LCD Upgrade Time: Apple or Dell

[TheModWiki.org]

I am looking forward to upgrading to an 1600x1200+ capable LCD this holiday season as I regularly do photoshopping/coding and can benefit from the extra real estate. However, I've got a few questions.

My Mac Mini is a rev. a with 32MB of VRAM so I was wondering if it would be considered laggy at rendering at high resolutions such as 1920 compared to a 1600 res.

Also, should I go the Apple route (20" for 699 w/ student discount) or Dell (24" for about the same price with discounts)

I have heard via this article http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000240070831/ that Dell will revamp their whole LCD line on Dec. 21st but the new LCD's will likely have a higher price. My goal is to come back from winter break with a new LCD so I can't wait for prices to drop.

If I could afford the Apple 23" I'd snatch it up fast.... the size of that thing makes the 20incher look like a 17. O_o

-Paul
_________________
Computational Media Major Student @ Georgia Tech
1.42 @ 1.5 Mac Mini, Wifi, BT
1GB PNY Optima DDR400
Maxtor 300GB Ext. FW
Pioneer DVR-K05 SD

www.PaulStamatiou.com , 9rules Network

[TheModWiki.org]

So much for asking Apple for one...

[Bandit Bill]

My 20" Cinema Display is the nicest looking thing I have ever owned. I love looking at it.

I was thinking the same way as you before the purchase. I almost went with the 24" Dell.

I stand by my choice. I am very pleased.

[Bandit Bill]

I was also thinking, the only thing that attracted me to the Dell is the features for the dollar. Over time, we always get more features for the dollar. Where does that leave the Dell monitor down the road. I think that attraction will be lost.

With the Cinema Display, not only will you love the monitor from day one, but a few years down the road it will still be a good monitor, and it will still be beautiful.

I enjoy using my computer. The Cinema Display very much adds to that enjoyment.

Any guest is my home always comments about how nice it looks.

[OGN]

I'll second the vote for a 20" Cinema for $699 with student discount. I'm also a little skeptical of the minis with 32MB VRAM being able to push 1920x1200, even though a lot of people are doing so with the 24" Dell and 23" Cinema.
_________________
2.4GHz MacBook Pro/4GB/320GB HD
2.26GHz Mac mini/4GB/500GB HD
16GB iPhone 3G
2 x 20" Apple Cinemas
http://www.hawaiimacnuts.org

[xyzzy]

I have the Dell 2405 and it's been great so far. I'm mostly compressing and working with video, so I'm not certain about rendering in PS. However, it shouldn't make too much of a difference if you are after the real estate vs. image size. In other words, if you are rendering a 400x400 pixel image, performance shouldn't be much different on an overall larger display (unless you have a few videos spread around on that extra rea estate, lol).

[slickrick]

I couldn't afford the 20" Apple Cinema and ended up buying a 19" Sony. It's something I sort of regret doing now. Enter Bandit's remark here of "I told you so."

I would pick the 20" Cinema. They are gorgeous in person!

[TheModWiki.org]

I'm definitely leaning towards apple right now. Hopefully I will be able to cover most of the cost and let my parents handle the rest as an xmas present.

thanks for the advice guys
_________________
Computational Media Major Student @ Georgia Tech
1.42 @ 1.5 Mac Mini, Wifi, BT
1GB PNY Optima DDR400
Maxtor 300GB Ext. FW
Pioneer DVR-K05 SD

www.PaulStamatiou.com , 9rules Network

[Susurrus]

Just buy the Dell and coat it in silver. I love the 20" and my friend bought one because of me. My mom is also buying the 24". It has a built-in card reader plus a USB hub. I know the 20" can rotate and can take extra inputs so I can play my roomie's gamecube on my monitor (we don't have a TV, so this is a godsend). I'd need a USB hub and a TV if I didn't have my Dell LCD. I don't really get the point of the Apple ones besides saying "It's an Apple and cost me a lot".
_________________
Computer Engineer
Junior, Brown University
15" NC8430 HP Laptop
1.42Ghz PPC Mac Mini, 1Gb RAM, 1st Gen
40GB G4 iPod
2GB Black iPod Nano

[robhfla]

Wait until Wednesday to make up you mind. Wasn't the iMac display (the one with the iSight) just revamped? Rumors are going around that the Apple Displays will therefore be upgraded as well. So maybe on Tues??

[Susurrus]

[andp]

[treadlightly]

[g5g5]

[Bandit Bill]