NVIDIA monitor calibration?

[katia]

Just wondering how to go about calibrating my monitor? It is unfortunately a laptop screen, but at least I have a decent graphics card.

I got some cards printed from Moo, and they were WAY too dark, so I fear my monitor isn't calibrated very well.

I am running Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit

Here's the specs from dxdiag:

Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 9300M GS
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_06E9&SUBSYS_1505103C&REV_A1
Display Memory: 2270 MB
Dedicated Memory: 495 MB
Shared Memory: 1775 MB
Current Mode: 1280 x 800 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Model: unknown
Monitor Id: AUO6024
Native Mode: 1280 x 800(p) (60.019Hz)
Output Type: Internal
Driver Name: nvd3dumx.dll,nvwgf2umx.dll,nvwgf2umx.dll,nvd3dum,n vwgf2um,nvwgf2um
Driver File Version: 8.16.0011.8766 (English)
Driver Version: 8.16.11.8766
DDI Version: 10
Driver Model: WDDM 1.1
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 10/3/2009 06:02:06, 9613416 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes

No idea what ANY of that means but...

Is there software to help me with this? Can I hire an expert? I really have no idea how to go about this. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[katia]

bumperoo!!

[Photologyst]

Monitor Calibration - Calibrate Your Monitor - Color Management Methods for On-Screen Display

[wryabin]

Coincidently i was checking the same stuff in youtube right before i logged in here. I liked this video, you can check it out.
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[RichardTaylor]

Another simple way of doing it.

Monitor calibration and setup for photography and printing

I don't use the same version of windows as you, however you should be able to access the NVIDIA control panel by right clicking on your desktop screen.

[DelCan]

I have the same problem on my laptop. One problem is it depends what angle the screen is setting. I'll check all of these resources out!

[zona5101]

a calibration tool is a good investment but until then here is another set of on-line calibration tools...
LCD monitor test images

[Photologyst]

Originally Posted by zona5101

a calibration tool is a good investment but until then here is another set of on-line calibration tools...
LCD monitor test images

This is yet another reason to own a Mac or two. Calibration tools are built in.

Often, good photo printers offer calibration tools for free.

[katia]

yeah an iMac is next on my list but with all the specs and addons i want...$3,400 is not just an amoun of money I can pull out of my pocket! lol

thanks for all the links, i'll check them out!