Test Specs

We tested each monitor's image quality and power consumption using a 200-MHz Dell Dimension XPS Pro200n with a Number Nine Imagine 128 Series II graphics card. When available, we used monitor-specific drivers, but otherwise we stuck with Windows 95 Plug and Play (VESA standard) settings. We scored image quality at 1024- by 768-pixel resolution for the 17-inch monitors and at 1280 by 1024 for the 19- to 21-inch displays.

Under DOS, we tested image quality using Displaymate Professional 4.2 from Sonera Technologies ((800) 932-6323; http://www.displaymate.com ). Tests included color and gray-scale displays, blooming effects on color and black- and-white text, moiré patterns at multiple resolutions, consecutive text and graphics switching, and geometric display of rectangles and circles.

Under Win 95, we ran NSTL test software to measure an image's sharpness, misconvergence, and legibility. We measured sharpness using 1- and 2-pixel-thick lines near the screen edges. We also displayed horizontal and vertical lines across the entire screen to judge a monitor's resolving capability.

An optical gauge from Klein Optical Instruments ((503) 245-8166) allowed measurement of misconvergence. With three prisms, the instrument reconverges the red, green, and blue components of a white line displayed on the test monitor. We calculated the amount of misconvergence from the amount of correction required; the less misconvergence, the better.

In our legibility test, we displayed a document containing six TrueType fonts at sizes ranging from 4 to 14 points. We then judged the smallest point size at which each font remained both readable and legible from a normal distance.

Your monitor is the biggest power hog on your desktop. We rated each monitor's power use under Windows, measuring consumption in three states (active Windows, blank screen-saver, and low-power) with a digital power meter.

Weighted factors in our features score include dot pitch, range of scanning frequencies, number of display modes, controls, and Energy Star compliance. The usability score took into account such factors as documentation, technical support, ease of adjustment, and cable lengths.