3008wfp vs xhd3000

[jkresh]

I am thinking about going from my current 24inch to a 30inch for work and multimedia related reasons. The display is mostly used for work/gaming on my pc but occasionally used as a second hdtv. I have been finding recently that 1900x1200 is not enough space to view everything that I am working on and while I could just get a second 24 I think I would rather sell the 24 and go with one 30. I definitely would want one with scaling (though most of the time it would be run at native) so that leaves either the gateway or the dell. Does anyone who owns either one (or has used/seen both) have any comments. The general consensus I have seen so far suggests the gateway has a much better scaler and is better for games/multimedia while the dell has better color accuracy and is better for graphics design...

 

[n7]

You've pretty much got it bang on.

I've looked at both those myself (have the old 3007WFP), & come to basically the same conclusion.

I'd say the Dell is the better display overall, assuming scaling isn't a big deal to you.

But that's what you have to decide...what's a bigger priority for you?

 

[Spook]

I've heard that the scaling on the Gateway add's a considerable amount of input lag, but I haven't seen any actual numbers on it yet. I've been spending the past couple of months researching a good 30". I like the gateway for its features, and inputs, and it will do a scalable Picture in Picture, but the Dell 2008 does not do PNP even with all those inputs, which i was surprised. I got to play with a Gateway 30" at Fry's, and it was very nice, and I probably would have got one, if not for the input lag that the scaler produces.

So, I ended up with a 2nd 24, with low input lag, for gaming, and can use the 2nd 24 for everything else.

 

[Spook]

30" Quest

This is a thread from hard forum where this guy was evaluating the 30" monitors out there for their strengths and weaknesses.

 

[lopri]

I would very much like a review comparing the two from AT or other credible parties. I have seen the Gateway 30" in person and upscaling was definitely there. (not 100% same as the native res, something like 80%..) But I only saw Blu-Ray playback so don't know how it performs in 3D. The input lag part makes sense, though.

 

[idiotekniQues]

if you need a little extra space, why dont you just get a 17"-20" as a second monitor for when you need it?

 

[jkresh]

idiotekniQues if it was just a little extra space I could just get another 24 (as my 2405 doesn't have hdcp and I wouldn't having a display with hdcp (I have a blueray/hd-dvd combo which I run on my second dvi port to a projector in another room, but I might occasionaly watch on the monitro (especially if I went to a 30))

 

[Chronoshock]

After reading numerous posts and reviews about both monitors, here's what I've learned:
Dell 3008wfp:
Major problem with backlighting - seems to be caused by an inconsistent fit between the bezel and panel. See here for photos and details http://www.hardforum.com/showt...6885&highlight=3008wfp It appears the problem is prevalent in ALL revision A00 monitors to some degree (some are particularly bad). One user reported getting an A01 monitor without the problem, but it was only one user and they never replied after that.
Poorly calibrated out of the box
High input lag - an image scaler naturally adds input lag, however the 3008wfp will add it even at native resolution (no pass through oddly). It is on the order of 45-60ms or 3 frames @ 60hz.
See http://www.behardware.com/arti...1/dell-3008wfp-hc.html for a review that actually tests the monitor instead of fawning over its size and port options

Gateway xhd3000
Blackout issue - the monitor randomly turns off for 1-2 seconds, I think a cause may have been found for it, unknown how many monitors it affects or whether its fixed
High input lag - again, due to the image scaler, users have returned the monitor due to the input lag
Minor backlight problems - probably not as bad as the 3008wfps, but still not perfectly uniform

Now having said that, both monitors obviously offer a lot of real estate at great contrast and brightness levels, but they really aren't suitable for gaming purposes yet, at least in my opinion.

 

[jkresh]

I know that there are complaints on the gateway/dell about the input lag, but I wonder how big it really is (some users returned it for it, yet some reviewers have talked about how nice the scaler is for gaming (specifically running crysis at 1900x1200 vs 2560x1600) so unless they only played for a few minutes, one would assume that they should have seen the input lag issue. Gaming won't be the main use for the display (probably less then 10%) but if the lag makes games unplayable then the price is way to high to not be able to play a game on it (especially when the older 3007wfp hc, doesn't seem to have the same lag issues)

 

[Spook]

well, think of input lag as and add on to your network connection lag.... so, if you have 45-60ms input lag added to say a 45-60ms internet connection to a server.. that's 90-120ms, and in FPS gaming that's pretty slow anymore...

