Windows 7: Monitor calibration

I finally got around to buying a monitor calibration device ($150!) since I'm an amateur photographer.
Spyder4Express by datacolor.
It's supposed to be fine with my system specs (see my listed specs) and I'm using the Dell IPS monitor. Following all the guidelines, latest datacolor software I end up with terrible color profiles.
I'd appreciate any comments from users of this device.

I don't use the device, but the instructions say it first creates a reference profile. Maybe try going to Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Display and run the Windows 7 calibration, then re-run the Spyder4Express.

Thanks for the comment. I've played with this thing for over a day now. I've had a little feedback from datacolor that didn't add much, they even referred to it as a Spyder3 when I told them it was a Spyder4.
For me Spyder4Express is a dog with my Windows 7 system.
It may go great guns on a Mac but I'd question their claimed Windows 7 compatibility.
Now I have to try and get my money back (from Photographic Wholesalers)!

Something I forgot to mention is trying the monitor's built-in balance controls too.
I mean no offense but the Spyder4 looks more a way to make money than be helpful. I do a bit of photography and generally the prints don't look much like the display does no matter how I tweak the settings. Then there's the paper, ink, and printer all conspiring to make a good shot look crappy.
I think the Spyder would be as useful as one of these.

No offence taken. However, serious amateur or professional photographers would always calibrate their monitor. Post processing using Photoshop or GIMP is pretty pointless on an uncalibrated monitor. Up until now I've winged it without calibration. I think the majority of photo pros use Macs so it's a lot easier to get calibration products working perfectly.

Also, Windows inbuilt calibration is only marginally useful for monitors way way out of calibration. Generally it's pretty useless.

I use the Spyder 3 pro and it works flawlessly. I think it's important to take time setting it up and when you are asked to make initial brightness alterations you do so as accurately as possible. Also make sure that you allow monitors plenty of warm up time.

Andy

The unit/transducer was a dud and I returned it.
I found out through a photographic forum that I occasionally frequent that the retailer probably sold it to another customer who had exactly the same green cast problem. It was also suggested to me that the Spyder units have a bit of a quality control issue. I'm guessing many have good units but I'll probably try a different brand next.