Dell 3008WFP User reviews  Editors' choice

By Craig Simms on 14/12/2007

More Dell reviews , RRP: AU$2499.00

The good:

  • Includes possibly every video input, ever
  • Allows non-dual link video sources
  • Perfect for those who need high resolutions

The bad:

  • Will need a monster graphics card to drive games at the native resolution
  • The sheer size means viewing angles might cause issues
  • Sound passthrough only on HDMI

The bottomline:

With a crazy number of inputs, 1080p over component and good rendering of 1080i, this monitor has set itself up as a potential TV replacement.

Buying choices:

Editors' rating:

8.9/10

Users' rating:

7.6/10

Tags:

30-inch | 3008wfp | dell | lcd | tft | dvi

New Trend
20/06/2008, 09:36 PM

rating
7/10

The 3008WFP widescreen LCD, everyone's favorite, 30-inch, DisplayPort-rocking Dell monitor is up for review, and we've got a roundup to prove it. If you'll recall, the behemoth is the first Dell monitor to sport the emerging DisplayPort technology, and it also offers a fairly impressive set of other connectivity options, including dual DVI ports, HDMI, VGA, S-Video, component, and composite. The folks at Hot Hardware weren't totally stoked on the setup process, but loved the screen's performance and flexibility. The cats at Computer Shopper seemed pleased as well, though not head-over-heels in love, particularly with the high price tag and color / grayscale "weakness." CNET Australia had similarly high marks, praising the number of inputs, super-high resolution, and sheer size, though they took issue with the screen's reflectiveness, the need for a high-end graphics card, and gradient handling.

Pros: Large Gamut
Charming Design

Report offensive comment

New trend
20/06/2008, 08:51 PM

rating
8/10

t looks like Dell's on again, off again relationship with its top-end 3008WFP monitor has taken another turn, with the company now suggesting that

Report offensive comment

Digital Camera Magazine
12/06/2008, 07:35 PM

rating
6/10

Like high-end graphics cards setup in multi-GPU configurations, terabyte desktop drives, and 3GHz quad-core processors, 30-inch wide screen LCDs cater to what we like to call the "enthusiast" niche. And though this niche obviously drives lower volume demand versus the mainstream, you have to remember that the enthusiast end-user is a very influential segment of the market, often times assisting in the definition of what will become mainstream technology tomorrow. Not to mention 30 inches of screen real-estate is a professional workstation designer's nirvana, so perhaps this niche isn't as small as it would appear on the surface.

Pros: Beautiful Design

Cons: Not enough accurate info yet, but that is cause it is new :-) Just wait, you will be impressed.

Report offensive comment

phentrimine
07/04/2008, 02:46 PM

rating
7/10

Not use this book, but look likes

Report offensive comment

VCP-310
25/03/2008, 05:35 AM

rating
9/10

Looks fine with me, my big bro have same model and features. Working fine.

Pros: Fast, Durable and really supportive

Cons: Still have high Price

Report offensive comment

Lay
20/03/2008, 11:34 PM

rating
7/10

This 30" panel sounds fantastic, but 2K is killin' it, especially when you consider what similar LCD-based products (top of the line 40" and 50" LCD TV's) sell for. And yes, I know this Dell isn't a TV and vice versa, and maybe comparing the nature and pricing of the two demands even more attention to supply and demand; but it's interesting to ponder, nonetheless.

Report offensive comment

Achillesjg
14/02/2008, 09:35 PM

rating
6/10

Sadbuyer, I'm not sure if you checked the specifications, but Dell clearly state that HD content can only be viewed at a Max res of 1900x1200. Perhaps Dell only included this info on their site after you purchased yours.

Pros: No rating yet, as I don't own one...yet!

Report offensive comment

blake
13/02/2008, 02:41 PM

rating
8/10

most of the negative comments about color matching on the mac are probably because the monitor controls are software driven for pc only bundled with Dell pc. I read a color matching article on the topic that put it above the mac 30 only after the calibration sw was used.

Pros: inputs
color
brightness
speed

Cons: I'd buy it now if it was $1000. Otherwise - wtf?
Also- if it can't play blueray, forget it. The announcements from Walmart, BestBuy and Netflix this week that they are pushing blueray puts the life of this product at 2 years.

