Apr 25 2009 - Anyone who works on computers for graphics knows that color representation is critical. Having a display that can produce the most accurate colors to the real world is vital to the artist, design or photographer when working on their computer. The average consumer LCD monitor typically fails to meet their exacting color standards. Of course, it is critical to ensure that any LCD for graphics is color calibrated. So, if you are looking for an LCD monitor for your PC used in graphics work, check out my selection of the best LCDs in various sizes for color and graphics work.
1. Best 19-inch - NEC MultiSync LCD1990SX-BK
©NEC Display Solutions
Most designers typically want to have as much graphics workspace as possible when working on their PC. Not everyone has the space or budget to afford the large LCD panels. For those looking at a more modest sized screen to work with or as a possible secondary display, the NEC Multisync LCD1990SX-BK offers an excellent color range at the cost of a slightly slower refresh rate. Rather than the new wide screen designs, this screen uses the more traditional 4:3 aspect ratio with a 1280x1024 resolution. Connectors include both DVI and VGA. Price is around $480.
2. Best 22-inch - NEC MultiSync P221W-BX-SV
©NEC Display Solutions
Color calibration is a key feature for any monitor used in graphics work. The NEC Multisync P221W-BX-SV comes equipped with the SpectraView II color calibration unit to ensure that the screen is optimized for the best color possible. The 22-inch screen features a very wide 96% AdobeRGB color gamut that is one of the closest to the standard color profiles used for print work. The screen uses the 16:10 aspect ratio with a 1680x1050 resolution. Connectors include a VGA and DVI-D connector. Prices are around $750 to $800.
3. Best 24-inch - HP LP2475w
©HP Inc.
The problem with many high color professional graphics monitors is their price. Much of this comes from the use of IPS panels that produce high color. The HP LP2475w may not have the highest color output in the 24-inch class, but it is probably one of the most affordable IPS screens that also provides a very wide 102% of the NTSC color gamut. The 24-inch screen features a sizable 1920x1200 resolution and comes with a wide variety of connectors including HDMI, two DVI-D, DisplayPort, component, composite and S-video. The monitor also has a 6-port USB hub built into the screen to easily attach peripherals such as a graphics tablet. Prices are around $550 to $600.
4. Best 26-inch - NEC MultiSync LCD2690WUXi2-BK
©NEC Display Corporation
NEC produces some amazing high color or wide gamut LCD monitors on the market. The 26-inch screens are a new class of panels that really measure 25.5-inches that provide a slightly larger display with the same 1920x1200 resolution of the 24-inch screens. The color on the screen provides a very wide 97.8% AdobeRGB color gamut that makes this screen perfect for anyone that happens to do graphics work that also needs to be printed. While still quite expensive at $1280, the panel does not require any specialized graphics card hardware that is required for many of the 30-inch panels.
5. Best 30-inch - NEC MultiSync LCD3090WQXi-BK
©NEC Display Solutions
The largest monitors currently available for PCs are the 30-inch displays. This incredibly large screens offer an unsurpassed 2560x1600 resolution that allows for extremely high detailed graphics work. They also have some of the highest price tags on the market that can even rival the cost of a high end desktop computer. The NEC MultiSync LCD3090WQXi-BK certainly fits this with its $2200 price tag but it is an incredible display with its 97.8% color gamut and surprisingly fast 6ms response time. In order to run this display, it is important that the computer it is attached to features a dual link DVI or DVI-D connector as the screen only has DVI connectors.
