I have used a Datacolor Spyder calibrator on my desktop and laptop computer screens since I got them - the advantage of working in Camera Electronic was the fact that the goods I needed were right there on sale in front of me. And I was encouraged to clean up my act by the other staff members who knew what they were doing and could calibrate not only the consumer cooking-quality screens like my iMac but could also do the right thing on the EIZO and BenQ monitors.
I attended several lectures and workshops by company representatives, expert commercial photographers, and local printers who explained colour management, calibration, and accurate, consistent printing. The portions of their lectures and seminars that I can now remember centred around the lunches and drinks tray...
Nevertheless, I regularly attach the old Spyder Express calibrator to my screen here when reminded and it regularly returns the thing to a reasonable balance. The Epson printer digest Epson ink and Epson paper and delivers pretty much what I want it to show me. I am content.
You may wish for more precision, understanding, and repeatability than I - you may be running several monitor screens in widely-separate areas of a workspace, coping with varying light levels and white balances. Your photography may be subtle instead of brash and you might be charging a great deal of money for the results. All reasons to take the calibration a lot more seriously than I do - and all reasons to investigate the newest of the
Datacolor SpyderX units - the Pro and the Elite. They have different levels of adjustability and capability, but both are well in advance of my 5-year-old basic unit.
I've been gnawing at the reviews myself to see the differences and they appear to be the sorts of things that le the user cope with networks of screen in different areas and widely differing end results. As well, the optics of the calibrator have been improved to work more accurately under lower light.
There is also the promise of faster calibration and partial resetting so that one doesn't have to do the entire routine to merely trim up a screen.
I'll be continuing with my Express until it points out, but if you are looking for an entry into accurate colour right now, think about investing in the heavy end and assure yourself and your clients of something consistent for the next half-decade.
