Dell UltraSharp U3011 about to join 30-inch IPS monitor crew

As one company moves out of the 30-inch display race, another looks set to step back into it. Dell's unannounced, but seemingly all too real UltraSharp U3011 has been snapped over in China, and we're being told it'll offer a formidable 2,560 x 1,600 resolution while maintaining the styling of the smaller U2711. TFT Central reports it'll be a 10-bit H-IPS panel from LG Display, bearing a 7ms response time, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 370 nits of brightness (ahem, overkill), and 178-degree viewing angles on both the horizontal and vertical axis. HDMI and DVI connections come in packs of two, accompanied by a lone DisplayPort. Sounds like it's shaping up to be a fine competitor to HP's ZR30w.

[davenport Posted Aug 6th 2010 12:51AM]

Since no one has properly discussed the differences between the Dell 30" monitors I will try to help since I use all three of the existing 30" models.

UltraSharp 3007WFP
- Must use Dual-link DVI to reach 2560x1600, otherwise max resolution is 1280x800 using standard DVI
- No other inputs

UltraSharp 3007WFP-HC
- Same as above but expanded color accuracy.

UltraSharp 3008WFP
- Multiple inputs, similar to a TV without a remote
- Same resolution of 2560x1600 but you can use either Dual-link DVI or DisplayPort
- Side-by-side input viewing
- Improved colors

UltraSharp U3011
- Only uses DisplayPort input
- This model would be prefect for Dell E-Series Laptop docks
- You could drive two of these at 2560x1600 from a Latitude or Precision laptop!
- The UltraSharp 3008WFP is still the superior monitor, this model should will probably replace the UltraSharp 3007WFP-HC that uses Dual-Link DVI.

Side note: You cannot currently convert a DisplayPort output to Dual-Link DVI for 2560x1600 resolution.

[BAU Posted Aug 6th 2010 3:35AM]

@davenport Why do you say the 3008 is still superior? In what way?
You also say it only has 1 x DisplayPort, but the article says 1 x DiaplayPort, 2 x HDMI, 2 x DVI.
I've been waiting for a monitor of this calibre a long time. imho it seems superior to every other monitor on the entire market, for me.
Now I can hook up my PS3 & X360 via HDMI & My 720x via Displayport & my PPC Mac Tower via DVI. Perfect! Coupled with 10-bit display, IPS & LED backlit, Could a monitor be more superior in any way. It may not have analogue inputs but who the heck is using them anymore?
Correct me if I'm wrong but LED backlight is superior to CCFL now, right? On this monitor I expect it would be in any case.
The ZR30W is a joke with its lack of inputs, especially for me.

[davenport Posted Aug 6th 2010 11:38AM]

@BAU

Sorry, I was mistaken about the new model's inputs due to the advanced technical writing skills of Vlad. "HDMI and DVI connections come in packs of two, accompanied by a lone DisplayPort."

You're still missing some inputs that are handy. It would be great if there was some form of IR or RS-232 control for on/off and switching inputs.

What these new monitors need the most is a thinner outside bezel so that multi-monitor setups are easier on the eyes.

[BAU Posted Aug 6th 2010 3:44AM]

Oh I forgot to ask, It's not mentioned anywhere but can this monitor do 3D or do we just not know that. It would be the ultimate monitor in that case. A real shame if it doesn't though :(

[davenport Posted Aug 6th 2010 11:41AM]

@BAU

All monitors can do 3D if you have glasses timed to your video card.

[BAU Posted Aug 7th 2010 5:00AM]

@davenport Thanks for that info, you learn something new everyday :)
I haven't read a lot on 3D but am keen to give it a go when I get a decent monitor.
Completely agree with the thinner bezel as well. I'm surprised no one seems to be pushing hard to work on that problem. I've seen 1 or 2 with ultra thin bezels but nothing really mainstream.
Dell have done it with this http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/18/dells-ultra-thin-concept-lcd-with-displayport-going-retail/ so why not everything.