This past week I finally pulled myself out of the PC screen dark-ages and replaced my ancient CRT monitors with two model SP2309W LCD monitors from Dell. Now that I've gotten them settled in my workspace and have put them to some good use, I can happily say that they were money well spent. This is a brief overview of these monitors and my impressions of them.

These two SP2309 LCDs are a much needed improvement over my old CRT monitors.

The SP2309 is a attractive monitor with a full set of features. Native resolution is a massive 2048x1152 pixels. Inputs include HDMI, Dual-Link DVI-D, RGB (D-Sub), 1/8" audio-in and -out, as well as an integrated USB 2.0 hub with one in and four out ports. It also includes a USB-based integrated webcam and two microphones mounted at the top of the screen bezel. The included base allows for 360-degree swivel, and a somewhat limited range of tilt combined with elevation.

I use my computers almost exclusively for web development ('productivity') work and causual internet browsing, so I don't demand too much from my monitors. Although the SP2309W are a "twisted nematic" (TN) type LCD panel (which is commonly regarded as the poorest performing type), I have yet to be disappointed with them. I should also note that I'm currently running them in analogue mode (with the included 15-pin D-Sub cable), because my current video card is not capable of dual-monitor, dual-link support — that is: two monitors, both running dual-link connections. Because of their large resolution, they require a dual-link capable video card to display their native resolution in digital mode. Despite this, the monitors' performance is up to my expectations. I expect these monitors to perform even better once I get my system’s specs up to par.

Many reviews I have read on the Internet included complaints about poor viewing angles and color performance when viewed from anywhere off-center. I prefer to align the top of my monitors with my eye level (or slightly above), so this has never been a problem in my setup. I actually have quite a large range of movement before I start to experience washed-out colors or poor contrast.

I've found that the default settings of these monitors is quite appropriate, and in fact only adjusted the brightness and contrast so far. The default brightness setting was so bright that it hurt my eyes after a few hours of viewing time in my relatively dimly lit office. As an example, I currently run the contrast at 70, and the brightness at 25! They are quite comfortable at this setting.

I am very impressed with these monitors, and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a large, high-resolution widescreen. If ultimate gaming performance is a concern, these may not be the best solution, however I have not seen any evidence so far that they would not perform well.