Ok, “my” is not quite right in this case. Not too long ago I bought a new monitor, the Samsung SyncMaster 226bw, and i would not be that decadent to buy yet another new monitor so soon. 🙂 I am using the Dell UltraSharp 2709W for a larger project, but I do not own it. Bold 27” screen size and a resolution of 1980×1200 come quite handy for video post processing. Too bad I’ll have to return it some day…
Specs
Screen size: 27“
Resolution: 1980×1200
Video ports: DVI, VGA, HDMI, DisplayPort, Composite Video, Component Video
Viewing angles: 178°/178° (Standard)
Contrast: 3000:1 (dynamic), Standard
Response time: 6 ms (Grey to grey), Standard
Energy consumption: 57 W (standard); 110 W (max)
Panel technology: S-PVA
Integrated speakers: no
Other integrated accessories: 4 port USB hub, 9-in-2 card reader
Price: Bought in July 2008 directly from Dell for 623 Euros. Current price: 831,81€
First Impression
After unboxing my 2709W, my first thought was „yay, biiig“. 🙂 The UltraSharp 2709W fits just barely together with my laptop and old monitor on my desktop. The second monitor has to be turned upright to fit it besides the large 27” screen.
My personal command center. 🙂
Design
Visually, this large monitor does not have to hide. He is well built and has a beautifully simple design which also isn’t destroyed by pointless speakers. The material itself does not feel or look cheap, although Dell’s official product photo does not look that convincing. Fortunately, it looks better in reality.
One reason why the monitor looks so beautifully simple is that there are very few visible buttons. Only the power button is permanently emitting a blue or orange light. The other buttons for menu controls are very small LED rectangles, which stay black and mostly invisible when not in use. The only awake and shine when you approach them with your hand or finger. This is quite cool, although the technology still seems to have a few hiccups – more about this later.
6 replies on “My Dell UltraSharp 2709W (Review / Test)”
[…] Sander of Germany reviewed the 2709W in January 2009… The Dell UltraSharp 2709W rocks! The monitor looks cool, provides a good […]
Hi
I realy liked your review, was wondering if you could give me some advice on this monitor, im looking at either buying the dell 2408 or 2709, the monitors are nearly equaly priced here is australia and a 27 inch sounds really tempting.
i am concerned about the brightness as you have claimed, i will be using the monitor for everyday use and also CAD use, is there a differnce in the brightness control between the two montiors, i also dont want to be getting a hedache from prolonged use on the 27 inch. is there any qaulity difference in regards to text sharpness on the 2709 compared to the 2408 ?
Thankyou in advance.
G
Hello Gerrie,
I’m sorry, but I cannot compare the UltraSharp 2709W with the 2408. I have never seen the latter one in real life. The 24″ Dell that I have used was a different model.
But I can tell you that I have been using the 2709W for quite some time now and I did not develop a chronic headache or something. 🙂 I always use the screen at its lowest brightness setting, which is a little too bright for darkened rooms, but not headache-bright. During daylight, the screen is dark enough.
Greetings,
Florian
Can you really not reduce the brightness of the monitior? that would seem quite a strange thing for the manufacturers to do.
It puts me off that monitor as I find very bright monitors do make my eyes tired much faster at night.
Thanks for the heads up I might go for the samsung instead now.
You can reduce the brightness, just not as much as with for example the Samsung monitor. The Samsung can get pretty dark, while the Dell UltraSharp 2709W just varies between blindingly bright and normal bright. 🙂
[…] Sander of Germany reviewed the 2709W in January 2009… The Dell UltraSharp 2709W rocks! The monitor looks cool, provides a good […]