next to my 24", but I might be gifting that when the time comes. I am doing a permanent change of station move to Okinawa and when I get there I'm gonna see how easily I can order things online and have them shipped to me. I will also find out just exactly what kind of desk I will be using and how much space I have.

I recently got a nice little bonus from reenlisting and i'll get another sum of unbudgeted money with my tax return. My brother will be turning 18 next year back home. My plan is to give him my gaming PC with peripherals and build myself a new one. This machine will have no strict budget, I plan to get top shelf gear that I won't be so eager to replace. It will be color coordinated and everything, I might even try my hand at case modding. When I look through the window, I'll know I got exactly what I wanted.

So, basically, I plan to spend a lot of money. There may be a big price gap between these monitors, but if you factor them into the overall system price then the price change won't be as dramatic.

[DeadOfKnight]

What do you all think about multi-monitor configs? Not talking about eyefinity here, I mean just having a second or third monitor off to the sides. I've often spoken about how nice the PLP 4960x1600 setup would seem in other threads, but since it's not really supported in games and drivers, would it still be worthwhile to have those extra screens off to the side? I've only ever used one screen so I don't really know what I'm missing. If I wanted a 27" I might just keep this 24" monitor next to it, but if I went for the 30" I'd definitely prefer the two 20" in portrait since they would be an almost perfect match for a picture window view. Windows 8 is supposed to bring a better experience for this and will be out before then, but I'm still hesitant to leave Windows 7; that could be the determining factor. It will be interesting to see how things pan out over the next year.

[Airmantharp]

As long as you don't care what people think, a second (or third, or fourth, or fifth..) works great. I use at least one, but have several that I can hook up. Good for Ventrilo, clocks, weather, browsers, whatever while gaming.

Hell, any Z77 board can let you power a pair of displays separate from discrete GPUs, and this works great, BF3 included.

[JustAnEngineer]

I'm running a 1200x1600 UltraSharp 2001FP next to my 2560x1600 UltraSharp 3007WFP. It's a good combination. I can stick things on the smaller screen and refer to them while I'm working on the larger one. If you get the U3011, you might want to pick up a refurbished or used 2007FP or two to put beside it.

[DeadOfKnight]

I'm running a 1200x1600 UltraSharp 2001FP next to my 2560x1600 UltraSharp 3007WFP. It's a good combination. I can stick things on the smaller screen and refer to them while I'm working on the larger one. If you get the U3011, you might want to pick up a refurbished or used 2007FP or two to put beside it.

Yeah, I've come to the conclusion that I will go with the u3011 if I decide to do this, otherwise I'll probably just get the u2711.

[druidcent]

Considering the review of the Korean 27" on the front page, would it make sense to pay $600-$700 for a 30" vs. $350 for the 27"?

[DeadOfKnight]

Considering the review of the Korean 27" on the front page, would it make sense to pay $600-$700 for a 30" vs. $350 for the 27"?

I agree, although this option on the market could very well bring prices down for all IPS displays over the next year.

[Chrispy_]

I agree, although this option on the market could very well bring prices down for all IPS displays over the next year.

These monitors have been on the market for at least six months, yet the thunderbolt display and the Ultrasharp still have the same MSRP's. Western companies are happy to take these panels from LG and make huge markup on them, don't expect cost savings anytime soon unless the ones at Microdirect start to pick up sales momentum.

[druidcent]

Doing some research on the 30", it looks like they aren't as reliable as the 27"...

I think I'll probably go in for one of these 27" monitors and see how it goes... probably within the next month or so..

[Airmantharp]

Doing some research on the 30", it looks like they aren't as reliable as the 27"...

I think I'll probably go in for one of these 27" monitors and see how it goes... probably within the next month or so..

Sources and specific examples please? I didn't come across data supporting your assertion while researching my HP ZR30w...

[apertur3]

I picked up the U3011 on Amazon today... the price keeps dropping, so... why not? Been looking forward to it a while. Will be upgrading from my 7+ year old Dell 2001FP. Love this old thing, but it's time to make all the Lightroom processing I do a bit easier on me... Not to mention League of Legends...

[druidcent]

Doing some research on the 30", it looks like they aren't as reliable as the 27"...

