monitor Tests (P. 16/20)

"Philips 220WS8FS"

Published on: 8/2007

On test: Philips 220WS8

As Andy observed in his review of the HP w2207, 22in displays are fast becoming the new standard, offering a pleasing size, a widescreen aspect radio and a reasonable native resolution with a uniform 1,680 x 1,050. While all of these are undoubtedly good things it has to be said that while the standard of most of these 22in displays is reasonable, none has really blown us away, though the aforementioned HP and Samsung’s 226BW are currently our two favourites. When we heard that Philips was entering this rapidly crowded arena we were filled with anticipation, considering that Philips certainly knows how to make a good LCD display, as evidenced by this exquisite 37in 1080p TV. → More

"HP w2207 22in LCD Monitor"

Published on: 8/2007

On test: Hewlett-Packard W2207

As was noted in my review of the Viewsonic VX2255wmh, 22in monitors are quickly becoming a very popular form factor. In this respect 1,680 x 1,050 has become the 1,280 x 1,024 of the widescreen age and every manufacturer is eager to make a claim to dominate this space, more or less guaranteeing that no one will. One such company is HP, whose credentials in this market were done no harm when Riyad looked at its 30in offering, the LP3065. However, the 22in w2207 I'm looking at today has an altogether different character to its larger cousin. Sporting a 'BrightView' glossy finish, and effortlessly stylish design, it's aimed squarely at the mass market of entertainment and gaming enthusiasts who want to spend a little money on something to brighten up their computing. → More

"Samsung Syncmaster 245B monitor"

Published on: 8/2007

On test: Samsung SyncMaster 245B

Samsung’s decision to use a TN panel in the 245B (read more about the different TFT panels) means it can offer all the advantages of a larger display while undercutting the competition by around £100. → More

"Viewsonic VX2255wmh TFT monitor"

Published on: 8/2007

On test: ViewSonic VX2255wmh

Stylistically, the VX2255wmh is quite a departure from the rest of Viewsonic’s VX range, not least because it comes in a brilliant gloss white. It also has its controls down the right-hand side rather than front and centre, below the screen. → More

"Philips 190X7 monitor"

Published on: 8/2007

On test: Philips 190X7FB

Philips' 190X7 monitor is clearly designed for the more style-conscious of computer users. From its clean curved edges to the touch-sensitive power and menu buttons on the front panel, the whole design actively distances itself from the boxy, square lines of most PC screens. → More

"Packard Bell Maestro 220 monitor"

Published on: 8/2007

On test: Packard Bell Maestro 220Wdv

With PCs being used more and more for entertainment and an abundance of digital video content available, you’re likely to find yourself watching a fair bit of video content on a PC. Some manufacturers, such as Packard Bell with its new Maestro series, are blurring the line between LCD TV and LCD computer monitor. → More

"NEC MultiSync LCD2470WNX"

Published on: 8/2007

On test: NEC LCD2470WNX

Back in April I took a good look at NECs impressive 26in widescreen display - I could hardly miss it actually - seeing as it was a very large affair offering a bright and sharp picture at a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200. NEC monitors tend to be more expensive than most of its competitors, but earn the right to be so thanks to above average image quality. It concentrates on specialist markets such as Public Displays, Medical and high end photographic markets so feels no need to hope on the mainstream bandwagon. As such this is actually its first 24in display that NEC has released and based on our positive experiences of its previous screens, expectations are high. This 24in display is part of its MultiSync range aimed at corporate and SME's, which as we'll see later, does have an impact of what the screen can do. → More

"ViewSonic VX2435wm"

Published on: 8/2007

On test: ViewSonic VX2435wm

For under £500 (inc. VAT), you could do a lot worse than this massive 24in. diagonal wide-screen LCD monitor. And the ViewSonic VX2435wm is just as suited to serious business work as it is to video and gaming. → More

"ViewSonic VX2435wm"

Issue: 9/2007

On test: ViewSonic VX2435wm

More and more people are now opting for the extravagance and sheer comfort of a 24in monitor, and prices are coming down as demand rises. We've seen HDMI monitors before, such as the superb BenQ FP241W, but this ViewSonic VX2435 is the first 24in screen we've reviewed to offer the port at a price that really grabs our attention. → More

