Quality difference of S-IPS vs. S-PVA monitor panels

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Level 9

78,568 points

Quality difference of S-IPS vs. S-PVA monitor panels

I'm looking at two Dell monitors (as an alternative to the ACD), one is the 24" Ultrasharp (2408WFP) which Dell claims uses an S-IPS panel; the other is the E248WFP which has an S-PVA panel and is about 40% less. I was able to see that one at a local store (hooked it up to my MBP with the DVI-VGA adapter) and was quite happy with the colors and black on white text, but nobody has the Ultrasharp so I can't compare and would have to buy it sight unseen.
Aside from the fact that the Ultrasharp has some bells & whistles (height adjustment, monitor tilt, more ports, etc) the cheaper one does not, does anyone have any experience with either? Is the quality/color/clarity/sharpness improvement worth the additional money?

20" G5 iMac 2.1 GHz 1.5GB RAM (10.4.11), 15" 2.2GHz MBP 4GB RAM (10.4.11), LaCie d2 DVDRW, 3 LaCie ext HD, Wacom tablet

Posted on May 5, 2008 10:25 AM

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Answer 1

babowa Author

Level 9

78,568 points

May 5, 2008 11:38 PM in response to babowa

Update: I finally found some information online and the Ultrasharp has an S-PVA panel; the E248 has a TN panel (which is the cheapest panel). I'd still appreciate anyone sharing any experience with either.

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Answer 2

Network 23

Level 6

12,351 points

May 5, 2008 11:51 PM in response to babowa

From what I understand, the differences are going to be mostly about color fidelity, and maybe viewing angle. If I was doing photo work for a living I would get the better panel for sure. If it's just for general home use and color fidelity is not a critical issue, I would probably be happy with the cheaper panel. A gamer would pick the panel with faster response time, which is not that important for the rest of us.

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Answer 3

babowa Author

Level 9

78,568 points

May 6, 2008 2:37 PM in response to Network 23

Thanks; what bugs me is the fact that there is no retailer within at least 100 miles selling the Ultrasharp (or the equivalent HP model). In order for me to see either, I'd have to order online and then possibly face restocking charges as well as having to pay to return it. I have a real problem with having to pay $100 to $150 just for the privilege of looking at it/trying it out.

In the meantime though, I've found some interesting information which might benefit others; it seems that most monitors up to about $500 have the cheapest panel (TN); the next step up would be an S-PVA panel (Ultrasharp and lots of other mfrs), and the top of the line S-IPS panel is in the Apple ACDs as well as other higher priced monitors. So, although the Cinema Displays don't have height adjustment, portrait mode, etc, their pricing isn't out of line when compared to other mfr's models with the same S-IPS panel. If anyone is interested in checking what kind of panel is in their current (or future) monitor, simply type in your model (or just the manufacturer's name) and you can find the info:

http://www.flatpanels.dk/panels.php

For right now, I'm leaning towards trying the cheaper Dell simply because the store may allow me to return it without a restocking fee. If I can do that, set it up and then decide it's not quite what I was looking for, I guess I'll go for the Apple. At least I know what that looks like.

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