The Dell 3007WFP - Dell brings the 30-inch LCD love

There's no official announcement yet, but apparently Dell is going to roll out a massive 30-inch LCD monitor to compete with Apple's lust-inducing 30-inch Cinema Display. The 3007WFP is said to have a a resolution of 2560 x 1600 (that's WQXGA, baby!), a 14ms response time, 400cd/m2 brightness, 700:1 contrast ratio, support for HDCP, and a built-in 4-port USB hub and 9-in-1 multimedia card reader. No price, but it should hit North America on December 21st, which means you'll have to choose between buying Christmas presents for your loved ones or buying yourself one sweet LCD panel.

[Thanks, Happy Hopping]

[Vision77 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

Wow! I want one. Hell the release date is on my b-day. Dell donate one to me please....Anybody know how much this thing will cost?

[Simone @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

Wow !
The price i supposed will be a little under apple cinema 30" display :)

[Keith @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

Well the price for the Apple 30-incher is $2,499.00 (US). I'd expect a price that competes with that. Sweet Glory.

[Malfoy Roark @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

I bought an apple 30 2 weeks ago. Ah, well, you win some, you lose some. At the end of the day I still got a 30.

[wiggi @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

My Quad G5 with 7800GT is arriving Dec 5th, I resisted the Apple 30", but there's just no excuse for not getting one of these beauties.

[Rain @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

Wow - that thing's almost as big as my TV O_O

[Rob @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

They are also releasing the 2007 and 2407, refreshes for the 2005 and 2405 with HDCP support, in Feb/Mar.

[Hassan.L @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

That's a fantastic resolution and really would want to play xbox 360 on that screen. BTW as with the apple screen wouldn't this one require a special graphic card which can deal with such resolution?

[lseven @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

That is a very low resolution per inch.

[jabari @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

Hook that up to my Xbox 360

[Home Theater Dude @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

Considering Dell's aggressive LCD pricing, I expect this beaut to significantly undercut the apple cinema display price.

The 24-inch model can be had for less than 8 bills when discounts are available.

[cam @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

It's about time. I've been waiting for HDCP support from Dell as well as other manufacturers. So far I only know of a handful of monitors that support HDCP and I want to be sure that I can view HD content when Vista is released.

[Wes Felter @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

lseven, it's 100 DPI just like other computer monitors.

[Afroloop @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

I have the Dell 24 inch and it is super nice. I might upgrade to this if a good deal shows up! I wonder how it would be for gaming and what kind of video card you would need to power it. I have the X850XT now, not sure if I'd need to upgrade my video card as well...

[Afroloop @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

Another thing, the reason I'd like this over the Apple is it would be black and have high speed USB ports on it and likely a 9 in 1 card reader like the 24 has which is very handy if you are into digital photography, etc.

[Jeff @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

"That's a fantastic resolution and really would want to play xbox 360 on that screen. "

Except that you'd be scaling, because the Xbox 360 doesn't support that resolution. That will reduce image quality. (There are other problems too - keep reading.) You may as well get a real LCD HDTV that has a true 1080i (or 1080p) native resolution if what you want it for is to play Xbox 360 games.

This thing's bigger and probably will be about the same price: http://www.westinghousedigital.com/pc-26-3-37-lcd-video-monitor.aspx

Obviously, if what you want is a computer monitor first and foremost, then you probably want a real computer monitor. It's just best to match native resolutions to what you really want to do, especially when dealing with digital displays that can really do a 1:1 pixel ratio. I've read pretty good reviews of that Westinghouse TV (the Westinghouse thing is just a name; this TV is built by one of those Asian LCD companies, though I forget which).

"BTW as with the apple screen wouldn't this one require a special graphic card which can deal with such resolution?"

Yup. Though it's not so much "special" as just a card that supports dual-link DVI. There are a bunch of them out there, but AFAIK they are generally the higher-end pro cards. I quit trying to keep up with all the new releases from nvidia and ATI about a year ago, though, so maybe their newest consumer offerings do support this. Those would likely still be on the higher-end of the price spectrum, though.

I think you *might* also need a dual-link card for 1080p too (if you wanted to do 1080p with that Westinghouse TV hooked up to a computer, for example). I don't remember for sure; I think 1080i is about the upper limit of what you can do with a single-link DVI card.

