Dell UltraSharp 2001FP Preview: Gaming LCDs for the Masses
by Kristopher Kubicki on November 10, 2003 12:36 AM EST- Posted in
- Displays
Construction
Dell's 1st and 2nd generation monitors can only be described as “clunky.” The 2000FP and 1702FP are notable monitors of good performance, but less than desirable style. It is obvious that Dell took a page from Samsung's 191T (or Dell 1901FP), when designing the 2001FP LCD. The bezel on the 2001FP is literally 1/3 that of the 2000FP. Also gone is the one piece design, in favor of a VESA compatible stand and screen.Click to enlarge.
We will touch more on the stand and base later, but it is fairly interesting how heavy the stand actually is. Since this monitor will tilt and swivel, the counterweights in the base effectively double the weight of the assembled unit.
Oddly enough, it looks like USB hubs on the monitor are back in vogue again, and you can see from a shot of the monitor inputs that the LCD accepts 2 USB outputs in the rear, and an additional two USB receptors on the left side of the monitor. This looks like a bit of an afterthought, but if you are used to having the USB ports on your monitor, it is a welcomed addition.
Click to enlarge.
From the picture above, you can see the 2001FP is not shy on inputs. From left to right, you can see inputs for power, composite video, S-Video, DVI, D-sub 15, Audio (for the AS500 sound bar, which was not included), USB 2.0 input, and 2 more USB outputs. The Genesis gm1601 chipset on the monitor is more than capable for these signals.
The screen itself is a very nice LG.Philips LCD LM201U04. This is perhaps the first true 16ms 24-bit LCD panel commercially produced and doesn't rely on over-inflated contrast ratio and brightness numbers to draw attention to itself. We will go into more detail about the panel later on.
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airjrdn - Friday, April 9, 2004 - link
I'm getting conflicting feelings about this monitor as well. I guess I'm summing it up to some people being pickier than others.Is there ANY ghosting at all in UT2K3/4?
labelreader - Saturday, April 3, 2004 - link
Yep. I have one of these monitors at work and that's exactly what I did; the "insulator" actually helps with the movement problems when it's on top of the cable hook because it gives you some slack in the cable between the hook and the display. By the way, there are no flaws on mine or my coworkers' displays...I want one for home!HermosaBeach - Saturday, February 7, 2004 - link
Hi, I own an ATI 9800 Pro and a Samsung 210T (Digital 1600x1200 via DVI).The ATI 9800 Pro defintely supports 1600x1200 via DVI (digital). Not only does it support it, but I only play games at 1600x1200, I never reduce the resolution, unless the game does not allow this resolution. Furthermore, it most games, I turn 6xAA and 16xAF on as well. The odd game is too slow (frames per second are too slow) and I reduce the AA and AF, but I never reduce the resolution.
You want to use the LCD in its native resolution when-ever possible.
Dave
StripPokeHer - Saturday, December 27, 2003 - link
Owners of 2001FP:Do any of you guys have the same problem with the "grainyness" of this screen.
Here are different posts from others that I have found:
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/mess...
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/mess...
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/mess...
I have the same problem. My eyes are used to LCD screens because I use my laptop for half of the day at least (1400x1040 14") I have also used both the 1800FP and 1900FP without issue. But this thing is bugging the sh*t out of me, and i will probably send it back. Waited a long time to get this (primarily based on this review), and the quality of this monitor turns out to be like crap.
Anyone seen/know what the cause of this is? FYI: I'm running a 9800XT 256MB on DVI @ 1600x1200. Running latest cats + the monitor driver provided by dell. I had the same problem on both DVI and Analog, but truth be told, they were both ATI controllers (9800XT & a Radeon 9000)
Any input to those who are owners are appreciated! :) TIA
MorbentFell - Wednesday, December 24, 2003 - link
Hmm... will check that out. Thnx for the reply.Singletary - Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - link
Folks on the Dell Community forum are saying that the screen is LG Phillips, but the monitor is assembled/manufactured by BenQ.MorbentFell - Saturday, December 20, 2003 - link
I just received this monitor a couple days ago. I've been having some strange problems with green & red horizontal diagnol pixel lines that resolve when I turn the power off and on again. As I was looking on the back, one thing I noticed is that it says 'BenQ Corporation'. I may be showing my ignorance here, but I was under the impression these are LG Phillips screens. Are they the same thing? If not, are the specs/quality equivalent? Any input would be appreciated.Singletary - Thursday, December 18, 2003 - link
I like the monitor very much, but don't think I have it adjusted correctly. I know room lighting is different, but where are you folks setting the contrast and brightness? Anyone found a profile to ensure color correctness? Please share Kristopher!Spirex - Wednesday, December 17, 2003 - link
FYI...go to Dell Business to order, they are currently selling it for $749.00 plus tax. Mine came out to a total of $794.00 to ship to NJ. I am not sure how long this promotion will last.Spirex - Wednesday, December 17, 2003 - link
I just got mine yesterday. Hooked it up via the DVI port to my ATI 9700 pro AIW. This thing is kicks my previous monitor to the curb(Viewsonic p813 21"). At first, I was having difficulty reading text because I wasn't used to the sharpness @ 1600x1200. I had also played in a UT2k3 ladder match that night. To sum it up....AMAZING. No ghosting at 1024x768-60hz full screen. The image quality was as good or better than my CRT. I didn't lose any skill points with this monitor. Maybe I try some real work on it today.