Date: 29 March 24, 00:11 AM
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 Dell U2518D Monitor



scuzzy


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My primary LG monitor (LCD) went belly up yesterday after nearly 9 years of service. My secondary 23" Dell monitor took over until I could find a replacement, which I figured would be after my trip. But I got impatient and ended up at Best Buy to see what was available. I went home with this Dell U2518D 25" 2k monitor, which was on sale for $199.

I'm running the monitor at 2560 x 1440. When I first installed it, Windows 10 scaled the view to its recommended 125%. I didn't care for that as it made it too close to a standard HD monitor. Wanting the full use of the extra resolution, I readjusted the setting to 100%. It's surprising how much more real estate I have to work with now. Yes the text is small, but I can work with it just fine. It's the same story with my laptop and I adjusted to that easily.

As usual, the monitor was way too bright out-of-the-box. I had to tone the brightness down to 30% to keep from searing my eyeballs. I like the thin bezels, the ISP panel, and overall sharpness. I really like the flatness of the bezels in relation to the display panel, as there's no overhanging ledge. The 23" Dell bezels have a fat lip in comparison (there's a 1/4" ledge all around). There are plenty of height and tilt adjustments, which made for a perfect fit. I may never use the USB 3 sockets on the left side, but it's nice to have them anyway.

It looks like this 25" model will work fine, but I might change my mind over the next day or two. I will keep my options open for a 27" model, like this 27" Dell U2715H 2k IPS monitor or this 27" Dell S2716DGR 2k TNT monitor. I just haven't decided that I want to spend that much more for two additional inches.  :-\

For now the 23" Dell is back to secondary duties.

Bill


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But it looks like the quality of the screen images is worth the additional expense, IMO.
Fractal Design R5 | Asus  Z170 Pro | Intel i5 6600k | 16 GB G.Skill Ripjaws  DDR4 2133 | Seasonic 650w PSU | eVGA GTX 550 TI | Samsung 960 M2 500 GB | Samsung 850 EVO 500 GB | ASUS Burner | Windows 7 64-bit

scuzzy


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scuzzy


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Looks like the new monitor is a keeper. While no doubt a 27-incher would be much nicer, there is no doubt that I'm quite pleased with the 25" model. I will likely pick up a second one, as side-by-side, they would be a perfect fit for the hutch I'm planning to build after my trip. I would not be able to squeeze a pair of 27" models without significant modifications to the hutch plan, and I'm thinking that would be overkill anyway.

Bill


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Monitor real estate is like our other interest, you can never have too much or too many.
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scuzzy


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Agreed, but I want to use 2 monitors and I really want both to be the same make/model. A pair of 27" monitors would not fit in the cubby of the new hutch I plan to build soon. I can have a pair of 25" monitors in a side-by-side configuration (which will just barely fit), or I can have a single 27" model. I'd much rather have two monitors, and I really am liking the Dell 25" I just bought.

Cost is also a consideration. I can have a pair of 25-inchers for $400, or a pair of 27-inchers for $870 to $920. Regardless, I wouldn't be able to fit two anyway.

Bill


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You have to do what works for you.  I like having dual monitors the same size and make too.
Fractal Design R5 | Asus  Z170 Pro | Intel i5 6600k | 16 GB G.Skill Ripjaws  DDR4 2133 | Seasonic 650w PSU | eVGA GTX 550 TI | Samsung 960 M2 500 GB | Samsung 850 EVO 500 GB | ASUS Burner | Windows 7 64-bit

scuzzy


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I just spent the last 20 minutes seeing what modifications I can make to the plans to make a pair of 27-inch monitors work. No luck so far without pretty much trashing my current plan and starting over. I'll poke at this bear when I get back from vacation.

I also just checked Best Buy. Apparently I bought the last of this monitor at any of their stores within 250 miles. So much for buying another one today. :(

Bill


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Now I have to ask, why the need for a "hutch"?  Wouldn't just a large, flat table be more efficient.  I recall that you have had a "hutch" like piece of furniture for your computer(s) in the past, but why the need for sides or shelves?  Seems a set of shelves and drawers would be more flexible.
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scuzzy


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A simple flat table is what I have used in most of my work environments over the years. As you mentioned, it's efficient. My current hutch is a store product and not very well thought out for actual life. It houses small electronics, books, tissues, and various office supplies. I also use it to display years worth of souvenirs along with challenge coins.

I have considered attaching shelving to the walls, but I think I'll stick to the hutch idea for flexibility. I'm also looking to house a pair of high-quality bookshelf speakers on either side of the monitor(s) at about eye level as I'm sitting.

I stayed up a little last night messing with the hutch design. I came up with a way to open it up more, but I'll have to refine it after my trip as I'm out of time. I am meeting with a friend for breakfast today. We both share a passion for woodworking, so I'll get his input (maybe even his help).

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scuzzy


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scuzzy


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I installed the new monitor a few days ago and I'm very pleased with the outcome. In all my years of computing, this is the first time I'm using two *identical* monitors.

Scuzzy; shoulda done this sooner.

Bill


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Yeah, it is particularly nice when they look the same!
Fractal Design R5 | Asus  Z170 Pro | Intel i5 6600k | 16 GB G.Skill Ripjaws  DDR4 2133 | Seasonic 650w PSU | eVGA GTX 550 TI | Samsung 960 M2 500 GB | Samsung 850 EVO 500 GB | ASUS Burner | Windows 7 64-bit