Dell G2410 review

Most of this incredible performance can be attributed to the monitor's LED backlight. Most monitors use cold cathode fluorescent lamp-based backlights -- several fluorescent tubes stretched horizontally across the screen. The G2410 relies on individual LEDs all over the back of the screen that turn off or on independently, giving the display more precise control over the amount of light coming through. The purported advantages of an LED backlight are better energy efficiency, more accurate colour reproduction, a conceivably thinner panel design, and a higher potential brightness level.

A high black level on a display will distort the greyscale and adversely affect colour reproduction. Thanks to its precise control of the backlight, however, the G2410 is capable of a low black level, which translates into fantastic colour reproduction. While its maximum brightness is lower than that of the 2408WFP, this was never a problem and, at times, we had to turn down the G2410's brightness to decrease the strain on our eyes. Its tested contrast ratio was less than the 1,000:1 claimed by Dell and came in at a fairly close 948:1.

We looked at the game Crysis on the G2410 under the game preset and saw a clean picture with no signs of ghosting during fast movement.

The optimal viewing angle for a monitor is usually directly in front, about a quarter of the screen's height from the top. At this angle, you're viewing the colours and gamma correction as they were intended. Most monitors are not made to be viewed at any other angle. Depending on the type of panel used, picture quality at non-optimal angles varies. Most monitors use TN panels, which get overly bright or overly dark in parts of the screen when viewed from non-optimal angles.

The G2410 uses a TN panel, and, when viewed from the sides or bottom, we perceived the screen to darken about six inches off from the centre. When viewed from the optimal angle, we had no problems. Performance-wise, this is the only area in which the 2408WFP, made with an S-PVA panel, fairs better. S-PVA panels are known for having wide viewing angles.

Conclusion
The Dell G2410 isn't the most beautiful monitor we've ever seen, and the lack of ergonomic options and an HDMI connection is disappointing. But it's still a great monitor, thanks to its fantastic performance, energy-conscious interface and relatively low price tag.

Additional editing by Charles Kloet