Dell UltraSharp 2001FP Preview: Gaming LCDs for the Masses
by Kristopher Kubicki on November 10, 2003 12:36 AM EST- Posted in
- Displays
Benchmark analysis
There were quite a few subjective things we had to say about this LCD. Starting from the top down, we were happy with the intensity levels. You might notice our 192T scored high on the black level adjustment tests, while the 2001FP scored only a 4.5. After looking at several upcoming panels, we felt our scoring of the 192T was a bit high.We would like to stress that screen uniformity was very good considering this is a 20" LCD. This is particularly important because there were several mixed feelings about the original 2000FP's screen uniformity. Likewise, considering the 1600x1200 resolution, imperfections in the uniformity are more apparent than on a 1200x1024 LCD.
We were very disappointed with the analog performance of this LCD. Dell ships the LCD with a very good cable (by OEM standards), which pays off considering there was much lower interference than we expected. The actual streaking was quite terrible though. Obviously, with the 1600x1200 resolution, we are pumping more data over the analog signal, which makes it more susceptible to imperfections. The obvious solution here is only to use the DVI cable. For a $900 monitor, would you expect to use anything less?
We noticed a few other nitpicks here and there. Strange horizontal patterns were more vulnerable to streaking than vertical ones for some reason. Color termination was slightly upsetting on the analog connection as well. (Color termination problems occur when you notice a gap in between two complementary colors that should be right next to each other.) Fortunately, DVI cut down on these problems dramatically. Opposed to popular urban computer myth, the analog cable did not reproduce colors better than the DVI cable.
This monitor has a leg up on the 192T as far as antiglare is concerned. We were quite harsh on the 192T's sacrifice of antiglare for brightness. In our opinion, the 2001FP is an excellent example of increasing the brightness of an LCD without removing anti-glare.
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airjrdn - Friday, April 9, 2004 - link
I'm getting conflicting feelings about this monitor as well. I guess I'm summing it up to some people being pickier than others.Is there ANY ghosting at all in UT2K3/4?
labelreader - Saturday, April 3, 2004 - link
Yep. I have one of these monitors at work and that's exactly what I did; the "insulator" actually helps with the movement problems when it's on top of the cable hook because it gives you some slack in the cable between the hook and the display. By the way, there are no flaws on mine or my coworkers' displays...I want one for home!HermosaBeach - Saturday, February 7, 2004 - link
Hi, I own an ATI 9800 Pro and a Samsung 210T (Digital 1600x1200 via DVI).The ATI 9800 Pro defintely supports 1600x1200 via DVI (digital). Not only does it support it, but I only play games at 1600x1200, I never reduce the resolution, unless the game does not allow this resolution. Furthermore, it most games, I turn 6xAA and 16xAF on as well. The odd game is too slow (frames per second are too slow) and I reduce the AA and AF, but I never reduce the resolution.
You want to use the LCD in its native resolution when-ever possible.
Dave
StripPokeHer - Saturday, December 27, 2003 - link
Owners of 2001FP:Do any of you guys have the same problem with the "grainyness" of this screen.
Here are different posts from others that I have found:
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/mess...
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/mess...
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/mess...
I have the same problem. My eyes are used to LCD screens because I use my laptop for half of the day at least (1400x1040 14") I have also used both the 1800FP and 1900FP without issue. But this thing is bugging the sh*t out of me, and i will probably send it back. Waited a long time to get this (primarily based on this review), and the quality of this monitor turns out to be like crap.
Anyone seen/know what the cause of this is? FYI: I'm running a 9800XT 256MB on DVI @ 1600x1200. Running latest cats + the monitor driver provided by dell. I had the same problem on both DVI and Analog, but truth be told, they were both ATI controllers (9800XT & a Radeon 9000)
Any input to those who are owners are appreciated! :) TIA
MorbentFell - Wednesday, December 24, 2003 - link
Hmm... will check that out. Thnx for the reply.Singletary - Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - link
Folks on the Dell Community forum are saying that the screen is LG Phillips, but the monitor is assembled/manufactured by BenQ.MorbentFell - Saturday, December 20, 2003 - link
I just received this monitor a couple days ago. I've been having some strange problems with green & red horizontal diagnol pixel lines that resolve when I turn the power off and on again. As I was looking on the back, one thing I noticed is that it says 'BenQ Corporation'. I may be showing my ignorance here, but I was under the impression these are LG Phillips screens. Are they the same thing? If not, are the specs/quality equivalent? Any input would be appreciated.Singletary - Thursday, December 18, 2003 - link
I like the monitor very much, but don't think I have it adjusted correctly. I know room lighting is different, but where are you folks setting the contrast and brightness? Anyone found a profile to ensure color correctness? Please share Kristopher!Spirex - Wednesday, December 17, 2003 - link
FYI...go to Dell Business to order, they are currently selling it for $749.00 plus tax. Mine came out to a total of $794.00 to ship to NJ. I am not sure how long this promotion will last.Spirex - Wednesday, December 17, 2003 - link
I just got mine yesterday. Hooked it up via the DVI port to my ATI 9700 pro AIW. This thing is kicks my previous monitor to the curb(Viewsonic p813 21"). At first, I was having difficulty reading text because I wasn't used to the sharpness @ 1600x1200. I had also played in a UT2k3 ladder match that night. To sum it up....AMAZING. No ghosting at 1024x768-60hz full screen. The image quality was as good or better than my CRT. I didn't lose any skill points with this monitor. Maybe I try some real work on it today.