The best monitor for Photoshop CS5

I've been wanting one of the NEC Mutltisync 30 inchers for a long time: http://www.necdisplay.com/category/desktop-monitors. The Spectraview models come with an X-Rite Eye1 that plugs into the monitor itself, not your computer. If you already have an Eye1, NEC sells the software by itself as well.

When, oh when, will my budget allow it? You can save a bit of money by ordering a refurished one form NEC's site, though.

Thanks for all the responses.  Looks like the monitors that are best also cost a lot.

The most recent monitor I was looking at was a HP 2711, which I can buy for $274.00.

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/product_detail.do?storeName=storefronts&landing=display&category=display&a1=Screen+size&v1=27&product_code=XP600AA%23ABA&catLevel=2

Oh, man, a tough question...

I have two old Dell LCDs from about 6 or 7 years ago - Ultrasharp 2001 FP models - and I don't know what I will do when they stop working.

What do I like about them?

1.  They're crisp to the very pixel.  Even the dot on an i is a tiny little discrete black square.

2.  They almost perfectly map the sRGB color gamut and require very little calibration to display gamma 2.20.

3.  They work seamlessly with Windows, powering-down and up as needed.

4.  Colors don't shift hardly at all depending on viewing angle.  This is pretty rare.

5.  They've been perfectly reliable.

However, since you can't get these monitors, and it's anyone's guess whether Dell's current models are just as good, I really can't recommend anything.

I do know, that from what I've read lately, if I did need to replace them I would look very seriously at the Dell UltraSharp U2711.  I think at least some folks here (Emil Emil?) have this model.  It's a bit above your price point, but a monitor is NOT something to skimp on, especially if you value your eyesight.

-Noel

Look at the panel technology. There are basically three types: TN (twisted neumatic), VA (vertical alignment) and IPS (In-plane switching).

IPS is what you want because it has wide viewing angles without any ill side-effects.Unfortunately it's a bit more expensive, mainly because IPS is too slow for gaming and that immediately strips away 90% of the market. The Dell U2410 is very popular and probably the best value currently in the market. A good alternative is the HP 2475W. I hear there's a new Dell model called U2412 which also has an IPS panel but is less expensive.I don't have any details about it.

Stay away from TN panels (which is most of them). The viewing angle is so narrow that you'll see a dark to light gradient from top to bottom of the screen. This is inherent in the technology and doesn't go away with a higher price tag.

VA is much better, but they do show a curious effect known as "black crush", which is a compression of very dark levels when viewed directly on-axis. Move your head a little bit, and the effect goes away.

Edit: If you can afford it, or don't already have one, set aside a small extra sum for a hardware calibrator, about $100 and up. It's about as essential as the monitor itself.

This is probably blowing your budget to pieces, but you will not regret it!