Calibrate your monitors for cheap

In the world of computer monitors, there’s quality, … and then there’s the rest of us. I buy my monitors at places like Costco, Target and Best Buy, where you can pick up a 27-inch unit for under $300.

Remember that statement about “you get what you pay for?” It’s particularly true of low-end monitors where color calibration is often an afterthought rather than a guiding product principle. TUAW Talkcast regular Shawn “Doc Rock” Boyd offers a great workaround for all of us who buy low on the food chain.

Instead of spending upwards of $200 for a display calibrator, he’s discovered that you can rent a color meter from your local photo shop for somewhat less than $20. He offers a quick but excellent write-up on his personal blog, with hints about the process. (Don’t forget to save your calibrated settings in case you need to swap out hard drives or upgrade to a new OS.)

Apple-branded shiny and white is a wonderful thing, but it’s not a solution for everyone. Doc’s calibration rental solution provides an effective workaround for people who want to make the most of the equipment they can afford.

Calibrate your monitors for cheap originally appeared on TUAW on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Source | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *