30" Apple Cinema Display is still worth to get it?

[iTravis]

With the whole Sandy Bridge recall, I'm gonna get back my refund and do what I always want to do: getting a 2nd 30". I've been looking at several but narrow down my choice to either Dell or Apple simply because I own mostly Dell monitors and Apple looks...nice to me.
I know there are other good monitors out there like the Samsung, HP, LG but since I haven't seen them with my own eyes it's kinda hard for me to make my decision (I'm open to inputs)
Anyway back to the topic, I've seen several 30" Apple Cinema that sell for about $800 still in good condition. Is it still a good choice to get since Apple only makes 1 30" model up until now and it's kinda...dated?
I already have the 3007WFP-HC for gaming so I'm just looking for one for daily use, basic viewing purposes, would be nice to do some gaming but not a requirement.
I also look at the Dell U3011 but the price is still a bit high, and even though I'm currently using the U2410 but I'm not really a fan of the AG coating of this model. But well if they have the refurbished model for $899 again then I'll probably bite on it.
So what do you guys think? Any recommendations/suggestions?

[lowfat]

The Apple uses the same panel as the 3007WFP but it has only a single input on it. Personally I would just try to find another deal on a 3007.

[zalbard]

HP ZR30W is pretty awesome for a PC monitor if you don't mind the number of imputs.

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

$900 is a great deal on a 30". The apple does look nice, but you're paying an extra $250+ for the name (and I guess the aluminium).

NEC carries refurbed monitors. I believe the one they have in stock now is $1400, but runs closer to $2400 new. For the money, go w/ dell.

[iTravis]

Thank you all for the helps, my 3007WFP-HC also has one input and since I'm not looking to hook it up to other devices but just my computer I don't really mind about the number of input. Personally I'm open to anything because I'm gonna use each monitor for different purpose but still it would be nice to have the same one to put in dual monitor use. As for now my budget is around $900 so I'm trying to find one that falls in that range, it's okay if it's used as long as it's still in good condition.
So if I can find a 30" Apple for $800 or less you guys don't think it's worth it and prefer the Dell over?

[WangChung]

I would say the HP ZR30 > Dell 30" offering.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/3754/a...p-zr30w-review

It's definitely incoming when the refund check comes. Granted, if you can get the Apple display for $800 that's a way better deal, but if not get the HP. Here's some other info that may help you decide:

http://www.pchardwarehelp.com/guides/s-ips-lcd-list.php

[iTravis]

I would say the HP ZR30 > Dell 30" offering.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/3754/a...p-zr30w-review

It's definitely incoming when the refund check comes. Granted, if you can get the Apple display for $800 that's a way better deal, but if not get the HP. Here's some other info that may help you decide:

http://www.pchardwarehelp.com/guides/s-ips-lcd-list.php

I'm wondering what's the difference between the HP LP3065 and the ZR30W, I see on my CL local has the LP3065 for the same price as the Apple ($800). Which one would be a better buy?

[zalbard]

ZR30W has better colour space coverage. And a tad better brightness / contrast.

[iTravis]

ZR30W has better colour space coverage. And a tad better brightness / contrast.

Thanks zalbard, I guess I can live with the LP3065 and save a few hundred bucks. Reason why is I don't think it makes any sense to get a brand new monitor to pair with my current 3007WFP-HC, any refurbished/used monitor is fine as long as it's still in great working condition.
But once again for the same price, the Apple or HP LP3065 would be a better buy?

[zalbard]

I'd get HP, it's faster ans has better contrast.

[iTravis]

I decided to go with a 2nd 3007WFP-HC since I got a good deal from a local guy. Anyone that is interested in a brand new HP LP3065 for 800 bucks just PM me.

[fatherTime27]

Dell

[Jamesrt2004]

You have duh a nice setup then kill it with the speakers :'(

[iTravis]

You have duh a nice setup then kill it with the speakers :'(

What's wrong with the Z-5500? I got it 5 years ago and it still works just fine, I mainly use it for gaming anyway as for music I already got a Sennheiser HD650.

