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.

[Thanks, Tomur]

[Sheniferous @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

but... but.... an apple logo is worth $500!!! Plus... the dell won't match my color motif!

[Rus @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

That must be the only display that is an LG Philips display and the 20 inch is also the only LG diplay for Apple - the others are Samsung.

Dell's 17" are sharp OEMs

[Pancake @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Wicked I just got my 2005fpw last night. Love it.. built in 4 usb ports and svideo/ compostie/ dvi is awesome.. I got the $386 deal.

[FallN @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

We all know that Apple seriously gauges it's customers. Cr@p, I own 2 full sized iPods so I know well enough how much they gauge you. But if some made an iPod, part for part at a fraction of the pricetag Apple offers, I'd be all over the cheaper competitor and Apple could kiss my green goodbye...

[Jesse @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Finally, a definitive rest to the Apple Fanboy Elitists that constantly slam the Dell displays!

(And I don't mean to say that to put down Apple, I'm quite unbiased. It's just the tremendously annoying users that get on my nerves!)

[Exzite @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Just wait.. the Apple zealots will find a way to justify the cost. Anytime anyone comes on here and says Apple stuff is ridiculously overpriced, they get the beat down from the blind Apple fanboys.

Maybe this will finally make them see - just because it costs more doesn't mean it's better. There's no getting around it this time, it's the exact same piece of hardware...and apple charges you more than twice as much. Justify that one guys.

[classic009 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

I own both screens, and I read the review. The bottom line is, they are not the same. I notice that the Dell uses a different outer plastic screen. (the part you can touch and need to clean) The dell outer plastic screen is not nearly as good as the apple one. When you look at the Dell you see a dot effect and a rainbow effect (the rainbow is ambient reflections) I use both screens side by side, they are not of equal quality at all. The image on the Apple screen looks like you are reading a nice glossy magazine and the Dell looks like a computer monitor. I think thats the perfect analogy.

[Doubtful @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Wow, the fanboys respond in record time...less than five minutes after Exzite posted they would.

Whatever, they're the same monitor with a different shell. One year warranty and twice the price? Nice try, Apple.

[Sonburn @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Where are you finding this Dell monitor for sub $400?!?!?

[Hassan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Dang.. Stop bitching about the price difference between these two screens. A Toyota can do the same stuff as a BMW and a Benz. Still people go and buy a Benz which cost 3 times more than a Camry. People like it premium. Personally I think that the Apple scrren looks much better than the Dell screen.

[Roy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

classic009 did you read the anantech.com test report?

[Trevor @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Way to generalize people.

As an Apple "fanboy", I own a Dell 20" LCD Monitor. It's great, it only has one dead pixil. But, I've never heard any mac fan slam the Dell monitor for anything other than being ugly. The Deal-Mac forums are always debating which to buy, and what it comes down to is if you think it's worth paying extra for a more elegantly designed case. I don't. Some do. Some people buy store brand pop, others prefer the taste of Coke/Pepsi.

[Roy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Toyota and Benz, dude I think you miss the point.

[narco @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Welllllllll, you do have to factor in the fact that's it's aluminum, plus the Apple displays are gorgeous. Sure, I could have bought the same thing from Dell for less than half the price of Apple's display -- buuuuuuut... it didn't match my G5.

Quite frankly, having things match DOES matter to me. You guys can argue price, but I don't really care. I'm sure a lot of other people don't mind either. I bought a $200 coffee maker, a $1,000 love seat and bought $3,000 rims for my car for the same exact reason. They don't make better coffee, are not more comfortable and don't make my car drive faster, they just LOOK NICE.

But isn't that the age old argument with Mac users? We're all concerned about looks more so than anything else?

Fishes,
narco.

[pedro @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

I agree with Trevor. As an apple 'fanboy' , the Dell monitor is a screamingly great deal. In fact if you go to www.macintouch.com , most of the discussion in the the cinema display thread is 1.) about how great the monitor is and 2.) how to cut your electrical tape to cover the dell logo :-D
In fact, Dells agressive pricing alone can be seen as the likely cause of apple reducing the cost of their 20" another $100.

[Roger @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

I think the Dell monitor looks better anyway. That ugly Apple aluminum frame looks like a Chinese prototype monitor.

[pedro @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

One more point is that at least on list prices alone, Apple's display is now within $50 of Dell's list price, and the .edu price is $50 BELOW.

[jack @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

a toyota simply CANNOT do what a benz or BMW can. let's hear it for ill-fitting analogies.

[ZildjianKX @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Before I get flamed, I am a mac/PC user, and I prefer macs to late.

The Apple 20" is a lot nicer visually than the Dell, but the lack of multiple inputs just kills the Apple display in my eyes.

If you bump up the Dell 24" to the 23" Apple, it gets even worse. The Dell display is half the price and has a better pixel response time, contrast, compasite inputs, etc.

