Question : Problem: Best LCD for color management

I've got a buddy who needs the best color management LCD monitor for use in a textile company. They work with a lot of colors and need to be working with true colors that they scan or want to print.

Answer : Problem: Best LCD for color management

You can spend a lot of money in the pursuit of high color fidelity.  What you need really depends on the color gamut (range) you require and how much money you have to spend.

At the low end, if you do not need a very wide color range but just need color fidelity, you can invest in one of the many color calibration systems, such as one of the ColorVision Spyder2 devices.  (see http://www.colorvision.com/product-mc.php ).  These products in combination with a standard LCD or CRT monitor do most people just fine.  However, if you work with a very wide color range this will not work for you.

Most monitors only cover the sRGB gamut.  If you need a larger gamut than a standard display can offer (neon orange textiles?), you can investigate one of the many wide gamut monitors available.   "Wide gamut" lcd monitors are EXPENSIVE.  It is much easier to make a wide gamut and light stable CRT than it is to make an LCD.  If you need to save money, search out a professional wide gamut CRT.  If money is no object, try the Eizo CG221.  (about $5000).  See http://www.eizo.com/products/graphics/cg221/index.asp .  This monitor covers the ENTIRE Adobe RGB gamut.

The LCD2690WUXi is substantially less expensive (about $2000), but only covers 91% of Adobe RGB.  Be careful, it's little brother, the LCD2490WUXi, only covers 69% of Adobe RGB.

Good luck!