Review: Dell 2407WFP 24-inch Widescreen UltraSharp LCD Monitor
I have been waiting for this for a long time. Finally, I own the Dell 2407WFP 24-inch Widescreen UltraSharp LCD Monitor! As promised, here is my personal review of Dell 2407WFP LCD monitor.
Table of Contents
Background story
In November 2006, I decided to get a 24-inch LCD monitor in addition to my existing Dell UltraSharp 1704FPT 17-inch LCD monitor. The 24-inch LCD monitor was in my wishlist for a long time until the previous Dell Hot Deals promotion. Immediately, I ordered the LCD monitor (now you can get the same selling price without promotion).
In the box
As usual, I received the LCD monitor after a week or so. The Dell box was so big and heavy. I could feel the monster inside. Since nobody was at home, I moved the box by myself. I was sweating but excited to unbox it!
Image: Dell 2407WFP 24-inch Widescreen UltraSharp LCD Monitor (unbox)
On the top, it was a quick startup guide. I did not read it until I completed the monitor setup (to check panel button functions). The CD is included, but I didn’t check it until now. You do not need that CD to setup the LCD monitor. All cables are included: 2 power cables and USB cable.
Setting up Dell 2407WFP LCD Monitor
Based on my previous experience of setting up Dell 1704FPT LCD monitor, I managed to setup this monster in 5 minutes. Basically, you only need to plug the cables to the monitor and connect them to your PC. But the big LCD is heavy, I suggest you get a helping hand.
The design of Dell 2407WFP LCD Monitor
The LCD monitor is black but it is silver for the back and the stand. Black on Silver make the LCD monitor looks cool and high class.
Image: Dell 2407WFP 24-inch Widescreen UltraSharp LCD Monitor (front)
Image: Dell 2407WFP 24-inch Widescreen UltraSharp LCD Monitor (back)
Although Dell claims that the monitor stand is height adjustable but do not expect to adjust the height as much as the previous stand design like my Dell 1704FPT LCD monitor.
The height adjustable stand for Dell 2407WFP 24-inch LCD monitor is only tall enough to turn the monitor in vertical mode. The different between lowest height and highest height is only about the height of a pen. It has disappointed me.
A lot of Inputs!
Image: Dell 2407WFP 24-inch Widescreen UltraSharp LCD Monitor (video input and memory card reader)
One of the unique feature of Dell 2407WFP LCD monitor over other lower-end LCD monitors is that it supports 5 different video inputs: DVi, VGA, Composite, S-Video, and Component Video. No HDMI port, the latest standard of high definition digital audio/video interface (used on PS3). But it is HDCP Compliant for HD video.
Beside video inputs, Dell 2407WFP also has built-in memory card reader (9-in-2) on the left side of monitor. The monitor has 4 USB ports, 2 at the back and 2 located below memory card reader. No USB port on the top for Webcam.
24-inch Widescreen LCD Monitor VS. 17-inch LCD Monitor
How big is a 24-inch widescreen LCD monitor? Here I compare the 2407WFP with my 17-inch LCD monitor.
Image: Dell 2407WFP 24-inch Widescreen UltraSharp LCD Monitor VS. Dell UltraSharp 1704FPT 17-inch LCD Monitor
The Dell 2407WFP 24-inch widescreen LCD monitor screen resolution is 1920×1200. It is so WIDE that the width is enough to display 2 full-size A4 paper document, AND still have 2 inches space to show your IM friends list!
Since both LCD monitors can display in vertical mode. Here you are, 24″ vs 17″ in vertical mode.
Image: Dell 2407WFP 24-inch Widescreen UltraSharp LCD Monitor VS. Dell UltraSharp 1704FPT 17-inch LCD Monitor (vertical mode)
As you see, 24-inch widescreen LCD monitor is a lot more taller (wider) than a 17-inch monitor.
I also took a picture with my Apple iBook notebook connecting to the big monitor and displaying the homepage of LiewCF Tech Blog.
The Buttons and OSD
There are 6 buttons at the bottom right of the screen (1704FPT has only 4 buttons). The buttons are black and concave, matched the monitor well. The right most is power button. The left most is input source select, then PIP/PBP select button and OSD menu/select button.
Image: Dell 2407WFP 24-inch Widescreen UltraSharp LCD Monitor (panel buttons)
The Down and Up buttons are used for OSD menu navigation. I was confused at first and used some time to be able freely navigate around OSD using only Down and Up buttons.
Here are the pictures of the OSD menu (click for full view):
LCD Monitor as TV
Since Dell 2407WFP supports many video input, you can use it as your TV as well. Simply plug TV video input to the proper input at the back of the monitor. Do the same for your DVD player and PlayStation 2 console.
Image: Dell 2407WFP 24-inch Widescreen UltraSharp LCD Monitor (PIP, Picture-In-Picture)
Dell 2407WFP LCD monitor supports PIP and PBP. You can also adjust the size of secondary display in PIP mode. Switching the input source is just a button press. Never miss your favorite TV program again. :)
Image: Dell 2407WFP 24-inch Widescreen UltraSharp LCD Monitor (PBP, Picture-Beside-Picture)
Buy Dell 2407WFP 24-inch Widescreen UltraSharp LCD Monitor
UltraSharp 2407WFP 24-inch Wide-Screen Black Flat Panel Monitor
Slideshow of Dell 2407WFP LCD Monitor
My two cents
Do you know that I could buy 2 sets of Dell E228WFP Entry Wide Screen LCD Monitor with the price of a Dell 2407WFP UltraSharp LCD Monitor? I must be crazy. Hehe…
If you compare E228WFP and 2407WFP, you will see the different. Although they have similar screen size but they are two different classes. 2407WFP is not only a computer monitor, it is the center hub of your home entertainment. Ifyou only need a computer monitor, E228WFP might be a good choice.
I recommend “UltraSharp” class Dell monitor, if your budget allowed. I have two Dell UltraSharp monitor now, no complains on quality. But some people may dislike UltraSharp monitor’s bright screen.
If another 17″ monitor increased my productivity, the 2407WFP definitely double my productivity. With such a big monitor, I can see more information at a glance. I can open 2 applications and align them horizontal, no more switching between applications. I can also open several applications and do not need to play hide-and-seek to spot them.
Oh, I love my Dell 2407WFP!
