Dell 2709W

Update 11/30/2009: For revision 02 of the 2709W, we put it through all the tests again. For the W2408WFp, the second revision was a real boon. Unfortunately, on the 2709W nothing has changed. Our test results are strictly identical, and so are our assessments of the monitor.

A new change in look for Dell.  The previous 2707WFP already set itself apart with new curves and lines that we thought would be this manufacturer’s new standard design.  Can we start to say “the beginning of the end” for the glossy look? Either way, previous glossy material has been replaced by matte and curves have been replaced by straight lines and sharp angles.  The end result is a very nice!

Beyond aesthetics, Dell affirms once again its domination in terms of ergonomics. DVI, HDMI, Display Port, VGA, YUV, composite, a 4 port USB HUB, card reader, audio inputs/outputs, rotating base, vertical adjustability as well as very large viewing angles – what more could we ask for? Not much as we already gave it 5 stars.

Card reader and 2 port USB hub on the side

The various connections and a 2 port USB hub

For gamers, it’s almost like they died and went to heaven.  Like ergonomics, reactivity is amongst the best.  However, like its little brother, the Dell 2408WFP, it has an average delay of 4 images compared to a CRT monitor which means a consequent disadvantage in network gaming.  This problem is less significant in more classic situations where you are playing alone with a single screen.


The biggest disappointment of the 2709W is its poor color fidelity.  The average difference between the colors wanted by the graphic card and those displayed on the monitor is 5 when the best screens are at less than 2.  Here, we are far from ideal and even from being average.  And this is all the more so true because you cannot make any improvements via the OSD – or at least our various attempts in adjusting manual settings didn’t give any better results.

Finally, one good point is that according to our measurements contrast largely surpasses the 1000:1 mark thanks a particularly deep black of 0.09 cd/m² at 100 cd/m².

An energy efficient screen?

Several of our colleagues (Clubic and PC-INpact) reported the release of this screen giving particular attention to its moderate energy consumption.  Is this a real effort to save the planet?



Not really as this 27 inch still needs 70 watts when other 24 inches equipped with a TN panel are content with 40 watts.  Opting for VA technology with its larger viewing angles means a higher electricity bill.  Nevertheless, despite its large panel we can still say it’s better than the  2408WFP...