Apple has always been way overpriced on their LCDs... for years.

[hector @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

look, if you got to any apple "zealot" website you will find that the dell screen is highly recommended and allot of people use them, stop jumping to conclusions, we like macs because of the OS not the apple logo.

[Chris K @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

I have a 2001FP (very similar) and I have no rainbow effect.

I don't see why anyone would WANT a glossy screen. Aren't anti-glare coatings on CRT glass used to REDUCE glare? My 2001FP is akin to a matte finished photo. It doesn't suffer nearly as badly from glare as my old Sony GDM-500PS.

[lizocka @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

"Since these two displays are so similar, we thought it only necessary to review both side by side. Several sources have claimed that the 2005FPW had numerous discoloration problems and generally poor image quality. Obviously, if one of our displays demonstrates imperfections, we would expect to see both displays to be flawed. However, the Dell and Apple displays utilize different backlights, so we are open to the thought that there will be some dissimilarities between the units"

I guess nobody here bothered to read the actual article.

[GMack @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

#17

True, but NOBODY has ever paid list price for Dell products. Right now you can buy the 20" is $486 without any additional coupons (which you can find if you look around).

[David Crowe @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

ok for real though. i totally acknowledge that the dell display is cheaper and has the same components, but the apple one first off has two firewire ports (very helpful for me), and it's not a piece of crap. i know not everyone cares about the looks of their equipment, but i do and i think that having a display of quality industrial design is worth the price difference. the apple display has nice curves on the base, and is thin and neutral. the dell one looks like a piece of PVC pipe spray-painted black (maybe it is). so anyways, bicker all you want; some of us do have some style.

[Trevor @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

I have to say I do get a rainbow effect on my Dell, just like on the 2nd page of the review. I'm guessing it's because the case pinches the screen a bit at the edges.

[Brian Garrett @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Here's what I'd like to know. Why does Dell make it so damned difficult to find information about their displays or even buy them separate on their website? Whenever they announce a new display (which I usually find out about here), I have to do some serious digging around on their website, google, etc. before I can actually find the product. And to put it under "software and peripherals"? O.k. - I get it that it's a peripherals, but they've got a category for most everything else. Heck - if you go to apple's store web page under Accessories it's right there plain as day - "Displays"...

I seriously would consider one of these Dell displays over an Apple based on price alone, however in addition to a USB hub it also has a firewire hub as well. The Dell doesn't. Sure it's got a 4 port USB hub vs. Apples config, but if I use firewire and USB, then that's a great feature. I do like the multi-card reader built into the Dell's display - however with all the great I/O features built into the Mac's already, I hardly have a need for those.

Am I on the fence when it comes to this one? Sure - it's $300 I could spend on more Mac stuff! :D

Brian

[bored... @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Seriously. So Amandtech did a review.

The Benz/Toyota anology is still relevant. Benz looks nicer. Toyota may have the same engine, have AC, and leather seats. I like the Benz. If I have the money, I'll get it.

I like the way the Apple monitor opens up my display properties in OSX when I hit the button on the monitor. It's nice. A dell won't do that.

My 20" is fantastic. Good for Dell for making a high quality monitor at a great price.

Guess what, my Apple looks sweet.

This in no way proves that Apple overcharges for their products. Ther eis an argument here that it proves they overcharge for one, but to me, the case is awesome, and it looks wicked on my desk, right next to the powerbook I dock it with. So they don't overcharge me personally.

If I had a big, crappy, loud, black dell machine, maybe I would want the Dell.

Who cares.

[Carl @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Lol #15, I love the point "And how to asthetically cover the dell logo with elecictral tape!", I think that would be my biggest beef, I would much rather have a "Logoless" Black plastic shell for a NICE 20in screen than pay the extra 500 bucks for an aluminum shell.... For those of you saying how "but it has to match!", not all of us have that much disposible income to just spend the extra JUST for the looks... not bang for my buck imo...

[lizocka @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

There are differences up the ass - read the damned thing.

"Oddly, Dell lists their 2005FPW with a typical response time of 12ms while Apple and the panel manufacturer both claim a 16ms response time."

Maybe it's just me, but wouldn't be the first time Dell is trying to blow smoke up my ass.

[Daniel Gattermann @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

In Germany the Dell costs 799 EUR and the Apple display 789 EUR.
It's clear which one you would buy over here... (Still to expensive, but in general.)

[zed @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Sorry, but looks are everything. Ask any supermodel.

[egg @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Some people buy $200 Diesel jeans. Other's go to Walmart and buy $15 no-name ones. It's all about personal preference.

Personally, I don't think the Dell monitor looks bad. A bit bland? Sure, but not enough to justify spending 2x the amount to upgrade to a sleek Apple one. I rather buy 2 Dell monitors myself for that kind of money.

