apple or other display for print design work?

[shecky]

my accountant just told us we have to spend some more money before the end of the year, and I am in desperate need of a new monitor.

i do 90% print design so cheap panels are not what i am looking for. I am planning on a 23" Apple CinemaDisplay due to color accuracy, SWOP certification and the S-IPS panel. I will calibrate with a Spider Pro. The Eizos and Lacies are ideal but we need to spend under $1000.

i know that the apple displays are way overdue for an update but i need this before MWSF2009 (have to buy by Dec 31st) so i am going to get something in the next couple of weeks.

i have not comparison shopped for displays in a while, is there anything better than the Apple for my needs? i recall BV mentioned one of the BenQ displays a while back.

(posting this here as i hope for opinions from other designers)

 

[heehee]

i know that the apple displays are way overdue for an update but i need this before MWSF2009 (have to buy by Dec 31st) so i am going to get something in the next couple of weeks.

They just released the 24" LED Cinema Display. It's glossy and you need the mini port to hook it up.

I'm using 20" ACD and the colour is pretty accurate.

 

[Blue Velvet]

i recall BV mentioned one of the BenQ displays a while back.

Someone else poo-poohed them so take my comment with a pinch of salt. I recall seeing some fantastic reviews of the picture quality of the BenQ FP241W, LCD with HDMI. However, I now read that it's been updated; not sure how later models pan out.

The thing is, if you don't care about HDMI, lots of ports and any future bells and whistles, and you just want a nice reliable display for working on that fits within budget, then I see no reason to not get an ACD at the moment, particularly if you need to spend the money soon. They're a known quantity.

Personally, I'd also try and swing a VESA mount if you can; having spent some time with them at the Apple Store, the stands on the ACDs are not great for adjustability imo. Others may disagree.

At home I use a Dell 2007WFP (it's not a large space) with the MBP and that has an IPS panel, calibrated from time to time (I'm a bit disorganised to do it weekly). This has been quite sufficient for my freelance work, particularly when used with swatch books and the like. All things being equal, I'd absolutely love a widescreen Eizo but can't afford it right now.

So you can't get an Eizo. It would make me jealous!