[firefly]

I have just bought a Dell 2005fpw to find I have a bad case of the backlight bleeding problem. Since I can return it now I have been thinking about whether I should swap it for an Apple Cinema 20" - I have noticed that the build quality of the Dell is actually pretty poor in many respects, the LG panel being the only quality component. At first with the Dell on 25% off I thought it would be much better value but it has been over 3 years since the last time I bought a monitor and if I keep the LCD this long again, £120 is nothing...

The only few things putting me off are the 1 year warranty and poor flexibility of the Apple stand - it doesnt raise or swivel. In fact, the standard height of the ACD is the same as lowest setting of the Dell, and it feels a bit uncomfortable. I dont really want to end up putting books underneath the Apple to raise it after I spend so much on its design. What have most people done about this?

What do you think would be a better choice, get another Dell and see if the replacement is satisfactory, or just a refund and get an ACD? The Dell DOES have a lot going for it (extra inputs, 3yr warranty, good stand, low price) but if the Apple's components and build quality is so much better...

[kulverse]

I love my Dell 20.1" wide, but mine has no backlight issues so... My Apple 20" swivels up and down. They are about the same quality with the Dell being a tad brighter.

[firefly]

I noticed that in a dark room, black appears sort of washed out on my Dell - particularly noticeable with films. Since you have both of these screens, can you tell me if the Cinema Display produces deeper blacks?

edit: Also does the brightness setting of the ACD go much lower than Dell? (even the minimum of Dell is quite bright)

[kulverse]

they are about the same blackness in a dark room. The Apple may be a tad darker, but it's also a tad less bright. The overly bright apperence you are gettin gmay be due to the bas bleeding you are getting. It is my opinion that the Dell is just a better deal both pricewise and featurewise. Of course the Dell is not as pretty. Dunno if looks are worth the extra $400 or whatever for half the features. I bought a Dell for home as well. I love it.