Ok, so I admit I used to be an MCSE (Well, NT 4.0 was a LONG time ago) and have always worked on PC's up until a few weeks ago. Heck, my dayjob still requires I use an intel laptop so I never going to be completely apart from Bill Gates until I quit the dayjob...but I digress.

I don't know if it's because this is a LCD monitor--I don't know if it's because it's a laptop and not a MAC desktop, but I have been having the dangest time getting my color management down on this lovely machinery. I bought the laptop for portability and really don't want to do my editing chained to my desk. I want to be able to sit in bed like I am doing now and work.

I should just calibrate the darn thing--I have Monaco Optix and can do that easily, but I was wondering why things seem redder to me than my PC desktop setup.

Anyone else who edits on the MacPro have any good advice? I would like to purchase the desktop and 20+ inch monitor someday, but I really wanted the ability to get up and go and separate my stuff from my husband's stuff which constantly gives me spyware, malware and repeated XP reinstalls that I am getting sick of doing.


Pam

If you have the Optix, why not calibrate it? I find that every display needs some amount of calibration and many require a significant amount.

I used Optix on mine. Works fine. Prints to my Epson R1800, when all the proper ICC profiles are installed, are pretty darn close to a perfect match. I find that it helps to make three or so profiles with the Optix, because I've never had the calibration unit spit out exactly the same profile twice. I then use whatever profile most closely matches my output.

Yeah. Tonight is the night I am going to do it. I actually messed around more in ACR and am beginning to get a feel but definitely I will calibrate it. Thanks to you that responded.

I too use the Monaco Optix. For me it is a brightness problem. I have not a problem so much with color.

The rest of my computers are Windows based. I am used to being to adjust brightness and contrast on my monitors. Contrast is not an option on the MacBook Pro, that is as far as I know.

Use the Optix, it will get you pretty close.

This is typical of most every LCD under $1000 and includes most laptops. The only monitors I know of that are less than $1k that can have both the color and the brightness match are the NEC's (I forget the model but the 21 inch is $749 at B&H). Other than that one you have to spend a lot more to be able to get the screen dark enough to match prints.
Too bad new trinitron CRT's are so hard to find now! All I can find is refurbished ones...

Hey Colin,

If you find a new Trinitron please let me know. I'll be all over that. They rule.

Here's what Apple's site says to do for an applecare technician.



I'd just use your optix

Here's an interesting rumor I heard at my tech job.
The Apple LCD's and Dell are made from the same manufacturer, I think it's samsung or something.. so if I can confirm this I'm gonna get the Dell 30" before I drop 2x the money on the Apple one.

I think, it is only true about LCD panel. The rest of electronics could be different, which could make a difference.
I do use optix on my macbook pro too. works fine.

They used to be the same LG-Phillips Super IPS panels in the 20/24/30" sizes. However, Dell has been slowly switching out for Samsung panels instead (which aren't as good for graphics).