Once you convert from a 15-inch to a larger-size monitor, you're spoiled for life, with no regrets
Anthony J. Lennon
Large-screen, high-resolution color monitors are more than luxurious; they're rapidly becoming a necessity for many business applications. The larger the monitor and the greater the resolution, the more cells in a spreadsheet or windows in a GUI you'll see. For serious CAD work, 20- or 21-inch monitors are a must. They're also well suited to desktop publishing, because they can display a two-page spread. Another excellent reason to purchase a large-screen monitor is if you give group presentations. We tested 62 monitors, ranging from 17 to 21 inches, that offer the necessary resolution and refresh rates to take full advantage of tod
ay's GUIs.
Using mechanical precision-testing devices and software tools, we searched for the best in the 17-, 20-, and 21-inch categories. We put each monitor through a battery of over 40 visual inspections to measure image quality, sharpness, contrast, convergence, legibility, and distortion. We also evaluated the ease of setup, the controls, and the documentation. Finally, we determined how much power each monitor consumes in active, idle, and sleep modes.
The average MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price) of the 17-inch monitors is $909, close to $1300 less than the average MSRP ($2243) of the 20- and 21-inch monitors. The ETC Computer ViewMagic CA-1765CPL and ViewMagic CA-1765SPL were the least expensive monitors we tested at $659. The Philips Brilliance 21A Model 2130DC carried the most expensive price tag of $2999.
Large-scale monitors are heavy. The average weight for a 17-inch monitor is 46 pounds, and the average 20- or 21-inch monitor weighs 73 pounds. They also consume v
oluminous desk space and a lot of wattage in active mode (116 W for a 20- or 21-inch model and 90.9 W for a 17-inch model). But all the 20- and 21-inch monitors and all but two of the 17-inch ones (the Orchestra Tuba and the TVM AS 6A) are Energy Star recipients, meaning they consume 30 W or less in a low-power state.
One common aspect of many of the monitors is the picture-tube manufacturer. Our entire test sample of 62 monitors, from 33 different vendors, represents only six picture-tube manufacturers (Hitachi, Matsushita, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, Sony, and NEC). Hitachi manufactured 58 percent of the total. Differences in individual tubes and electronics, such as the microprocessors that handle incoming video signals, help differentiate quality among our test sample.
How to use this guide
We selected the best color monitors by combining the test results of display quality, usability features, controls, design, and power consumption. Our test equipment includes software diagn
ostics, hardware tools, and subjective evaluation. Each category has a different weighting system to arrive at the final scores.
We base overall scores on a weighted average of scores for image quality, sharpness, convergence, contrast, distortion, and legibility. Higher numbers indicate better quality.
The prices listed are MSRP. Street prices may be as much as two-thirds lower.
If the column for Mac 16-inch or higher resolution is checked, the monitors may also support 1152870 and 640480 pixels, as well as 832624 pixels.
Behind the Big Screen 1
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SCREEN SURFACE
A nonglare coating reduces the visual distractions of light reflecting on a monitor. Some technologies diffuse the light by providing a rough surface that scatters incident rays. Others reduce glare by using a multilayer coating that diffracts incident light but
maintains sharpness and contrast. An antistatic surface reduces a screen's electrical charge, thus decreasing the accumulation of dust.
CONTROLS
Look for controls that are mounted on the front bezel and have easily identifiable markings. Digital controls with on-screen menus are the easiest to use. For image adjustments, we favored push buttons over thumbwheels.
PEDESTAL
Monitors that pan and tilt smoothly and offer a good range of movement make it easy to adjust a monitor's position to allow comfortable viewing.
Behind the Big Screen 2
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POWER MANAGEMENT CIRCUITRY
Power conservation features reduce energy consumption when the computer system is idle. Look for the Energy Star logo.
PICTURE TUBE
A monitor's CRT contains the electron gun that
sends beams of electrons, controlled by deflection circuitry, through the shadow mask to create an image on the phosphor screen.
EMISSION SHIELD
Shields provide additional protection against VDT emissions. Look for products offering Sweden's MPR-II or TCO levels of protection.
CABLING
You'll need power and video cables longer than 5 feet to provide flexibility in placing monitors in the workspace. Take measurements of your workspace before purchasing a large monitor and make sure the wiring setup will be convenient and safe.
BNC CONNECTORS
In monitors with high horizontal scanning frequencies, BNC connectors provide shielding between the video input and the signal lines.
62 Big, Beautiful Color Monitors
