Dell U2311H: E-IPS, Full Adjustments, and DisplayPort
by Chris Heinonen on September 27, 2011 12:20 AM ESTPower Consumption
Since the Dell still uses a traditional CCFL backlight and not an LED backlight, the power consumption falls in line with other traditional 23” displays. At max brightness the Dell consumes 41 watts while at minimum brightness it only consumes 18 watts of power. Heat didn’t seem to be an issue, and while I have no way to measure it, even after sitting here at the display for 2+ hours while I work on this review, neither the screen nor the rear of the panel was very hot to the touch.
Conclusions
Overall the Dell U2311H did a good job as a display, especially when you consider how affordable you can find it available for. The backlight uniformity leaves a bit to be desired, but the dE level was capable of getting to a level that was suitable for print work. The contrast ratio of 1000:1 was very nice compared to other monitors in the same price class as well. While an HDMI input would be nice for those looking to have it serve double duty as a display for gaming or movies, a simple HDMI to DVI adapter will resolve that since it lacks speakers anyway.
We have no problem recommending the Dell U2311H as a step up from the numerous mediocre TN-based LCDs that currently sell for under $200. However, there are other E-IPS LCDs available for under $200, so what you're really paying for here isn't E-IPS but instead it's the other features. What might those be? For one, getting a 23" display with height/swivel/tilt adjustments usually bumps the price up around $50. The other major "extra"? DisplayPort.
Ironically, the royalty-free DisplayPort tends to only show up on more expensive LCDs—a quick search at Newegg for instance shows that the pricing of the U2311H is right in line with other offerings that feature full adjustability and DisplayPort. If you happen to need/want DP support rather than HDMI, it's an important distinction, but you'll pay for the privilege.
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bennyg - Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - link
I got a U2311H for $222 (AUD) bought online, picked up in metro Melbourne a couple of months ago.Nice monitor, superb viewing angles. Way ahead of the rest for its price bracket.
bigpow - Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - link
If you need IPS for work or hobby, you probably won't care for compromises, e.g. this panel.If you don't need IPS, ditto above.
Sadly, it'll probably sell well, since clueless buyers usually go for the mid-priced item of a family.
Add to that, cheap buyers like to compromise and fool themselves believing they just bought a 'higher-end" product
Over time, the compromise will become the new high-end. Lowering market expectation and consumer knowledge with it.
People who couldn't afford nice things should just stick with what they can afford. Compromise only brings standards down for all
DaFox - Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - link
"People who couldn't afford nice things should just stick with what they can afford."Classy.
jecs - Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - link
It sounded bad for him I agree but I think his general idea, even if it looks negative on the words he picked, still has a merit.What we may have with this new Dell monitor IPS line is a superior consumer oriented line or a very low entry for prosumers. Still not competitive in price with TN LED matrices.
It's a higher low end monitor for a medium class not looking for the cheapest. It just sounds dumb in Simpson's words.
Slaanesh - Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - link
> Sadly, it'll probably sell well, since clueless buyers usually go for the mid-priced item of > a family.> Add to that, cheap buyers like to compromise and fool themselves believing they just
> bought a 'higher-end" product
Well I'm looking to buy this monitor.
I want a gaming monitor but can't stand the horrible quality of a TN panel. So I want the best possible image quality still with acceptable input lag and pixel responsiveness.
If anyone else knows of a better, more suitable monitor for me, please tell.
fausto412 - Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - link
"People who couldn't afford nice things should just stick with what they can afford"umm...think. about. it.
They buy the mid range because THAT IS WHAT THEY CAN AFFORD!
tzhu07 - Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - link
At the design agency I work at, our Art Director has to use one of these as a secondary monitor (next to an iMac screen), and it is plain awful. My boss, who didn't do much research, kinda bought it on a whim. Now even he says it's crap.jecs - Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - link
um, are you using any calibration tool?orenlevy - Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - link
Currently in israel the U2311H is last stocks... 235 US$and the U2312HM is stock for 2 weeks 245 US$
Better lag Better response time
Better contrast.
Slaanesh - Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - link
Are there any reviews yet for this year's U2312HM model?How does it compare to last year's U2311H?