Any reason to replace the old Spyder with the Spyder2. Any comments about the larger cal. suites

I've made that change and find the Spyder 2 much more consistent and less susceptible to ambient light.
Terry

IF I were going to replace the unit all together, I'd replace it with an EyeOne Display-2 from X-Rite or better, if I could still find one, an OPTIX.

I do my digital processing in a basement. I also use a Spyder for callibration. Would it be a good idea to turn off all lights and close window shades when I callibrate?

And I am wondering - why does the program remind you to recallibrate what seems like every month? Does the LCD screen change that much in a months time?

Yes. You can change the frequency reminder. The LCD may change depending on the model and the particular quirks of the particular monitor. re-calibrate and see.

Chromix has a deal on the OPTIX:

USED/ OPENED PRODUCT FOR SALE - ColorNews newsletter-only specials

10 ea opened Monaco Optix XR (New $219) $165 <-- - price drop

I second Andrew's strong recommendation of Optix, or Xrite i1 Display 2 over the Spyder product.

The i1 software usually gets the job done; but my recommendation for software is ColorEyes (they won't talk to me but their software is excellent), or Basiccolor Display. Both of these have fully functional free demos so you can test them risk-free.

BTW, anyone interested enough in this topic to spend the dollars on a calibrator would probably benefit from purchasing Andrew's very practical book entitled Color Management for Photographers which he is too modest to advertise himself.

Edmund