I don't honestly know if the Xbox 360 has a single-link or dual-link output. I don't think it supports 1080p, though, which means it's probably single-link. It's sort of likely that the 360 won't even work at all with this Dell monitor, then, because if it's like the Apple version (which no doubt uses the exact same panel), it will *only* have a dual-link digital input. That seems pretty likely given the target market, even though other Dell monitors have both DVI and VGA. DVI is all that's listed as the PC connection in the specs at the linked forum post.

[vniow @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

If that's under 2K I am so getting it next year.

*drool*

[Chris McDowell @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

that apple one still looks so much nicer with the alu casing....

[Chip @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

but your bank account looks so much nicer with an extra 0 still there :)

[Derek Quenneville @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

Fantastic... Once this hits, the price for the just as drool-worthy Dell 2405FPW might come down even further.

[MadaMadaDane @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

To me, HDCP support is not a feature--unless it is a feature for hollywood and the music industry at the expense of the consumer.

That is because in order for it to be an advantageous feature ("I can play my content with Vista!"), you must first accept the premise of HDCP's legitimacy ("It's perfectly justified that content I buy won't work on an OS that I pay for on a monitor that I pay for because some executives are paranoid about piracy!").

Accepting it as legitimate or necessary is something any self-respecting customer should not do.

[Parched @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

#16 re: dual link for 1080i

Just a note, my toshiba M200 tabletpc can drive both its 1400x1050x32 display and the dell 2405 (@ 1920x1200x32) simultaneously without problems over a d-sub connection. The resolution slider in the control panel goes up to 2400x1600 as well though, i have no monitor to test that setting with.

[nate @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

damn it i just bought the 2405fpw

[Armen @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

#16
"I think 1080i is about the upper limit of what you can do with a single-link DVI card..."

I am pumping out 1920x1200 to my 2405FPW, which is implicitly progressive scan, since it's a computer display, out of my single-link DVI card. You are right though, you will need a dual-link most likely for this behemoth of a display.

Save those pennies folks!

[ch424 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

lseven, it's 100dpi: a 19" LCD is 86dpi, and a 17" is 96dpi. The 23" Apple one is 98dpi and the 30" Apple is 100, just like this. How, therefore, is 100dpi a low "resolution per inch"?

[Bablukas @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

No need for dual link DVI to drive 1080P TV or monitor. But a definite need for dual link DVI for this monster. All the new generation ATI X1600 and X1800 have dual link DVI. The 7800GTX has one dual link at 256MB and dual dual link DVI on the 512MB models. Thats the same from most manufacturers but you still should check the specs. Please remember dual link DVI and dual dual link DVI have nothing at all to do with dual DVI.
HDCP sucks.They should be paying us to adopt their stupid tech.

[Jared Dilg @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

I hope that stand design trickles down to the 2005FPW and 2405FPW. It looks much better than the silver doughnut.

[Jonathan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

since this is about an lcd tv. I was wondering for
my xbox 360, whats's a good one (i'm preferring under $1000)

[Craig @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

well, i'm glad they're finally throwing in support for hdcp, but i think microsoft has absolutely wronged consumer for requiring hdcp when so few monitors actually support it. hardware manufacturers should have been informed about this years ago so people wanting hd content won't have to buy a new monitor with the new os. i could probably sell my 2405 now and pick up a 2407 when it goes on sale and not lose too much in the process, but i don't know if i can go back to my 19" crt while waiting 3-4 months for the new 2407 to go on a 25-35% off sale.

[Andrew Bragdon @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

I just bought a 24" Dell (2405FPW). Now I am soooo pissed!

[Michael @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

Any one want to buy my 23" Apple Cinema HD. I've been wanting a 30" display to set beside my 30" TV. Dell's price will definately be lower than Apple's.

Yes, the Apple is a nice Alumninum chassis but Dell's is black.

In fact, 2 of these side by side will be nice. I bet the price will be about $1500.

[Gary @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

As a Dell employee, I must say, this monitor is going to be AWESOME! No word as of yet on price range, but my guess would be we will release it somewhere around $2000, with sales bringing it somewhere near $1800 or so.

[Robert @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

This thing is awesome, but i suspect my hardware isn't up to snuff to run this bad boy. However if the rumors are true and Dell is coming out with updates to the 24inch monitor, then that's something I can really work with.

Why blame Microsoft for the HDCP? Apple does it too, but because of the considerable pressure brought on them by Hollywood. Coincidence that MS and Apple have media centers that run all this Hollywood stuff?