"Benq FP241WZ"

Issue: 9/2007

On test: BenQ FP241W Z

BenQ's 24in widescreen FP241WZ wouldn't look out of place in an office, with its plain, businesslike silver surround and black stand. However, hiding behind this bland exterior is an exciting range of inputs that suit the Fp241WZ to most PC and entertainment uses. → More

"Philips 190X7FB"

Issue: 9/2007

On test: Philips 190X7FB

Most monitor makers go for a plain black or silver surround, with as thin a bezel as possible and a pedestal stand. Not so the 190X7FB from Philips. This is a strikingly designed display, with tis square styling, large and shiny front and broad U-shaped stand. → More

"Philips 220WS8FS"

Issue: 9/2007

On test: Philips 220WS8

Philips has a good track record at PC Pro when it comes to TFTs, having held the AA-List crown in both the 17in and 20in categories, but the 220WS8FS is a slightly different proposition. instead of a fully adjustable, high-end display, this is a more basic offering, with just DVI and VGA ports, no speakers and a tilt-only stand. But it's quality that counts most and, in this respect, the 220WS8FS makes a good fist of matching its predecessors. → More

"Eizo FlexScan HD2441W 24in LCD Monitor"

Published on: 7/2007

On test: Eizo FlexScan HD2441W

Compared to its competitors, Eizo monitors have always been rather rarefied beasts. Its displays have been known in particular for their colour accuracy and as such, have been targeted at the high-end of the market, for pre-press proofing, video editors and keen amateur or professional photographers. Consequently, its displays have tended to lack features that would make them appeal to the average consumer, such as fast response times, high brightness and any degree of affordability. Eizo is ringing the changes with the 24in HD2441W, which is aimed firmly at the movie watching, PC and console gaming fraternity, yet also offers better colour accuracy than its competitors. It sports a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 and boasts the presence of not one, but two HDMI ports. → More

"BenQ FP94VW"

Published on: 7/2007

On test: BenQ FP94VW

Not all monitors are created equal. Some are built for precise colour reproduction, some are built for enhanced contrast in films, and others, like the BenQ FP94VW, are built for games. It's not just about a fast response time, either -- BenQ has also incorporated a range of video modes optimised for different game genres. It sounds like a gimmick, sure, but let's take a closer look at whether it offers any benefits. → More

"Packard Bell Maestro 220"

Published on: 7/2007

On test: Packard Bell Maestro 220Wdv

Packard Bell isn’t exactly renowned for its activity in the display market, and appears to be promoting its new Maestro series as a rival to conventional LCD TVs rather than as a monitor for your PC. → More

"ViewSonic VX2255wmh 22in LCD"

Published on: 7/2007

On test: ViewSonic VX2255wmb

Of all the various sizes and native resolutions available in the widescreen LCD market, it seems as though the 20 to 22in display is becoming as close to a popular standard as one can get. Obviously the larger displays with 1,920 x 1,200 resolutions, or the even larger 2,560 x 1,600 30in screens, offer more desktop real-estate, but what's offered by 1,680 x 1,050 models is a nice balance between viewable area, physical size and price. As such, it's no great surprise to see that this particular segment of the market is well supplied and highly competitive. We've looked at a number of 1,680 x 1,050 displays predominantly featuring either 20in or 22in panels, though one particularly outstanding 21in model, the Samsung 215TW, remains a firm favourite. If anything, though, it's the 22in displays that are the most appealing. Though they offer no more viewing area in real terms, the extra one or two inches of diagonal size is a palpable improvement. The last 22in ViewSonic LCD we looked at was the VG2230wm, which at the time – December 2006 – was a creditable effort. However the market has moved on rapidly since that came out, and ViewSonic has responded by updating its 22in offerings with the VX2255. → More

"LG Flatron L245WP"

Published on: 7/2007

On test: LG Electronics Flatron L245WP

This LG display is aimed at those who want more desktop real estate, 'Full HD' support and to make their PC-using neighbours jealous. It purportedly has more bells, whistles and tricks up its sleeve than equivalent monitors -- plus it's made by the people who bought you the ultra-stylish LG Fantasy series. But is it really as good as it seems? → More

