As a senior writer, I work with words and images hand in hand. Photos are just as much a part of my storytelling as the text, whether it’s for an NXT magazine spread I send to my design team or for content I create. Getting the colors right is essential. It saves time, cuts down on back-and-forth edits, and makes sure the final piece looks exactly as I envisioned. That’s why I started using the new Datacolor SpyderExpress. This gives me an accurate color starting point that lets me focus on the rest.
What I like most is how quick and simple it is. Calibration takes just 90 seconds. I downloaded the software, answered a few questions about my setup, placed the Spyder on my screen, and let it run.
Once the process finished, I saved the profile, removed the sensor, and immediately noticed a difference. The tones on my monitor looked more natural, the balance was corrected, and the colors felt true.
Check out my video on how I calibrated my laptop screen below!
What I love most is calibrating my laptop with my extended monitor so the colors flow seamlessly between both screens. This matters a lot in my line of work. When I send uncalibrated photos to a colleague, they end up spending extra time correcting colors. It feels satisfying to see everything in harmony, making design work smoother and giving me that sense of consistency I can trust. With SpyderExpress, what I see on my screen is already accurate, which means the files I hand over are ready for use. It ensures the reds, blues, and skin tones all appear as they should.
I also like the Room Light Monitoring feature. As someone who often writes and edits at different times of the day, the ambient light sensor helps keep my display accurate whether I’m working in bright morning light or late at night.
This matters a lot in my line of work. For example, when I am writing an article on luxury watches or the latest smartphones, the visuals matter as much as the story. If my monitor is uncalibrated, the color of the watch might differ, or the subtle color of a smartphone finish might come across completely differently. With SpyderExpress, I know what I am seeing is accurate, so the files I hand over are ready for layout and print.
The SpyderExpress is also compact enough to carry around. At just 3 by 3 inches, it slips easily into my bag, so I can calibrate while travelling if I need to.
It also works well with Apple’s latest XDR and mini-LED displays, including the new MacBook Pro M4 series. On top of that, from October 2025, the software can be upgraded to unlock features like Device Preview, soft proofing, display matching, video-centric tools, and expanded display support, including OLED and mini-LED. This means the SpyderExpress is not just a starter tool. It grows with me as my creative needs expand.
At the end of the day, what this device really offers me is trust. I can trust that the colors I see on my monitor will carry through to print and digital platforms. It allows me to edit with confidence, share with confidence, and focus on the creative side of my work instead of second-guessing my screen.
It will be retailing at USD $129. Find out more here.
