Released in late 2004, the Dell 2005FPW received positive reviews for its image quality, numerous inputs and lots of options. However, one of the main complaints was that it was simply ugly. In typical Dell fashion, it lacked any style whatsoever. Employing a thick, black bezel and an awkward looking circular stand, it was hardly a design piece. Enter the Dell 2007WFP, the next generation 20’’ widescreen Dell LCD. Released in early 2006, it brought the acclaimed quality of the 2005WFP into a gorgeous package and did so at a very competitive price.

The 2007wfp is not without controversy. In an apparent cost-cutting measure, Dell created a “lottery” of sorts with the 2007wfp; randomizing which panel was used. Early production runs used the excellent LG.Philips S-IPS panel, but later models began to feature Samsung built S-PVA panels. The S-IPS panels are the same as those used in the expensive Apple Cinema Display, but the S-PVA that began to be used was a much more mainstream panel. The panel type is apparently random, although late models (revision A04 and later) generally do not ever have S-IPS panels.

The model used for this review is a LG.Philips S-IPS panel.

Features:
The Dell 2007WFP does not skimp on inputs. Where the Apple Cinema Display only has a single DVI input, the 2007wfp includes a VGA input, a DVI input, a S-Video input and a composite video input.
Other interesting features include picture-in-picture, which is admittedly limited to one computer input and one non-computer input.
Tilting is an excellent feature. The 2007WFP is able to rotate 90 degrees and the software (should be) is able to make your display show in portrait. In Mac OSX, there is a setting in the Display Preferences setting window to adjust the rotation.

Design:
The Dell 2007wfp’s design is a major improvement over the dull look of the 2005wfp. Out is the round, matte black and in is a gorgeous silver and black contrast with pronounced corners and a more “boxy” design. That is not a bad thing at all; it looks much better then the round 2005fpw bezel.

The stand of the 2007wfp is both nice to look at and very functional. It is built to route all cables in an attempt to reduce “cable clutter” that results from loose wires.
Quality:
The Dell 2007wfp uses the same internal panel, with a few small tweaks, as the overwhelmingly well-regarded Apple Cinema Display. If you do end up with a S-IPS panel, then you have an excellent model. Calibration and a few OSD adjustments bring it up to par with much more expensive LCD monitors in terms of color accuracy and graphic performance. Dell backs up the build quality with a strong 3 year warranty (better then Apple, unless you buy the additional AppleCare).

Price:
You can’t argue with the price of the 2007wfp. Dell officially asks a slightly steep $400 MSRP, but the street price is significantly less, around $300. At the latter price, it’s a very good deal and an excellent pick up. For anyone except a Getty photographer or a print designer, its more then good enough in terms of accuracy and image quality.

Try to find an older model if you are in the market for a 2007wfp. A revision A02 or A03 with a confirmed LG-Philips S-IPS is the best bet in terms of quality, but all the revisions make for excellent monitors.