So are Apple Monitor owners wrong? No. If they're happy with their purchase, then it was worth it. Same with Dell owners. If the customer is happy, then that's all there is to it.

This does, however, prove that Apple is overpricing their monitors. It doesn't generalize to their other products though.

[acidreflux @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

I say f**k LCD's anyways.

[bored... @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

#30.

It does not "prove" Apple overprices their monitors.

First off, it's only 1 of the 3 monitors they offer.

Second, there is a huge difference in looks. This is subjective. You cannot quanify this for other people.

Hasn't anyone realized that this whole thread has revolved around whether people will pay more for looks?

The answer: some yes, some no.

Its the way its always been with any product.

[PlaystationPete @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

All of you suck. How can you compare Dell's crap to Apple. Apple uses better quality materials.

Apple and PS pocket rule everithing ele including all of you suck.

[tcoop25 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Stop comparing these monitors to cars! How can you say a Benz and a Toyota are equal except for their wrapper? They are 100% different in the way they handle, the HP/torque they have, and overall craftsmanship.

What it comes down to is paying for a name brand, and the look that comes with it. The Apple screens are beautiful, but I chose to save that $450 and buy the Dell.

[Isaac Marchionna @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Ah remember the days when people just judged monitors based on the visual quality of their displays and not the eurotrash "everything must look super fantastic together". Sorry guys in our studio at home we have a 20 Dell, which is mine, and the 20" Apple on another computer. I like the styling of the Apple, but no way will I spend 800 when I got my Dell for 500 way back in december. NO WAY.

I guess no firewire is the only knock against the dell, but on the apple you don't get multiple inputs nor do you get an adjustable stand. Oooh it looks like painted PVC, hey at least it's adjustable PVC.

I grew out of the "make everything look pretty stage" of computing years ago. I'm a graphic designer by trade and I don't care what my machine looks like, it goes under the desk in a corner to do it's job. The monitor is just my way of understanding what I'm doing. Sorry guys, the Dell is a better deal. I love mine, it looks great on my desk as well:

http://img249.echo.cx/img249/7064/dsc000855di.jpg

and

http://img249.echo.cx/img249/8369/dsc000846fs.jpg

[Carl @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

*Wonders if PlaystationPete was sarcastic... my god that DEFINES fanboy... Anyway... like I said.. for those of you with enough income to budget your monitor at 800bucks over 350? Good for you... have the apple and look badass... But Right now... I prefer having 3 20in DELL monitors (with the logos covered as #15 has said), than ONE APPLE Monitor in a shiny case and an apple logo.

[Patrick @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Real simple, at least with the dell 19", it rotates, the Apple doesn't. I love love love macs, but bought a Dell for work and loved it so much I bought one for home. I'm not a graphic designer and I don't play a lot of games, but the Dell is fantastic for reading documents and general use. And the 19" rotates!

-p-

[Trevor @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

tcoop25- There are more differences between the two monitors than just the case. Read the article, the only part that is the same is the screen itself. So the electronics, lighting, interface, etc are all different.

[petro @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

I wish I could be as utilitarian as Marchionna, but my sense of esthetics just won't permit it.

[David Fulton-Howard @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

@bored -- You want to talk overpriced? How about the $300 LIST PRICE difference between the 23" and the 2405FPW? (It used to be $500 before today's price cut.) And that's list price -- the Dell monitor is almost brand-new but I've already seen it come down to below $900. Plus the Dell has multiple inputs (including component-in) and a better response time. Talk about overpriced...

Yeah, so maybe the 30-inch isn't overpriced because it's the only one of its kind and overpriced is a relative thing. But whenerver there's direct competition with an Apple product, the Apple product is too expensive.

[Isaac Marchionna @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Petro it's okay, long sessions of shock therapy and massive amounts of psychotropic drugs can help you on your journey towards practicality.

[Isaac Marchionna @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Petro it's okay, long sessions of shock therapy and massive amounts of psychotropic drugs can help you on your journey towards practicality.

[Finishing.Law.School @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Apple sucks and this is further proof. I am talking about their business practices. I could not care less about their product.

[petro @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

#40 I'm pratical, but I need form and function. One or the other alone, just isn't worth my money.

[StaticBeats @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

FYI - this is definitely NOT $350. It's $498 from the Dell Outlet and whatever coupons were out there have been cancelled or expired.

If anyone knows where to actually *buy* this for $350 please post here and let us know :)

[Scott @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Isaac, can't you at least put a wrinkled candy wrapper or opened Coke can on your desk? Or, were these the picture AFTER you cleaned up?

[David @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Damn Isaac Marchionna, that's a nice setup! I wish I could get even enough deskroom for 2 monitors. However, my dormspace doesn't permit it.

BTW, Chaos Theory... sick game!!!

[gene @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

#44, you missed the crazy deal this weekend, it was $384 after rebates, if i'm not mistaken. i DEFINITELY regret missing that.