LaCie has rolled out an upgraded version of its 10" and 22" electronblue monitors. This monitor line is aimed at professional designers, and the company tells us that the new models are enhanced from previous versions. From LaCie:
Featuring Diamontron natural flat aperture grille tubes, the LaCie electron19blue III and electron22blue III monitors produce sharp, bright images with vivid, accurate colors and zero geometrical distortion. By adding LaCieis optional blue eye hardware calibrator, graphics professionals also have precise, dynamic color and screen control.
The flatness of the electron monitorsi screens reduces eyestrain and light reflection while eliminating the geometric distortion created by the rounded shape of standard tubes. As a result, the image viewers see on the monitoris flat screen is what they see in their completed video project or printed on paper. The unique dark blue frame improves the picture contrast and helps the eyes focus on the screen.
With the optional USB blue eye hardware calibrator, users can precisely adjust each electron gun in the monitor (red, green, blue) individually until the optimum settings are achieved. Once the monitor is perfectly adjusted, the blue eye generates a ColorSync profile that can be used in virtually any video, animation or content development application. Using the blue eyeis Reference and Target capabilities, workgroups can match color across multiple monitors to ensure consistency as projects move from creative workstation to workstation.
The electron19blue III monitor sports a 19-inch tube and an 18-inch diagonal viewing area which provides a 25 percent increase over the display area of a typical 17" monitor. With a maximum resolution of 1600x1200 @ 76Hz, the electron19blue III is ideal for graphics professionals, freelance video content editors or anyone who find that a 17" monitor is too small and isnit ready to commit to purchasing a 22-inch monitor.
Designed for demanding content applications, LaCieis electron22blue III monitor features an extra-wide 22-inch tube and a 20-inch diagonal viewing area. With a maximum resolution of 2048x1536 pixels and a flicker-free refresh rate of 80Hz, the LaCie electron22blue III excels in all of the primary measures of image quality. For mainstream applications, both monitors allow users to select lower resolutions that are more appropriate for applications such as Word Excel and Web browsers.
Because surrounding light alters the way a user perceives colors on the screen, the LaCie blue eye is designed to compensate for room lighting. Combined with the LaCie blue hood that is supplied with the monitor, users are assured of consistent and reliable colors. The easy-to-use calibrator allows users to choose between automatic, pre-set calibrations or manual adjustment of each value such as luminance compensation, gamma or white point temperature.
Availability and Pricing
LaCieis electron series monitors are available through resellers, VARs and mail-order catalogs. The kits include: the monitor, the blue hood (black inside), a video cable with a Macintosh adapter (plug&play) plus a 3-year replacement warranty.
The electron19blue III is priced at US$499, and the electron22blue III is priced at US$999. The optional LaCie USB blue eye USB hardware calibrator is available for $499. You can find more information on the companyis monitor line at its Web site.