Before I talk about the screen, I'll talk about all the bits and bobs that you get with this monitor - that you wouldn't normally.
First of all, there's two VGA inputs. This allows you to use this monitor with two computers, at the same time, you then switch between inputs - chosing what input is actually displayed on the screen. While it is possible to buy seperate devices to do this, it's nice to have this feature already there, for you to use without any extra wires or desk space taken up.
On the subject of desk space, there's a 4-port hub built into the base of the screen, allowing you to plug four devices into the base of the monitor. This is ideal for devices that need to be plugged and un-plugged on the fly, such as MP3 players, digital cameras, mobile phones, keyboards, mice, etc. On the down side however, the hub is made for the older standard USB1.1, not USB2.0.
Also built into the base, is a pair of speakers. The are speakers that are idea for general use (system sounds, the occasional music track, etc) but rated at a meer 1Watt, the sound they produce isn't particurly great. The sound could be described as "tinny", like the sound you hear when sitting next to someone on a train with their personal stereo turned up far too loud.
The monitor itself is of reasonable quality, running at a max resolution of 1280 by 1024, running at 119Hz.
I would describe the image quality as "average". Text appears slightly fuzzy, but only very slightly. The quality of colours produced is good, but nothing amazing.
The monitor also has three modes, which optimise the monitors setup for still images, text, and movies. The settings work well for their respective purpose, although they can't be customised.
So on the plus side, the extra space saving features offered (speakers, etc), and the dual VGA inputs.
On the other hand, for the price, the picture quality isn't brilliant.
A decent monitor, but probably a little expensive.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Sharp Picture, Flat Screen, High Resolutions, Speakers on the front. Disadvantages: Takes up a lot of space on a desk, 2 thin horizontal lines going across the screen
Mar 24th, 2004
very helpful by (30%):
helpful by (70%):
