IT·Science Talk

Is a colorimeter worth it, or is factory calibration enough?

I work from home in Bologna, mostly print and packaging. My monitor came with a factory calibration report, and the colours look correct to my eye. But twice this year a printed job came back noticeably warmer than what I saw on screen.

A colorimeter costs roughly what I charge for a small logo job. Before I spend it: how much does a monitor drift over a couple of years? Is the problem more likely my screen, my room lighting, or the printer's profile? Has anyone measured the difference before and after calibrating?