Mac Forum / General / Hardware / January 2007

I'm using a Dell 2404FPW monitor with my PowerMac G4.  I'm very happy
with it.

The 2404FPW is no longer made.  It has been replaced with the 2407WFP
(http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=320-4335),
which is currently selling for $675 (discounted from a full price of
$750.)

This monitor is a 24" widescreen LCD with a native resolution of
1920x1200 (same as Apple's 23" display).  It has five video inputs (VGA,
DVI, composite, S-video and Component video.)  Additionally, it has a
USB hub and a memory card reader built-in.  No audio (although there is
an attachment point for an optional "soundbar" speaker unit.)

In terms of features, this display is as good as or better than the
Apple display.  The only real drawback is that the outer case is
plastic, with a Dell logo, instead of Apple's all-metal case.

I don't know about the picture quality of the 2407, but my 2404 is close
to perfect.  I attach my Mac to the DVI port (using a Belkin ADC-DVI
adapter), and attach three computers to the VGA port (using a KVM
switch.)  I have not tried to use any of the TV-video inputs.

-- David

I applaud your common sense. Only a small number of companies make the LCD
thingies. You have flourescent lights in back and they shine through the LCD
thingies and you have the electronics that make things work. Apple uses the same
LCD thingies as other compainies, the flourescent lights are all the same and
there is no magic to the Apple electronics. You might find this interesting:
http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/27/anandtech-dell-2005fpw-vs-apple-cinema-display
-20-inch/

"By now it's no secret that Dell's 2005fpw and Apple's 20-inch Cinema Display
use the exact same LG.Philips LCD (literally, it's part# LM201W01). Of course,
that 100%+ price differential can be a bit hard to swallow with the Dell going
for as little as $350 on sale, and the Apple only today cutting their prices on
the screen to $800, so AnandTech asked (and answered) whether Apple's is
actually any better than Dell's. The conclusion? We won't keep you in
suspense‹they scored near identically in all verticals, but the Dell edged out
on its price, which is more than marginal difference."