Spyder 3 Pro

Has anyone here purchased a Spyder 3 color calibration device for use with their Sager? I'm continuing to struggle getting the right calibration on my 8150 - the color profiles aren't doing it for me, and with my roommate just ordering a 8170, I figured I might pick one of these up.

Anyone know if it's worth getting the Pro version over the Express?

 

We use the Spyder 3 Pro for our color calibration and it does an awesome job. There is a noticeable difference from the preset color profile and the new one it makes.

I see by your sig you have a 95% gamut screen. Sager has some profiles up you can try on their drivers page http://www2.sagernotebook.com/pages/notebooks/download.cfm?ProductType=8150

 

Thanks Hutsady - if it's good enough for XoticPC, it's good enough for me . I've tried the Windows color profiles and haven't been satisfied with the results. I figure that with two of the increased gamut screens in the house, plus all the friends I have with laptops, I'll get enough use out of the Spyder to justify the $100 - $130 I'll spend on it.

 

The hardware of the two versions is the same. The difference is in the limited/locked software of the Express compared with the higher models. Things that are not in the lower software include ambient light measurements and support for calibrating multiple display set-ups on one computer. So, you pay a premium for software features, not for a better colorimeter "puck".

 

check out the new spyder 4 pro , it`s not much more expensive.

 

How do we load the profiles on our machines? I have a profile that came on cd with my laptop (it didn't come with an OS) but I'm not sure how to get it into Windows and apply it?

 

FYI, at the price point of a Spyder3Pro, I find most enthusiasts prefer the X-Rite EyeOne models (LT, Display 2) over the Spyders. This is because Spyder does not actually calibrate their colorimeters at the factory, which produces a wide variance of performance in their pucks. I saw a figure a while back regarding a large sampling of Spyder pucks, stating that about 1/3 were very spot-on, 1/3 were very inaccurate, and 1/3 were in the middle somewhere. Spyders are like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.

 

You will first want to copy the color profile to your comptuer.
Get into Color Management. I just click on the Windows Start icon and type Color Management.
On the Devices tab make sure "Use my settings for this device" is checked, click "Add" then "Browse" to the file and select it.

 

Thank you!

 

Not calibrating a calibration device before it leaves the factory? That's scary, and has likely scared me off the Spyder. I also think charging extra for the software that lets you calibrate a multi-monitor setup is pretty weak.

I suppose I will look into the X-Rite devices now.

 

I see absolutely zero difference! before and after! like zero!!

 

I got the spyder 3 color calib from Malibal.

 

Just ordered the X-Rite i1Display 2. $80 "like new" from Amazon via Amazon Warehousedeals. There are a bunch of negative reviews on Amazon, but they are mostly from Mac users or people who had trouble installing the software, etc. None of them seemed very credible.

I'll have to have a friend help me use it when it arrives. I'm red/green colorblind, which is part of the reason I wanted a calibration device

 

Ah, here it is. Found the source. Great overall resource on this topic.
FAQ: Which meter is right for me?

 

That's a good deal, the i1Display 2 was their consumer level flagship before the i1Display Pro, which I have and works great. X-Rite is awesome stuff.

 

Why would you not calibrate a CALIBRATION DEVICE in the factory.

Logic does not compute.