ideal size of monitors .... what's your opinion?

[bellimages]

I am looking to replace my aging monitor. I want to buy one that will carry me well into the next 5-6 years. While I've always purchased Apple monitors, I've been educated (on this site) that there are better brands on the market. The NEC LCD2690WUXi2-bk looks quite impressive, as does the NEC LCD3090WQXi-bk. If any of you have used wither of these, please give me your feedback. Or if any of you have other options/brands (under $2000 please), let me know that too.

But, here's my real question -- what size screen is ideal for image editing? While big is impressive, I wonder if a 30" screen would be overwhelming. I wear bifocal glasses, so I'm afraid that I'd strain my neck looking over the entire screen. On the other hand, I could purchase a pair of glasses for photo work on the monitor. But even beyond the issue with glasses, is a 30" screen too big for desktop viewing?

[teddillard]

30 inch Cinema, baby!  there is absolutely nothing as wonderful as seeing a 16" wide print at full print size with room for your toolbars too.  

As far as color goes, I'm sure people here will cry heresy, but I've worked with Eizo and Lacie, and I'd rather put my money on a big 30" than a smaller "color accurate" display.  Above all, what I need is consistency, and the Cinemas are fine, I've calibrated nearly 100 of them for clients.

[bellimages]

Interesting. Does anyone know who makes Apple's Cinema Displays?

[teddillard]

Interesting. Does anyone know who makes Apple's Cinema Displays?

Our service techs say Samsung.

[jjj]

Interesting. Does anyone know who makes Apple's Cinema Displays?

Whoever is cheapest at time!  

[teddillard]

Whoever is cheapest at time!  

nah, the boys said every single one they've taken apart has been samsung, and all the service documentation is samsung

[knweiss]

I am looking to replace my aging monitor. I want to buy one that will carry me well into the next 5-6 years. While I've always purchased Apple monitors, I've been educated (on this site) that there are better brands on the market. The NEC LCD2690WUXi2-bk looks quite impressive, as does the NEC LCD3090WQXi-bk. If any of you have used wither of these, please give me your feedback. Or if any of you have other options/brands (under $2000 please), let me know that too.

I bought a Dell 3008WFP for my Mac Pro and I'm happy with my decision. I like the fact that it supports DisplayPort because I plan to use this display for 5-6 years, too.

Originally, I wanted to get the NEC but didn't like the games NEC is playing with its customers regarding the SpectraView software.

But, here's my real question -- what size screen is ideal for image editing? While big is impressive, I wonder if a 30" screen would be overwhelming. I wear bifocal glasses, so I'm afraid that I'd strain my neck looking over the entire screen. On the other hand, I could purchase a pair of glasses for photo work on the monitor. But even beyond the issue with glasses, is a 30" screen too big for desktop viewing?

I don't want to go back to a smaller screen. I bought the 30" during my vacation and when I came back to my 24" display at work it was really unbelievable how tiny it was all of a sudden!  You get used to the size very quickly.

[Schewe]

But, here's my real question -- what size screen is ideal for image editing? While big is impressive, I wonder if a 30" screen would be overwhelming. I wear bifocal glasses, so I'm afraid that I'd strain my neck looking over the entire screen. On the other hand, I could purchase a pair of glasses for photo work on the monitor. But even beyond the issue with glasses, is a 30" screen too big for desktop viewing?

You seriously DON'T want to be trying to do extensive digital imaging work wearing bi-focals. It'll kill your neck and tire your eys, big time...you need to get a pair of "occupational prescription" glasses. Tell your eye doc that you need to be able to focus at about arm's length (the distance you should be from a display). He/she can set up and test your eyes from that distance and you'll end up improving your vision (and your images).

As far as 30" being too big, naw, I really don't think so. In fact, I've got a pair of 30" Cinema displays as well as an NEC 26" widescreen on my main imaging machine. It makes working with Photoshop, Bridge, Lightroom and other apps much more convenient and efficient. Seriously, while I can work on a 15" laptop, I'm much more productive on my main workstation...and that can really improve my final work.

[Ken Bennett]

I went from a 20 inch cinema display to the Apple 30 inch display a couple of years ago. It took a little while to get used to actually using a screen that large, but now I wouldn't go back to a small display.

[bellimages]

One thing that I really like about the NEC monitors is that they come with a 4 year parts and labor warranty. Combined with all the favorable comments that I've read about NEC, I'm leaning in that direction.