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The $249.99 Elite offers unlimited Gamma and color temperature options. In addition, it can be used to calibrate multiple monitors and includes ambient light measurement plus a recalibration wizard. The $169.99 Pro offers four Gamma choices (1.8, 2.0, 2.2 and 2.4) and four color temperatures (5000K, 5800K, 6500K and native) and supports ICC 2 and ICC 4 profiles. Read another way, those are all the things you don't have to worry about because they're set for you in the software. The base $119 Express model is simplicity itself, using just one Gamma setting of 2.2 to match the human eye and Adobe RGB, one color temperature (6500K) and providing ICC 2 profile support. All of them offer the SpyderProof interface and real-time profile and calibration checks. We say primarily because the Express does not have the tripod mount of its siblings. The Spyder4 is available in four models, distinguished primarily by the software capability so you can upgrade via Datacolor's Web site. We're a little less clued in about how the Spyder can calibrate so many devices but we promise to explain how it calibrates the iPad at the end of this review. Otherwise we found the Spyder4 to be a very familiar friend with a full-spectrum 7-color sensor to read a variety of common displays.
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With the proliferation of screens, Datacolor is hoping its Spyder4, which can handle them all, will be as welcomed among consumers as it has been with pros.
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But it hasn't been as widely adopted as its importance might suggest. Hardware monitor calibration - which is what Datacolor's Spyder is all about - has always been important for achieving accurate color on your monitor and minimizing surprises from your output devices.
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