Report offensive comment

sadbuyer
26/01/2008, 05:44 PM

rating
3/10

There is a huge flaw on this monitor no one is talking about. Forget trying to view HDCP content (blu-ray and HDTV) at 2560x1600 resolution. The monitor only displays Restricted Content messages. Dell high ups have confirmed this to be a chipset issue and are going to have to redesign the monitor. Stay away.

Pros: Beautiful Design

Cons: Users will be really mad when they try and play blu-ray movies through their PC and Dell won't return it after 21 days!!!

Report offensive comment

glock
20/01/2008, 12:17 PM

rating
6/10

I bought this monitor to do Photoshop color work on and the one I got is totally unacceptable for use in that regard.
I calibrated using i1 Photo through every possible configuration (dvi , vga native A98 Manual factory, default , etc., on a mac using OS X with essentially the same result. If you set a NEUTRAL gray background (desktop) it is not consistent in color or density to the eye. Mine was reddish on the right, green/cyan on top yellowish across the bottom , and blotchy brightness-wise across the whole panel.
IT IS NOT THE VIEWING ANGLE-as the colors and effects did not change as you moved your head only the intensity of the defect.
The monitor profiles just fine and the gammut does closely match the A98 color space as they say- even exceeding it in the red/magenta axis, just shy in the green but if you are planning on WYSIWYG color calibrated & profiled workflow this is not gonna cut it.
Using the built-in Digital color meter in OS X the neutral gray desktop reads 128R 128G 128B but LOOKS TO THE VIEWER AS I DESCRIBED ABOVE.

FWIW I POSTED ESSENTIALLY THIS SAME INFO ON THE DELL WEBPAGE FOR THIS MONITOR AND THEY HAVE NEGLECTED TO POST IT ALONG WITH THE MORE FAVORABLE LESS CRITICAL REVIEWS.
I even said that for for less critical applications this would probably be an awesome monitor.
I have 2 older Dell displays (2405's) and an Apple 23" Cinema Display that are not nearly as advanced as this one that I use daily for color work for years now and they do not display the same anomalies as the 3008 WFP .

ALSO their "TECH SUPPORT" is a JOKE. They read to you from the user manual that you get with the purchase.
THERE IS NO MONITOR EXPERT TO HELP SOLVE ANY PROBLEMS OTHER THAN BASIC SET UP FUNCTION and CONNECTIVITY-THAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTACT THUS FAR.

BUYER BEWARE.
But that's just my experience, your mileage may vary......

Pros: Big, bright, large gamut, display port for future longevity

Cons: No good for critical color work. Lack of solid monitor related tech support.

Report offensive comment

  • Leave a comment

All fields marked with * are required

What do you think

Rate this product:

Need help? Read our guidelines for what each number rating represents.

Your e-mail will not be displayed

You must read and type the 6 chars within 0..9 and A..F

You must read and type the 6 chars.

  • Inside Apple's new Chatswood store

  • Acer P241WB

  • Eight tips to make your home eco-friendly

  • HP LP2480zx

  • ViewSonic VP2250wb

  • ViewSonic VLED221wm

  • BenQ V2400W

  • Apple updates Leopard to 10.5.4

  • Oi!: HP's professional colour monitor arrives

More articles »

Find the right desktop

Brand

    • Multiple options can be selected

    The Explain Series

    Telstra Explains ADSL2+

    • Acer P241WB

      Acer P241WB

      High brightness and a low price make the 24-inch Acer P241w immediately appealing, as does its unique bezel design, but we found its brightness came at the expense of deep colours and blacks.

    • HP LP2480zx

      HP LP2480zx

      HP's LP2480zx is a sight to behold. Now if only we had a spare AU$4,200 kicking around...

    • ViewSonic VP2250wb

      ViewSonic VP2250wb

      While it's definitely not a professional monitor as claimed, as an all-purpose monitor ViewSonic's VP2250wb does well, offering a step up within the 22-inch space.

    • ViewSonic VLED221wm

      ViewSonic VLED221wm

      ViewSonic's LED back-lit monitor leaves a lot to be desired in the performance stakes, especially considering its price.

    • BenQ V2400W

      BenQ V2400W

      BenQ's V2400W is a great way to get a higher resolution at a cheap price, although some of the usual extras are left out along the way.

    More reviews »

    Membership benefits

    Create a personalised homepage

    Create a personalised homepage

    Choose your interests from our 16 categories and only see articles relevant to you. Sign up for a free CNET.com.au membership now!