screen calibration question

[Foques]

Hey folks, I am looking to get me a calibration tool for my iMac..and currently am looking at getting me a Spyder tool.

now, I know they have multiple levels of these tools, and here is my question..

Is the tool the same no matter which release (elite, express, pro) I go with or are they changing the device layouts, too?

Can anyone suggest a better tool that is not too pricey?

thanks

[Nyarthlopic]

Hi Foques,

Check this article (http://www.smugmug.com/help/display-color) out on calibration of monitors. Consequently, I just go with close. Since a print will never be backlit, it's going to look a hair different. Of course, I may not be picky enough...

[Foques]

thank you, i've read this article, but it seems that I can see the difference between calibrated and non-calibrated screens. and it is rather vivid to me, and I don't like it :)

[arodney]

In terms of the multiple product options, keep in mind the hardware is the same. The odd thing here is you are paying more or less for functionality in the software. Any display calibration product that doesn’t provide full and capable control over setting display luminance and white point is pretty worthless. You’ll never get a good screen to print match. Having options to set these two parameters is key in getting that match. See:http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/why_are_my_prints_too_dark.shtml