[RiCO.M @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

LMAO, #6
that thing's bigger than my TV

[Craig @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

i'm sure the film industry is applying pressure for hdcp. regardless, i think there could've been better implementation.

gates said windows vista won't support hd-dvd initially anyway, so what's up with the hdcp requirement? i really hope the whole scheme fails, anyway, and not just because i have to buy a new monitor.

[SmartITGuy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

Finally an LCD worth owning! 2560x1600, WOW!
This is a CAD designer's dream come true!!!
I'm so SICK of 19+ inch LCD's that are ONLY 1280x1024 (or worse - LESS).
It's because they don't have higher resolutions, that I'm keeping my 21 inch CRT. (set to 2048x1536).
For me, it's not about the size of glass that matters, it's how many pixels it has. I'd be ecstatic over a 17" with 2048x1536! My eyesight is great, I want MORE PIXELS PER INCH!!!
If It's reasonably priced, I'll have to get my company president to buy one for me!

...Now if they could just make an LCD projector with this resolution...

[joelight @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

Gee's if I had that sort of money I'd be gettin a projector !

[SmartITGuy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

...So what graphic cards will drive this???

[Don Wilson @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

Yes, yes yes yes yes yes yes!!!!!

Oh, thank god.

YES!

[radiantm3 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

In response to #37,

It's funny how some people think dell is the first do come out with something when it's already been done first by apple. It's not always the case, but I still find it amusing. Bottom line, Apple has been selling pretty much the same thing for almost a year now(??) so the dream came true awhile ago.

[Ben @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

Yea, but Apple has also been selling it for $2,400. I'm pretty sure the Dell would be much more affordable.

[Rich @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

Only 700:1 contrast ratio? So it will have worse black levels than the 2405FPW ... Neexxt.

The n00bs will still be flocking over it im sure.

[p-diddy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

yeah, but does it rotate to portrait mode like the other Dell monitors? :-)

-p, who LOVES his 1905FP

[Robert @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

Well that's petty....

First we have someone here saying, "Well Apple did this first so the Dell isn't such a bug deal."
While Apple may have a 30inch screen, it also costs over $2000.00. That's a bit steep and out of the price range of many people.

Second we have another person saying the "n00bs" will love it. Well who cares if they do. People need monitors to do different things. We have an CAD guy who loves it for it's resolution, while we have another wanting it for a tv/monitor for his XBOX 360. For the photo/mag layouts, it may or may not suit their needs. If that's the case, they can use something that will suit their needs. To belittle something by saying it's for "n00bs" is quite frankly... dumb.

[Craig @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

rich, you're a f**king dumbass. you're obviously an apple fanboy. so far as i know, the only two 30" monitors in existence are this and the 30" cinemadisplay. and the cinemadisplay has a 400:1 contrast ratio. so are you saying neexxt because you own the imaginary 30" display with better specs?

[James Railton @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

I've got the 2405fpw. It's a beautiful panel and can't imagine the 30" being anything less. Dell is really doing an amazing job with their LCDs. One of the commenters mentioned an HDCP version of the 24" coming out early next year... That'd be worth considering. I suppose I could sell this 24" and buy one of those or splurge (again!) for the 30". I can't imagine it'd be difficult to get a good price for my existing 2405, especially considering I bought it on sale, for significantly less than their standard price.

[Sandon @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

very nice, good response time, better than the apple and probably way cheaper, this is would actually make me switch to an LCD if its affordable, but the PPI is a bit low at only 100, my laptop is 133 PPI (1920x1200 17 inch), my other laptop is 147 PPI (1920x1200 15.4 inch)
And i normally have my main laptop hooked up to my CRT which does the best, 166 PPI (2560x1920 20 inch viewable) which is higher resolution than this 30 inch, even though its 10 inches smaller.

Still a step in the right direction for LCD's

[Sandon @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

sorry, that was a typo, 160 PPI on my CRT, not 166.

[radiantm3 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

#44,

You aren't getting my point. #37 made it sound like this is something new. The price of the dell 30 or any other details have yet to be mentioned and price is irrelevant for a professional who needs screen space. I paid 3 grand for my 30" display because it was exactly what I needed. My thoughts reflected post #37 about a year ago when apple introduced the 30.

[steve8 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:21AM]

as said before this will suck for 1080p... the scaling will suck.... i think id actually prefer 1920x1200 cause pretty soon most content will be 1080p.


although if they had wqxga or whatever it is thats 3840x2400 then id be all over it... perfect 2:1 scaling of 1080p content, and enough pixels to do lots of cool shit when ur not watching porn