In common with several folks on here, I'm in the zone for a new monitor and possibly calibration software.
I've noticed that the 2490/2690 with the spectravision option is somewhat harder to get; many dealers have a good deal on the monitors, but I typically can't find the calibration package separately.
New egg has a reasonable deal on the monitor alone and a high rating on resellerratings; amazon offers the complete package but through Tigerdirect, which seems like a so-so vendor.
Any thoughts you care to share here would be appreciated.
I purchased Spectraview II directly from NEC for $99 and then got the hood for another $99 for the 2690 which I purchased from Newegg. It seemed cheaper and easier than finding a package.
In the US you have three options: 1) just buy the monitor; 2) buy the monitor and Sprectraview II software (software can be purchased directly from NEC); 3) buy the SpectraView or SV version of the 2690 which includes the monitor, software, and calibration sensor. If you want option 3, then you have to use it's part number ... which I'm not sure, but I think is the regular model number with -SV at the end. Please note the software is Spectraview II. Spectraview II supports a number of calibration sensor (check with NEC or the software manual for models). I use my Eye-One Pro.
You can buy the Software alone ($99) or a package of Software and Puck (Sorry I do not know that price) on the NEC website. Just be aware the NEC website is not user friendly and you will have a hard time finding the SpectreView II. Do not give up, it is there. By checking the specifications for the SpectreView II you can find a list of the pucks it will work with. Handy/$ saving if you already own one.