Update with a 3rd 3007WFP-HC

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

Color me jealous, that is sick. People think my 30" + 25.5" is overkill. Let me assure you, triple 30" is JUST right.

What video set up are you using to run these beasts? I know one gtx 580 simply can't do 3 monitors.

[fatherTime27]

What's wrong with the Z-5500? I got it 5 years ago and it still works just fine, I mainly use it for gaming anyway as for music I already got a Sennheiser HD650.

Update with a 3rd 3007WFP-HC

Pretty much my dream setup as far as monitors go. Hell I'd be content with just one

[iTravis]

Color me jealous, that is sick. People think my 30" + 25.5" is overkill. Let me assure you, triple 30" is JUST right.

What video set up are you using to run these beasts? I know one gtx 580 simply can't do 3 monitors.

I'll complete a Sandy Bridge build hopefully by the end of this month (still waiting for the Gentle Typhoon AP-15 to be in stock , pretty much the reason why I delay the building process). And you're right I can't run all 3 at this moment with a single GTX 580, still debate whether I should wait for the 3GB version, if not I'm gonna throw in another 580 to try surround.
These monitors are huge, they might not look big in the picture until sitting in front of all 3, just feel like winning

Pretty much my dream setup as far as monitors go. Hell I'd be content with just one

Just be patient and keep looking, hint: you don't have to break the bank for this setup.

[emoners]

Pretty much my dream setup as far as monitors go. Hell I'd be content with just one

ditto!

nice setup iTravis!

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

I got money back on my taxes. Nearly enough to buy another NEC 30" if it's refurbed. I am tempted if one comes up.

I could honestly justify the MONITOR purchase since I'd keep it for a super long time, but my 470 would scream LOL.

[iTravis]

ditto!

nice setup iTravis!

Thanks man

I got money back on my taxes. Nearly enough to buy another NEC 30" if it's refurbed. I am tempted if one comes up.

I could honestly justify the MONITOR purchase since I'd keep it for a super long time, but my 470 would scream LOL.

Trust me once you go for a 2nd one, it's just a matter of time before you're going all out for a 3rd one.

[PaRn ssR]

Oh! I want one

[lutjens]

Trust me once you go for a 2nd one, it's just a matter of time before you're going all out for a 3rd one.

Amen to that....I'll be snagging a new NEC PA301W to go with my 2x NEC LCD3090WQXi very soon.

[trn]

You can work on your monitor tan with that setup

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

Thanks man



Trust me once you go for a 2nd one, it's just a matter of time before you're going all out for a 3rd one.

Amen to that....I'll be snagging a new NEC PA301W to go with my 2x NEC LCD3090WQXi very soon.

I just picked up a second NEC 30" as well (NOt the PA301W, but the 3090WQXI since it was refurb for $1000 less). I keep wondering two things: how am I giong to mount these to the wall and where am I going to put my case? These things are massive, but I have to say productivity on these is incredible.

[iTravis]

I'm surprise this thread still continue so I might as well update with my latest pix

Amen to that....I'll be snagging a new NEC PA301W to go with my 2x NEC LCD3090WQXi very soon.

Bring it on so we can create a 3x30" owners thread

You can work on your monitor tan with that setup

Trust me it works better than you can imagine as summer is here.

I just picked up a second NEC 30" as well (NOt the PA301W, but the 3090WQXI since it was refurb for $1000 less). I keep wondering two things: how am I giong to mount these to the wall and where am I going to put my case? These things are massive, but I have to say productivity on these is incredible.

Very nice, dude, now a 3rd one is all you need muahahaha ) I don't think you can find a stand for 3x30" as I've been searching but I'm ok with that anyway, just do a little mod when I run out of space on my desk since I still love it and don't wanna give it up.

Anyway here's my update: