Dell UltraSharp U2412M Review

Dell has enjoyed a healthy reputation when it comes to displays in India, and it has been so at least roughly over the past 4 years. There have been several iconic displays offering an abundance of features, along with impressive performance at different price brackets. Good tech support and reliability of their products has only enhanced that image further. Product refreshes happen all the time and their UltraSharp line-up of displays have been updated, yet again. The 24-inch UltraSharp U2412M model is one of the more expensive products out there, but one expects a solid performance, more than just good looks and features.

Features

The Dell UltraSharp U2412M features an E-IPS panel, a variant of the IPS panel. While most displays in the market of late have been built around TN panels that are notorious for their average colour reproduction and poor viewing angles, IPS panels in general offer better colour rendition and also better viewing angles. Response times are considered to be slower with E-IPS panels. Unlike most of the other mainstream panels, the U2412M runs a 16:10 aspect ratio resolution of 1920x1200, like the yesteryear displays. Dell claims a response time of 8ms, which is another sign of an IPS panel. TN panels have tighter response times in comparison. Still, in the real world, the 8ms response is negligible and won’t affect everyday applications, games or movies. 

The U2412M - the next update in the UltraSharp lineup

In terms of connectivity, the U2412M has most of the necessary connects covered. HDMI input is missing, but you can connect other sources using the DVI, D-Sub and DisplayPort inputs. An HDMI port would’ve been a good addition to the feature list. There are no headphone out ports or speakers built into the display. 

The OSD interface is an important component of any display - it helps you select the inputs and calibrate the display as you need. While many manufacturers are moving towards touch sensitive controls, Dell has stuck to the more traditional physical button controls with the U2412M. 

Design and Build Quality

The UltraSharp U2412M from this year, as denoted by its model number has an evolved shape and design. Like a sports car, the sharp edges have mellowed giving form to a more rounded design. This is obvious through the curved corners on the Dell UltraSharp U2412M.

Basic, easy to understand controls for a performance display

The display has a thin bezel, which enhances the look of the display. The buttons on the display, though small are easy to press and operate the user interface, which is self-explanatory and is infact, one of the easier ones in the whole lot of menus. Very rarely are you required to browse through various levels of the interface to access the settings you want.