Looking to buy 27 inch monitor with 2560x1140

[thibs27]

Hi,
I'm currently looking for a new monitor and i'd like it to be a 27 inch 2560x1440 res.
I want hdmi, dvi dual-link outputs.
I do almost everything, gaming, photo editing, 3d animations.
BTW, my rig is good enough for all i want to do.
If you could help me find a good one.
Thx,
Ben

 

[MauveCloud]

I think you mean hdmi and dvi inputs (since I don't know of any monitor with video outputs), but there are a few. The best known would be the Dell U2711, but if you're in the UK, you might be able to get a Hazro HZ27WD for less. I think there are some South Korean models like the Shimian Achieva and Yamakasi Catleap that have variations with HDMI (and I think some have glossy screens if you prefer that), but I haven't looked into when and how to pay import tax for those. There's also the Fujitsu P27T-6 and the Samsung S27B970D.
If you can live without the hdmi connection (either by using a converter to DVI or DisplayPort, or by using a capture device), you could consider the HP ZR2740w as a less expensive (except for the South Korean models) option, or the Apple 27 inch Cinema display if you want a glossy screen.

 

[thibs27]

What about the Samsung s27a850t?
Have problem seeing the difference between it and the older s27a850d.
Can't seem to find much about it.
Thx, Ben

 

[MauveCloud]

Looks to me like the s27a850t has more inputs - usb, hdmi, dvi, and displayport, whereas the s27a850d only has dvi. Also, it looks like the s27a850t is only available in the UK and Australia.

 

[thibs27]

Would you get the s27a850t over the s27b970d?
And why?
Thx,
Ben

 

[MauveCloud]

For myself? No, for two reasons:
1. I live in the US, and the s27a850t doesn't seem to be available from US websites
2. I have older game consoles that require component and composite hookups, which make the Dell U2711 more attractive to me than any of the Samsung monitors at this resolution (though if I knew of a good video capture device, I'd look closer at those South Korean models available on eBay that only have dual-link dvi)

 

[thibs27]

I'll only be using hdmi and not component/composite. (Emulators for older consoles)
For that reason, would you still choose dell u2711 over samsung s27b970d?
Thx,
Ben

 

[MauveCloud]

Yes. The Samsung S27B970D's LED backlight is attractive for lower power consumption, but the monitor is more expensive than the U2711, and as far as I can tell, the Samsung doesn't have an audio out port, so if the built-in speakers are unsatisfying, you'd have to get an extra device to be able to use separate speakers.

 

[thibs27]

Best answer selected by thibs27.