OT: ColorVision Spyder 2 Express Any Good?

Does anyone have any experience with this hardware calibration unit? I have read good things about the spyders, but I am not sure if I understand the difference between this and the pro model. Has anyone used either that can comment on them?

I used the Spyder2Express for a few years before I upgraded my monitor, which came with its own calibration hardware.
It does a good job of getting you accurate calibrated colors, but doesn't really address screen brightness, which can be problematic with todays ultra bright LCD monitors. I just lowered my screen brightness to match the prints that I had produced from Mpix and that took care of that end. Of course, you can spend wads of money on the 'best' calibration packages, but in the end a good monitor/print match is the end goal, and I got that using a Spyder2Express.
Bear in mind that you can never really obtain a 100% perfect match between reflective images (prints) and transmissive images (monitors).

Koveh, I had the spyder 2 and upgraded to the spyder 3. The 2 was ok but I have a few more options and a little more user control with the 3 version. There are other calibration tools that are better but they are way more expensive. You should be ok with the 2 for now although I know there will be a couple who will disagree with me on this.

The tests I've seen show that Spyder is not up to par with others. I use Monaco Optix XR, which I've been happy with and it cost around $200. I think Nat recommends XRite (though don't quote me on that). Not sure what the Spyder costs but when I was buying this I don't remember the Spyder being less expensive (that may have changed).

I use the Spyder2Express on my CRT monitor, I have been happy with how closely the prints match from Mpix to my screen. I soon will be switching over to LCD, so I'll see how well it works calibrating an LCD soon!.

I use Syder2 Express on my LCD monitors and it works fine, agree too with John's comments re brightness.

Fantastic feedback all, great to hear. I actually use Mpix for my prints currently, so glad to hear people have used the Spyder2 and had good results with prints from there.

Grant, I totally agree that there are better options out there (Xrite & Monaco). That said, the Spyder2 can be had for about $60, so at 1/3rd to 1/4th the price, I am hoping it will do pretty well. Eventually I honestly need to upgrade my 22" LCD to a better monitor. I think I will start hitting the capabilities cap of my monitor before too long, but I could be wrong. =)

Thanks again everyone!

I've used the Spyder2 as well as Gretag Eye-One. Gretag I think is better; noticeably more accurate. The Spyder profiles always seemed slightly too red/magenta to my eye.

I would disagree with Grant and say the Spyder is better than most. I've been using the SpyderPro 2 for a couple years now and have got great results from it.