70 Color Monitors

We test high-resolution monitors with displays ranging from 15 to 21 inches to find the highest image quality and the best values

Andrew J. Froning

The monitor is arguably the most important component in determining how effectively you work, especially if you use a graphical environment that relies on clear displays of text, images, a multitude of data points, or many open windows. Fortunately, today you have more choices than ever for high-resolution monitors, whether you run general business applications or make presentations to packed conference rooms.

To pick the best of today's offerings, we tested 70 color monitors ranging from 15 to 21 inches, with resolutions and refresh rates sharp enough for today's more demanding graphical applications for PCs and Macs. To search for the be st image quality, we ran more than 40 tests on each monitor to measure overall quality, sharpness, and distortion. We ranked the monitors for how easy they were to set up, adjust settings for, and use. Finally, we determined how much power each monitor consumed.

Our test sample consisted of 28 15-inch, two 16-inch, 31 17-inch, one 20-inch, and eight 21-inch color monitors. The average cost of a 15-inch monitor was $610, or half the average price of a 17-inch monitor. Prices more than doubled again for 21-inch monitors, which averaged $2736. The least expensive monitor we tested was the Megatron MegaImage L15MG, a 15-inch display that lists for just $279 (but received the lowest overall score in our quality tests). By contrast, 21-inch monitors from Mitsubishi and Nanao, at $2999, carry the highest price we saw (the Nanao F760iW was a runner-up for Best Overall in its category; the Mitsubishi Diamond Pro 21 FS was not ranked).

To be considered for testing, monitors had to have a display resolutio n of at least 1024 by 768 pixels. Fifty-nine monitors supported horizontal resolutions higher than our minimum requirement: 47 displayed 1280 pixels, one displayed 1152 pixels, and 11 offered 1600 pixels. We required our test monitors to support the VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) recommended minimum refresh rate of 70 Hz for 1024- by 768-pixel resolution.

We saw only five picture-tube manufacturers represented (Hitachi, Matsushita, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, and Sony). Quality varied according to differences in the individual tubes and the electronics (e.g., the microprocessors that handle the incoming video signals) that each monitor vendor integrated with the tube.

How to use this guide

We selected the best color monitors based on quality rankings and evaluations of ease of use, features, and power consumption. Higher numbers mean better performance. Two points or more in the quality index represent obvious differences, a 1-point difference is subtle to the unaided eye, and a 1/ 2-point difference is difficult to discern visually.

A weighted score for image quality, sharpness, convergence, contrast, distortion, and legibility.

Power scores indicate relative power consumption; higher numbers represent lower power consumption under Windows.

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Illustration: What to Look for in a Monitor PICTURE TUBE Most monitors use three electron guns to produce color images. In its Trinitron displays, Sony uses a single electron gun shooting three beams. We didn't find that one electron-beam implementation always produced better quality than another. POWER CONSERVATION Power management circuitry reduces energy consumption when the computer system is idle. Look for the Energy Star logo. CONNECTORS For PCs, monitors include 15-pin mini-D-sub connectors. If you run a Mac, your monitor should come with a 15-pin D-sub connector. For specialized video adapters or for bridging monitors, make sure BNC connectors are available. SCREEN SURFACE A nonglare coating reduces t he visual distractions on the monitor caused by light sources such as windows and overhead lighting. An antistatic surface reduces the accumulation of dust on the screen but shows fingerprints readily. EMISSION SHIELDS These shields provide additional protection against VDT emissions. Look for products offering Sweden's MPR II level of protection. PEDESTAL Be sure a monitor can pan and tilt smoothly and offers a good range of movement to make it easier to adjust the display position for comfortable viewing. CONTROLS Look for controls mounted on the front bezel of the monitor with easily identifiable markings.