"Viewsonic VX2435wm monitor"

Published on: 7/2007

On test: ViewSonic VX2435wm

The VX2435wm is an impressive-looking TFT display that's finished in Viewsonic’s usual glossy black and embellished with silver trim. → More

"Dell UltraSharp 3007WFP-HC - 30in Monitor"

Published on: 7/2007

On test: Dell UltraSharp 3007WFP HC

Few would argue that Dell paved the way for affordable, large, widescreen monitors. Dell’s original 24in 2405FPW really set the cat among the pigeons back in 2005, offering a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution at an affordable price. Not long after that, Dell released a 30in monitor to compete with Apple’s 30in Cinema Display. Not only was Dell’s 30in offering far cheaper than Apple’s, but it also offered more features, making it the choice of many professionals and consumers who needed (or just wanted) a 2,560 x 1,600 resolution. Things have moved on a lot since then though and the 30in monitor market is far livelier. Apple is no longer the only competition in this sector, with Dell now having to compete with the likes of Samsung’s superb SyncMaster 305T as well as the HP LP3065 (a full review of which will follow soon after this one). It therefore comes as no surprise that Dell has launched a new version of its 30in display, which represents the third generation of the product. But how does it stack up to the stiff competition? → More

"ViewSonic VX2435wm 24in HDMI flat-panel"

Published on: 7/2007

On test: ViewSonic VX2435wm

The HDMI (high definition multimedia interface) camp might have been making plenty of noise about how its new digital connector is the natural successor to DVI (digital visual interface), but so far we've seen precious few PC flat-panels that offer HDMI as standard. Well, the ViewSonic VX2435wm does. And at the same time it's actually done away altogether with a physical DVI. → More

"Benq FP241WZ monitor"

Published on: 7/2007

On test: BenQ FP241W Z

In terms of features, the 24in FP241WZ from Benq ticks all the boxes and adds some new ones of its own. With a total of five video inputs, it will connect to just about any video source. With all these connections, the picture-in-picture (PiP) function is a welcome addition. → More

"HP LP3065 30in LCD Monitor"

Published on: 7/2007

On test: Hewlett-Packard LP3065

Only a couple of years ago, Apple’s 30in Cinema Display was your only option if you wanted a 2,560 x 1,600 monitor, but a lot has changed since then. Obviously Dell appeared on the scene, making 30in displays far more affordable and adding better screen adjustment into the bargain. I reviewed Dell’s latest 30in display last week – the UltraSharp 3007WFP-HC – which was a decent screen apart from the lack of colour calibration at the factory. While the superb Samsung 305T offered outstanding image quality and colour accuracy out of the box. The HP LP3065 provides another option for anyone looking for a 30in display, but how does it fare against the competition? → More

"Dell UltraSharp 2707WFP 27in LCD Display"

Published on: 6/2007

On test: Dell 2707WFP

This is getting silly. We’ve had 24in displays for a while now, which is why both NEC and Acer have starting offering 26in displays. Dell however, was clearly a bit miffed that it, the company that introduced the concept of the large, affordable monitor, no longer had the biggest toy in town. As a response it’s launched the 2707WFP, a 27in display. Boys will be boys. → More

"ViewSonic VX2435wm 24in LCD Monitor"

Published on: 6/2007

On test: ViewSonic VX2435wm

One can't help but feel slightly ambivalent about ViewSonic. In many regards its monitors have a great pedigree, but it has always suffered in the knowledge that the likes of Samsung, Dell and BenQ seem to punch just a little too high for comfort. But, that's no reason to dismiss ViewSonic out of hand and this 24in LCD has all the raw attributes to be a very good monitor. → More

"HP LP3065"

Issue: 7/2007

On test: Hewlett-Packard LP3065

High-resolution widescreen TFTs are slowly gaining ground, but the likes of the LP3065 are still the exception. With its 30in diagonal, this ultra-high-resolution display offers 2,560 x 1,600 pixels - that's roughly twice that of other mainstream displays we've seen, with the exception of Dell's UltraSharp 3007WFP. → More