You can spend a great deal of time post-processing your images to perfection.
But if you are not working on a calibrated monitor, you might be wasting your time.
Each monitor displays colors slightly differently.
For example, your monitor may exhibit a stronger red than mine or vice-versa.
You can get close to accurate monitor calibration using software tools such as Adobe Gamma,
but using a hardware calibration device such as X-rite i1 (Eye-One) Display makes this job easy and precise.
The X-rite i1 (Eye-One) Display is very simple to use. Install the software, plug the mouse-like device into a USB port,
run the software and follow the instructions.
The X-rite i1 (Eye-One) Display hangs on the front of the monitor (LCD included)
and the software displays various colors on the monitor.
An eye on the device records the actual color produced and creates a profile for your monitor.
The profile is then saved and selected as the default for that computer.
The X-rite i1 (Eye-One) Display takes the guess-work out of the monitor calibration process.
If you are running Photoshop,
be sure to remove the Adobe Gamma Loader from your Windows Startup folder!
The current model is the X-rite i1 (Eye-One) Display 2.
The shopping links will point you to this version.
Recommended Shopping Resources
(Using these links to make your purchase supports this site)
X-rite i1 (Eye-One) Display at B&H Photo
X-rite i1 (Eye-One) Display at Amazon.com
X-rite i1 (Eye-One) Display at Adorama
X-rite i1 (Eye-One) Display at J&R