Dell took an unusual step backwards today by announcing the 8ms UltraSharp 17" 1707FP and UltraSharp 19" 1907FP LCD displays. The displays both use 6-bit LCD panels capable of 262,000 colors per pixel with an 8ms gray to gray response time.

Dell has been a large proponent of 8-bit Super IPS LCD panels in the past, but the move to 6-bit panels for the 1707FP and the 1907FP is not completely unusual. Typically, Dell will use different components for different regions -- so the UltraSharp 1907FP in Europe may be completely different than the UltraSharp 1907FP in the US.

Both displays come with a native resolution of 1280x1024 and 500:1 contrast ratios. Representatives from Dell Europe claim the price of the 1707FP and 1907FP will be £199 and £299, respectively.

This news article was written on February 15, 2006, quoting Dell.