I think I'll probably go in for one of these 27" monitors and see how it goes... probably within the next month or so..

Sources and specific examples please? I didn't come across data supporting your assertion while researching my HP ZR30w...

Sorry, I was talking specifically about the 30" Korean monitors.. Like the 27" monitors that were reviewed last week. I've heard lots of good things about the HP and Dells but they are too pricey for me.. I was considering one for $500-$600. If you google Yamakasi Leonidas 300, there are a couple really long threads on the subject.

Link

[DeadOfKnight]

Sorry, I was talking specifically about the 30" Korean monitors.. Like the 27" monitors that were reviewed last week. I've heard lots of good things about the HP and Dells but they are too pricey for me.. I was considering one for $500-$600. If you google Yamakasi Leonidas 300, there are a couple really long threads on the subject.

Link

There is another thread discussing those monitors. I was not interested in those Korean ones as soon as I found out they cannot play blu-ray and lack support for hooking up my game consoles to it as well. I was just wondering if it is worth the extra premium for a 30" over a 27". Pretty much what I got was "Is it worth it to you?" because for some it is and for some it isn't. I think I'll just end up getting a 27" and pocketing the difference...and spending it on the next Steam Summer Sale! I didn't realize how good it was until it was almost over. I got Max Payne 3 for 50% off though!

[druidcent]

Sorry, I was talking specifically about the 30" Korean monitors.. Like the 27" monitors that were reviewed last week. I've heard lots of good things about the HP and Dells but they are too pricey for me.. I was considering one for $500-$600. If you google Yamakasi Leonidas 300, there are a couple really long threads on the subject.

Link

There is another thread discussing those monitors. I was not interested in those Korean ones as soon as I found out they cannot play blu-ray and lack support for hooking up my game consoles to it as well. I was just wondering if it is worth the extra premium for a 30" over a 27". Pretty much what I got was "Is it worth it to you?" because for some it is and for some it isn't. I think I'll just end up getting a 27" and pocketing the difference...and spending it on the next Steam Summer Sale! I didn't realize how good it was until it was almost over. I got Max Payne 3 for 50% off though!

Don't worry.. Steam also has a Winter sale

[druidcent]

I took the plunge and bought this Catleap:

Ebay Link

I'm hoping it will be just fine.. now I need to get a video card to drive it...

[apertur3]

annnnnnnnnnnnd.... it came today! I love it!!!!!



orig. size:
http://imgur.com/9vMd1

[JustAnEngineer]

Have you tried your 2001FP in portrait mode beside it?

[druidcent]

Mine came today also!! I'm trying to figure out how to get out of work early and play with it..

[apertur3]

Have you tried your 2001FP in portrait mode beside it?

Haha, no I have not, but the vertical pixels should match up perfectly. My wife has inherited the 2001FP until further notice, since it was a step up from what she was using and on top of that, my workspace can't accommodate an additional monitor very well without having to turn my head more than 90 degrees. Considering another VESA mount on the wall to alleviate this issue, but it's still under consideration. I just got my i1Display Pro in yesterday and the U3011 is all calibrated now, which is great - but since it's a wide gamut monitor, JPGs viewed in non-color managed apps tend to look very weird and oversaturated on it. So it'd be good to have a second display on which to preview my content being posted to the internet.

[druidcent]

Mine came today also!! I'm trying to figure out how to get out of work early and play with it..

Got it up and running... I'm very impressed with my 8600GT... I wasn't sure it would be able to handle the display, but it booted up and works like a champ.. I'm scared to try it out on games, but I need to get the on-board wifi working first..

This is a beautiful monitor.. no dead pixels, I've got to say I'm pretty happy!

[DeadOfKnight]

After much consideration I have decided to go with a 27" and save myself some money. I have narrowed it down to either the Dell U2713HM or the ASUS PB278Q. Any thoughts on which is the better option?

[Spyder22446688]

After much consideration I have decided to go with a 27" and save myself some money. I have narrowed it down to either the Dell U2713HM or the ASUS PB278Q. Any thoughts on which is the better option?

