The Dell S2440L 24″ Monitor (SDG$379) is part of Dell’s new S series monitors which includes S2240L 21.5″ (S$249), S2340L 23″ (S$279) and S2740L 27″ (S$549).

The S2240L and S2340L monitors are virtually borderless, while the S2440L and S2740L monitors are almost frameless, with flushed edge-to-edge glass on a glossy screen.

According to Dell, the S series is targeted at consumers seeking a compelling entertainment experience that couples superb aesthetics with powerful performance.

Specifications

  • Diagonally Viewable Size: 60.97 cm (24″)
  • Horizontal: 531.36mm (20.92″)
  • Vertical: 298.89mm (11.77″)
  • Maximum resolution: 1920 x 1080 at 60 Hz
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Pixel Pitch: 0.277mm
  • Brightness: 250 cd/m2 (typical)
  • Color Gamut: 86% (typical)
  • Color Depth: 16.7 million colors
  • Contrast Ratio: 5,000:1 (typical), 8 million:1 (Dynamic Contrast Ratio)
  • Max Viewing Angle (typical): 178° vertical / 178° horizontal
  • Response Time (typical): 6 ms with overdrive (grey to grey)
  • Panel Type: VA (Vertical alignment panel technology)
  • Panel Backlight: LED
  • Ports: VGA, HDMI
  • Security: Security lock slot
  • Dimensions (Height x Width x Dept): 417.9mm (16.45″) x 567.4mm (22.3″) x 190.8mm (7.5″)
  • Weight: 4.95kg (10.91lbs)
Dell S2440L - Press Shot
Dell S2440L – Press Shot
Dell S2440L - Back View
Dell S2440L – Back View
Dell S2440L - Side View (21° Backward)
Dell S2440L – Side View (21° Backward)
Dell S2440L - Side View (4° Forward)
Dell S2440L – Side View (4° Forward)
Dell S2440L - External Power Adapter
Dell S2440L – External Power Adapter
Dell S2440L - 1.8cm Thin
Dell S2440L – 1.8cm Thin

When I first opened the package, I am impressed at how thin the display panel is, it measures only 1.8cm. Because it is so thin, it needs an external power adapter for the electrical conversion.

Among all the S series models, this is the only monitor that uses VA (Vertical Alignment) panel while the rest uses IPS (In-Plane Switching). I did some Googling and it seems that VA panel has slightly narrower viewing angles when compared with IPS panel but VA panel has better color tones reproduction due to the good contrast ratio (5000:1) that allows you to differentiate color tones better (especially darker tones) like from very dark grey to black. This might be good for designers but not really useful for general consumers.

Dell S2440L - Glossy Screen
Dell S2440L – Glossy Screen

The S2440L comes with a glossy screen which is very reflective, personally I am not a fan of a glossy screen for monitors, I prefer matte.

Dell S2440L - HDMI & VGA Ports
Dell S2440L – HDMI & VGA Ports

The limited ports on the S2440L is also another disadvantage, it only has VGA and HDMI ports. I wish they substitute the VGA port with DVI.

Priced at S$379 for a 24″ monitor with mediocre specifications is pretty expensive if you ask me and even at that price, it doesn’t come with a built-in USB hub.

Dell S2440L - With MacBook Air
Dell S2440L – With MacBook Air

Summary
I can’t recommend this monitor for general consumers. For the lack of features & glossy screen but nice aesthetics, it is not worth S$379. I would rather you top up S$60 and go for the Dell UltraSharp U2412M 24″ Monitor which is retailing for S$439 with specifications much better than the S2440L. If S$439 is a little steep for you, you can opt for the Dell UltraSharp U2312HM 23″ Monitor retailing for S$289.

Pros:

  • Good contrast ratio
  • Thin display panel
  • Sleek design

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Only 2 ports (VGA & HDMI) ports available
  • No USB hub
  • Glossy screen
  • VA panel (Personally I prefer IPS)
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