South Korean Monitor Craze

I started programming more often and while my 120hz 1080p 27" monitor was awesome for gaming, it sucked hard for productivity. I wanted an external monitor that didn't look like poop (read TN panel) for my MacBook Pro as well. I looked around and anything larger than 1080p in 24"+ in the IPS variety was very expensive. I almost ordered an Apple Cinema display or a Dell 2711, then I remembered people going crazy over some 27" monitors over at overclock.net, so I read into them.

Even though there were some definite draw backs to the cheaper Korean monitors and a bit of randomness in the build quality, I decided to gamble and ordered one last Sunday. To my amazement it showed up from South Korea today (Wednesday) after being shipped on Monday! Wow, talk about speedy delivery!

The thing that bothered me was the reports of dead pixels or back light issues, or even DOA packages. I had a scare when I first hooked it up. I plugged the power in, plugged the DL DVI cable in, and fired it up. Nothing. I fiddled with it, nothing. I changed out cables, nothing. Then I hit the space bar and brought my computer out of sleep :p and it worked.

Other than the obvious draw backs such as a craptastic stand, meager packing, and low rent materials, the display is fantastic! For those that don't know these use the exact same LCD, LED backlit panels that Apple Cinema and Dell Ultraview monitors use except they are rated A- instead of A+. This means they were not quite good enough for 1000+ dollar monitors, but still very good quality. Some may have up to 5 dead pixels while others may have a slightly uneven backlight.

Mine came without any dead pixels. It does have some backlight bleed when the screen is totally black, but is unnoticeable during normal use. Using 2560x1440 is a major step up from 1080p at the same size. I'm glad to be back using an IPS panel, as any TN I have ever used feels very muted and washed out compared to an IPS. Its nice seeing an IPS at this size and resolution.

Pros:
Dirt cheap pricing (paid 290 shipped)
Fantastic display (S-IPS, 2560x1440)
Ships fast

Cons:
Sketchy warranty
Slight roll of the dice with dead pixels/backlight bleed
Super crappy stand
No on screen display
Only one Dual Link DVI port with no other inputs

Overall: The highest end LCD on the market wrapped in a budget-grade package priced lower than most TN panels, ie an enthusiast's dream :).

Any of you guys heard of these or even have one?

Did you get a Catleap?

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Originally Posted by OpStar

Did you get a Catleap?

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Yup Catleap 270 SE. Green-Sum had them on sale for 290 shipped. I think they are 309 shipped now.

Ya, $309.99 now. I'm considering getting 3 for a surround setup and selling my 2711 to offset some of the cost.

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Originally Posted by OpStar

Ya, $309.99 now. I'm considering getting 3 for a surround setup and selling my 2711 to offset some of the cost.

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That would be awesome. I've heard they are coming out with 120hz versions. 27", 2560x1440, IPS screen at 120hz!! Fantastic.

Are you catching that news on overclock? Could you ping us here if you see anything about that actually coming out? I still haven't picked up one of the catleaps from their thread a while back but I need to get something soonish for work.

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Originally Posted by Vindir

Are you catching that news on overclock? Could you ping us here if you see anything about that actually coming out? I still haven't picked up one of the catleaps from their thread a while back but I need to get something soonish for work.

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Sure. Most of the buzz surrounding them is coming from 120hz.net. I'm wondering how TN companies are doing now that these IPS panels can be had for so cheap. I've heard of a sub 200 dollar 24" IPS panel as well.

The 120hz are special order only, through 120hz.net (and one ebay seller I think) and they're going for $550.

The more I look at them the more I'm leaning towards a Crossover. I just like how they look better.

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Originally Posted by Timman_24

I'm wondering how TN companies are doing now that these IPS panels can be had for so cheap.

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i dont think the "TN companies" really care since they are also the "IPS company".... samsung/lg/auo/etc all make money whether you buy their TN or IPS panels

Anandtech did a brief write-up on one which I was surprised to see how good the results were:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5885/t...d-sips-display

I bought a Dell U2711 long before these were an option and there's definitely no room for a second 27in monitor as much as I'd love to add one at that price.

John

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Originally Posted by Johnmcl7

Anandtech did a brief write-up on one which I was surprised to see how good the results were:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5885/t...d-sips-display

I bought a Dell U2711 long before these were an option and there's definitely no room for a second 27in monitor as much as I'd love to add one at that price.

John

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I'll probably look at getting two more down the road just for the hell of it. Getting three for under the price of a single Apple cinema is nuts. Microcenter also stocks a similar monitor for 399 and covers it with a decent warranty.

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Originally Posted by Timman_24

I'll probably look at getting two more down the road just for the hell of it. Getting three for under the price of a single Apple cinema is nuts. Microcenter also stocks a similar monitor for 399 and covers it with a decent warranty.

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Links or it didn't happen. I just went over to microcenter.com and they only have two with similar specs, and they're both north of $700.

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Originally Posted by Nabby

Links or it didn't happen. I just went over to microcenter.com and they only have two with similar specs, and they're both north of $700.

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In store only. http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0384780

I just wish there were more options that had displayport. It's the one thing that has kept me from buying these. It's a stupid reason, I know. But it's my reason and I really like the new displayport connectors/cables, etc. I don't want a monitor that has limited usefulness in a year or two when VGA/DVI are officially no longer being put on new devices and the only connectivity will be DP (VGA standard) or HDMI (to appease consumers).

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Originally Posted by James

I just wish there were more options that had displayport. It's the one thing that has kept me from buying these. It's a stupid reason, I know. But it's my reason and I really like the new displayport connectors/cables, etc. I don't want a monitor that has limited usefulness in a year or two when VGA/DVI are officially no longer being put on new devices and the only connectivity will be DP (VGA standard) or HDMI (to appease consumers).

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Its not stupid at all. It was almost a deal breaker for me, but I just bit the bullet and bought a DP to DL-DVI adapter for my MacBook Pro. I couldn't be happier with the purchase. I replaced the stand today with an very robust solution fro mono price. Its a very bad *** setup.