Its why i don't think 30" monitors are quite ready for prime time... although the 3007 is supposed to be pretty good with the input lag, and the Samsung 305T as well... but they are no frills monitors.

 

[n7]

I personally don't get the whole input lag thing...

I noticed it immediately with my 3870 X2 during games (video card issue).

But i've never really seen in on displays.

I suppose i'm just not sensitive that for whatever reasons, but i also think it's overblown somewhat.

Granted, i can't just go buy a Dell 3008WFP to test either...

 

[jkresh]

does anyone have either of these displays? If you do own one (or bought and returned one) do you have any comments?

 

[lopri]

I just bumped into Samsung XL30. LED backlighting!

Edit: ONE DVI input.. What is wrong with Samsung?

 

[NoStateofMind]

Originally posted by: lopri
I just bumped into Samsung XL30. LED backlighting!

Edit: ONE DVI input.. What is wrong with Samsung?

LOL

Should we guess prices? $1,000? Dreaming. $3,000? More likely.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: lopri
I just bumped into Samsung XL30. LED backlighting!

Edit: ONE DVI input.. What is wrong with Samsung?

And it's ~$4500.

 

[jkresh]

Led backlighting would be nice, but $2000 is pushing it (though I am pretty sure I can get a decent discount on the dell), $4500 better be real quad hd (8 megapixels) and organic led (I know thats rediculous but with those features I might spend the $4500, otherwise I couldn't justify it).

 

[FiLeZz]

I have the 3007 and will have the 3008 in a few weeks..

 

[Dream Operator]

I was very interested in the XHD3000 when it was coming out. From searching various forums, I decided that large LCD monitors are not "there" yet, for what I'm looking for. Have you considered a plasma or LCD HDTV? You get a lot more screen for your money. Not to mention Plasma has really low response times. Perhaps the res. is not enough for you.

This forum has pages and pages of information on the XHD.

http://www.hardforum.com/showt...2863&highlight=xhd3000

 

[jkresh]

Thanks for the link Dream Operator, I will look throuhg it. As for plasma/large lcd they would have less effective screen real estate then my current 2405 (and I have a 720p projector connected as well (which I may move to 1080 within the year), so if I want a "large" screen I have 106 inches to work with, what I wan't/need is high resolution).

 

[jkresh]

ordered the gateway from circuit city (10% off coupon and free shipping), will post back when I get it, hopefully it will be good, if not they have a decent return policy.

 

[Quiksilver]

Although you already made your purchase this review is probably one of the best reviews you will find of the dell monitor.

 

[BFG10K]

I personally don't get the whole input lag thing...

The 3008 for example has a delay of at least three images.

http://www.behardware.com/arti...5/dell-3008wfp-hc.html

 

[jkresh]

QUicksilver, I only paid $5 shipping, and I have my friend who is a var for dell getting a quote, so before I open the box there is no problem with switching, and if I find anything wrong with the gateway I will return in. If dell had the hqv scalar I would have ordered it already but with the deal on the gateway I think it was worth a shot.

 

[jkresh]

Had a few days to play with with xhd3000, I am not having the backlight bleed or circle issues, and the scalar seems to work well (sdtv is watchable even from about 2 feet and hd looks as good if not slightly better then on my 2405, xbox360 through hdmi (at 720p or 1080p) looks good and even games that require decent reaction time (devil may cry) are more then playable). I will say that my 7800gtx is definitely humbled (even portal has issues at 1900x1200 let alone 2560x1600) I am eagerly awaiting gt200 and the hd4870 series to decide on a new card.

 

[n7]

Very nice.

Is there a chance you'd hook us up with some photos of lower than native resolution being scaled up on the display?

Perhaps a game @ 1680x1050 upscaled, for example.
Or a DVD maybe?

I know 720p or higher will look great (as i do that already), but i find that games upscaled or DVDs just don't look that hot.
(Hence my curiousity on how well you're finding the Gateway, & why i'm asking for pics )