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Designers, which of the iMacs or ACD have the most accurate screens?

C

CoryBoyUSA

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 7, 2007
80
0
Hi, everyone.

I'm a magazine designer and occasionally do web as well, and I'm in the market for either an iMac or maybe a newer MBP plus an ACD. Of the early-2009 24" iMac, the late-2009 27" iMac or the current 24" ACD, which one do you guys prefer? Yes, I know in an ideal world, we designers would prefer a matte screen, but I probably won't go that route right now. I will, however, most likely calibrate it with a Spyder3, whichever I buy.

Thanks :)
 
which of the iMacs or ACD have the most accurate screens?
...
we designers would prefer a matte screen, but I probably won't go that route
Click to expand...

So why are you asking this question.

If you want "accurate" buy one of the older ACD screens, anything other than the new glossy model. Then calibrate it.
 
ChrisA said:
So why are you asking this question.

If you want "accurate" buy one of the older ACD screens, anything other than the new glossy model. Then calibrate it.
Click to expand...


Well, two main reasons:

A) I will most likely buy an iMac and don't want to buy an older, slower, matte-screened white one.

B) Because even if I ended up going the external monitor route, it's not super easy to find the matte-screened ACDs anymore.

That's why. :)
 
I'm going to say glossy is the most accurate screen.

I used to buy into the "matte is better" until I actually tried using glossy. I calibrated my monitor and printer after getting my glossy screen and my prints match my monitor more closely then they ever did with matte.

The blacks are much better on a glossy as well. I know people will flame me for this statement but I don't really care. I've had several friends switch to glossy after they saw the experience I had.
 
I'm only an amateur, but the new 27 inch iMacs have one of the most accurate and consistant panels I've seen, and that's including the old 30 inch cinemas.

Now if only the flickering issue could be fully resolved...
 
why waste money and time hunting for an old acd when you can get an ultrasharp dell or an nec with some ips screen and calibrate them?
 
hmmmmm.. thats a tough one... i think i'll stick with an iMac.... its more superior than ACD.... my personal opinion...
 
definitive said:
why waste money and time hunting for an old acd when you can get an ultrasharp dell or an nec with some ips screen and calibrate them?
Click to expand...

I never said I was hunting one. It was only mentioned because someone suggested I try one of those, versus actually answering my original question. I definitely know about the Dell U2410 and might get one if I don't go one of the routes I mentioned in my original post.
 
I'm surprised this hasn't already degenerated into a glossy vs. matte debate! May it remain civil and on-point for you, Cory!

I can attest to the mid 2009 24" iMac, which I think is the same as the late 2009 24". It's a great display with calibrate-able color. In this particular case, it's better without a matte coating because the raw LCD display is glossy. Therefore a matte coating on THIS display would actually be adding foreign filters to the display.

If you get a MacBook Pro, go for a 3rd party display with a wider gamut than the Apple 24" ACD. It's a consumer model, aimed at lower end customers. My next purchase will be a 17" MBP with a big Vizio external display.
 
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