I just bought the U2713HM for $650. It replaced a 24" MPVA panel from Soyo. I really like the color reproduction (while not as good at the U2711, the U2713 has faster response rates). The USB 3.0 hub is also nice. No dead pixels. The stand is really sturdy and is easy to swivel and rotate. At such a high resolution, I am not hating the 16:9 aspect ratio as much as I thought I would. As it stands, running games at 2560x1440 is tough, so I splurged and am currently running dual GTX 670s in SLI

No substantial thoughts on the Asus panel, but I have read good things. I think either choice is a good one.

[DeadOfKnight]

I just bought the U2713HM for $650. It replaced a 24" MPVA panel from Soyo. I really like the color reproduction (while not as good at the U2711, the U2713 has faster response rates). The USB 3.0 hub is also nice. No dead pixels. The stand is really sturdy and is easy to swivel and rotate. At such a high resolution, I am not hating the 16:9 aspect ratio as much as I thought I would. As it stands, running games at 2560x1440 is tough, so I splurged and am currently running dual GTX 670s in SLI

No substantial thoughts on the Asus panel, but I have read good things. I think either choice is a good one.

I'm thinking of getting that one. I read it has some QA issues with it recently, but also the best warranty and service.

[NarwhaleAu]

I have a 30" and a 27". Both are good monitors.

I would get the 30" if it was my money. It is clearly superior. The 27" feels like an extra wide 24" (sit it next to a 16:10 24" and you'll see it is almost exactly the same height). In fact, I use it as a replacement for the dual 24" monitors I ran before. I almost think dual 24" monitors is superior for all but playing games.

The 30" on the other hand gives you the vertical space you need. It feels like a different class of monitor.

[Pancake]

I have been comparing the Dell U3011 and the U2711. Does anyone have any thoughts, opinions, or stories on which is the better way to go? I do prefer 1920x1200 to 1920x1080, but the price difference isn't nearly as much. Also, I wouldn't be losing vertical real estate by stepping up to a 27" even though it is 16:9. I've read that the pixel density is slightly higher on 27" than 30" and there is a slightly faster response time. I would be using this computer for mostly gaming and multimedia, although I do use it for work (multitasking, spreadsheets, etc.). I don't think the slighty better colors on the 30 are significant enough for my purposes. The thing is, I can afford the extra for a 30" and I don't want to end up with buyer's remorse for one of these expensive displays. Also is the fact that if I ever want to go with multiple displays later on I am quite positive I would rather have the 30.

I went with a couple of U3011's. My eyesight isn't all that great so certainly the slightly bigger pixels than the U2711 makes a difference. As others have said the extra vertical height is always a boon when doing "productivity" work. In my case that's coding in Eclipse or spatial analysis with ArcGIS. Totally awesome full screen with either application on one monitor and a generous amount of room in the other for web browsing, telnet session, Cygwin terminals, WinAmp etc etc

The U3011 is a bit more expensive but I think it's justified. Call me weak, indulgent or what you will but I get a little smug self-satisfaction from merely sitting in front of my workstation and that makes it worth it in some small way. I may get a third for surround gaming but I have a third monitor a 2408WFP which I rarely use so I don't think another U3011 would help productivity. Just more smug I guess... One think to keep in mind - big screen = big energy consumption - if that bothers you.

[DeadOfKnight]

I went with a couple of U3011's. My eyesight isn't all that great so certainly the slightly bigger pixels than the U2711 makes a difference. As others have said the extra vertical height is always a boon when doing "productivity" work. In my case that's coding in Eclipse or spatial analysis with ArcGIS. Totally awesome full screen with either application on one monitor and a generous amount of room in the other for web browsing, telnet session, Cygwin terminals, WinAmp etc etc

The U3011 is a bit more expensive but I think it's justified. Call me weak, indulgent or what you will but I get a little smug self-satisfaction from merely sitting in front of my workstation and that makes it worth it in some small way. I may get a third for surround gaming but I have a third monitor a 2408WFP which I rarely use so I don't think another U3011 would help productivity. Just more smug I guess... One think to keep in mind - big screen = big energy consumption - if that bothers you.

I don't have to pay the electric bill Damnit you're just making this harder. I would get the 30" if it goes on sale for $999 again, I dunno how often that happens though.