The Dell UltraSharp 2407WFP, a 24-inch wide-screen LCD, is another solid entry into Dell's updated UltraSharp monitor line. This monitor boasts plentiful features and connections, excellent image quality, and all the adjustability we could ask for in a monitor of this size. The Philips Brilliance 230WP7 and the Samsung SyncMaster 244T come close to the Dell UltraSharp 2407WFP's performance, but they both cost hundreds more and don't come close to matching the Dell's connectivity options or overall bang for the buck.
Design & Features
The Dell UltraSharp 2407WFP's design follows that of the other UltraSharp monitors, including its simple black-and-silver colour scheme. You can pivot this display between landscape and portrait modes, tilt the panel about 20 degrees forward and 5 back, swivel it 45 degrees left and right, and raise the panel about 4 inches. All adjustments are easy to make, though when you're pivoting or swivelling the monitor, the base tends to wobble slightly. The display's inputs, located on the back of the monitor, are easy to access, especially when the monitor is in its portrait position. Inputs include one upstream and two downstream USB 2.0 ports, DVI-D and VGA (analogue) signal inputs, a 12-volt audio jack for connecting an optional Dell Sound Bar speaker, plus composite, component, and S-Video ports for connecting a VCR or DVD player. Along the left side of the monitor are two more USB 2.0 ports, and a 9-in-2 media card reader. Like its UltraSharp siblings, the 2407WFP's cable management is a bit sparse: the display's slender neck has only a simple rectangular cutout through which to thread the cords.
The 2407WFP's onscreen menu (OSM) has the same horizontal configuration we saw on the Dell UltraSharp 2007WFP. The menu is set along the monitor's bottom bezel, and each adjustability option has its own submenu; you must navigate through each submenu to select settings. There's no dedicated exit button, however, which makes it difficult to make your way through the submenus. The menu lets you adjust the usual settings, including brightness, colour temperature, and sharpness, and it offers three preset image modes for Desktop, Multimedia, and Gaming use. A dedicated button on the monitor's control panel launches picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture functions, and another dedicated button lets you switch between inputs.
Performance
Tested at its native resolution of 1,920x1,200, the Dell UltraSharp 2407WFP delivered excellent performance on CNET Labs' DisplayMate-based tests. Text was dark and easily legible, and greyscale tests looked terrific, showing only slight pink tints in the mid and light sections. Colours looked accurate and vivid across the board.
Dell rates the UltraSharp 2407WFP with a relatively fast 16-millisecond response time, and the monitor performed well in both of our moving images tests. DVD testing showed a bit more digital noise than average, but images were sharp and clear, with vivid colours. Gaming tests were also vivid and sharp, but we did notice minimal streaking and ghosting. The 2407WFP comes HDCP-equipped, and when we connected the display to an HDTV signal, we did see some digital noise in solid backgrounds, which is expected. Form a normal viewing distance, however, the picture was clear and vivid.
The Dell UltraSharp 2407WFP comes with an industry-standard three-year warranty on parts, labour, and the backlight. It can be extended by up to two years at an additional cost, however. Dell also has its very handy toll-free, 24/7 tech support in addition to alternative support options, such as community forums, a searchable knowledge base, and documentation and driver downloads via its Web site .
Note: Products in this test are for comparative purposes only and are not necessarily available in the Australian market.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
Like this article? Click below to send it to your mobile for free!
fraser
17/02/2007, 08:04 AM
rating
10/10
sounds great to me!!
Report offensive comment
Nihilium
04/12/2006, 12:07 PM
rating
10/10
Very exciting with XBOX 360 in HDTV ! Amazing
Report offensive comment
Kowabunga!
26/10/2006, 01:38 AM
rating
10/10
Kowabunga!
Kowabunga!
Pros: Kowabunga!
Cons: Kowabunga!
Report offensive comment
Goobimama
07/10/2006, 10:16 PM
rating
9/10
Excellent clarity
I would recommend this to anyone and everyone. Beautifully crafted. Cheap and I've got a 5 year warranty....
Pros: Good clarity, large screen estate (obviously), portrait mode
Cons: build quality is a bit oahuhtsgh
Report offensive comment
SteveThompson
03/09/2006, 09:48 AM
rating
10/10
This is a great monitor
I'm a industrial designer working for a large company based in the USand needed a quality display for use at home. This screen has simply been a revelation, clear as crystal picture, superb colour definition.
I would recomment this screen to anyone.
Pros: Excellent image quality
Superb design
Great value for money
Great connectivity options
HDCP compliant,
fast response
Cons: Not the brightest, but will you really notice this?!!?
Past issues have been resolved with the 02 revision - despite what the cyber trolls will tell you!
Report offensive comment
SirCrumpet
22/08/2006, 11:01 PM
rating
9/10
Best Monitor i've used
In over 5 years of working in the Computing and IT industry, i have never laid eyes on a monitor as good as this one going for a price that makes it reachable by the average consumer. Positively briliant.
Pros: Excelent image quality and great value for money...
Cons: TOO Big?!?!?! Makes websites seem underused when viewed fullscreen...
Report offensive comment
20/08/2006, 06:11 PM
rating
10/10
good
Report offensive comment
Graphic Designer
18/08/2006, 02:24 PM
rating
3/10
Poor Quality Monitor
There is a well-known product-wide defect with this monitor - check the dell forums "2407". Despite the 2 revisions, Dell still has not resolved this hardware issue. When the monitor was first released (spring of 2006), it retailed for ~$950. Today (summer 2006), you can find it on sale for less than $700. A price decrease of over 25% within 3-4 months is a good indicator that there is something going on. If you don't care about buying a product that doesn't deliver what is advertised, or if you simply don't care about image quality, then you should consider this product.
Pros: Great connectivity options, HDCP compliant, fast response, and no dead pixels in all 3 of the replacement units, including the original unit, I received.
Cons: Heavy banding and uneven backlighting still an issue with revision A02. In one of the units, the power failed altogether. Nonexistant customer support.
Report offensive comment
Salta
13/08/2006, 04:47 AM
rating
10/10
2407WFP > 244T
A very good monitor that gives you alot for the price. Good, or rather, excelent picture quality. There has however been some issues with banding in the earlier revisions. This has however been fixed for some time now and is nothing you should worry about. The monitor however is not as bright as the 244t (As seen in the test) but it really doesn't matter. The light you get from the 2407 is what youd expect form a really good monitor and isnt something you will ever get bothered with.
Pros: + The price
+ The design (!)
+ The connectivity
+ The picture quality
Cons: - Not at bright as 244T
- Banding can be seen in the earlier revisions of the monitor
Report offensive comment
andski
08/08/2006, 08:43 PM
rating
2/10
Too many problems, dont buy it!!!!!!
Report offensive comment