New Dell 2005FPW or Used Apple (older style) Cinema display?

[crazydreaming]

I'm considering a flat panel for my powerbook. There has been many great reviews for the 20" Dell 2005FPW flat panel, it is the same display as Apple's 20 inch, just much cheaper.

I was wondering how the new 20" Dell compares to the older style 20" or 23" Apple Cinema displays? If they are comparable in quality and not too much more money, I'll go with the Apple. Thanks!

 

[davidcb13]

I would say go for the new Dell I have it and love it... Also you get a warrenty if you buy the dell.

 

[GoCubsGo]

I have heard that there were problems with the 20" ACD, but that is just what I heard. The ACD is nice, slick looking and all that. However, I would go new LCD over used LCD. Unless your goal is to have a LCD that matches your PB I would do the dell. I did and I could not be happier.

 

[mkrishnan]

When you say older ACD, do you mean the painter's easel style ones? Will you have to buy a special adapter to use the ACD connector they use with a current PB?

 

[crazydreaming]

When you say older ACD, do you mean the painter's easel style ones? Will you have to buy a special adapter to use the ACD connector they use with a current PB?

Yea, I mean the clear cased one's. And I'm not 100% sure, but I'm pretty sure I do need the adapter. Many of the people selling them are including the adapters though from what I can see.

 

[Daveway]

I would go with Dell. Its not all that bad looking and is great quality with a warranty. If you go with the older ACD, you have no warranty, lesser quality, and trouble with the ACD connector.

 

[Chrispy]

Go Dell. The quality will be better and you will probably spend less money. Apple has just had way too many problems with displays lately to the point where I would be scared to buy one of any type from them.

 

[jinny1]

Go Dell. The quality will be better and you will probably spend less money. Apple has just had way too many problems with displays lately to the point where I would be scared to buy one of any type from them.

We just bought 10 Dell displays for the office, and so far 8 of them have had serious problems within 6 weeks. Trying to get any response from Dell has been very aggravating. The calls have gone to India where the connections are shoddy and sometimes the accents thick which makes rendering any kind of complaint that much more difficult.

Before this, I too was considering going Dell because of the price, now I'm so over trying to get them to do right by us at work, I don't want to reward them by buying one for my G5 at home. I was researching the ACD's and see that they are full of problems as well.

I'll probably go with the Apple because I can go to a physical store if anything goes wrong.

Now, to decide between to 20" and 23" and Refurbished Vs New...
Jinny

 

[macmanmatty]

Dude, get the Dell it has way mopre features, a better screen, and is warrented by dell

 

[killmoms]

If you're going to go w/ a refurbished Apple display, at LEAST go for a refurb aluminum display. The other ones are significantly older panels than the one in the Dell 2005FPW (which I own and love and have had no problems with). I'd go with the Dell, just because it's a great monitor for the price you pay. Wait for one of their coupon deals to pop up (on a site like http://www.dealmac.com or one of its ilk) and you'll be able to get a sweet, brand new 20" widescreen panel for $390 or so.