LCD Monitors: Reviews

For general use, the Asus VW198T strikes the right balance of performance and value. While older 19-inch monitors have a resolution of 1,400 pixels by 900 pixels, the VW198T has a resolution of 1,680 pixels by 1,050… pixels, which is the same as a 20- to 22-inch monitor, but with a smaller footprint and at a lower cost. This helps it stand out in what has become a very crowded size class. Both user and professional reviews indicate the VW198T is a top performer.

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In its size class, the Acer H213H bmid gets high ratings as one of the best general-purpose LCD monitors. Reviewers say its 1,920-by-1,080-pixel resolution is sharp and the price is right. Convenience features include… touch-sensitive controls and storable settings for different activities, such as gaming or watching movies. Though professional reviewers have yet to weigh in, users are clearly pleased as it earns top ratings following lots of feedback.

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The Asus VH242H has a 23.6-inch LCD panel with 1,920-by-1,080-pixel resolution, a 20,000:1 contrast ratio and DVI and HDCP-compliant HDMI inputs -- so it can double as a display for a Blu-ray player. Its bezel is… super-thin and comes in glossy black. Experts say that it is a great choice for fun, such as watching movies, or for work. Negatives are few, but limited connectivity is one that's cited.

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Most budget and mainstream LCD monitors use an inexpensive type of panel technology that's perfectly fine for general use. But the HP LP2275w uses a better-quality 1,680-by-1,050-pixel LCD panel, making it a serious… consideration for those who do graphics and photo work, which depends on precise color rendering. The LP2275w performs well in formal tests, though slow pixel response will turn off game players. Connectivity is a mixed bag; there are no HDMI or VGA connectors, but you will find both DVI and DisplayPort inputs, and a VGA to DVI adapter is included. Its glossy designer appearance is attractive, reports say, and height and tilt adjustments make for good ergonomics.

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The HP LP2475w is the 24-inch brother of the 22-inch HP LP2275w listed above but it features some notable enhancements (and a higher price tag). Those include a more advanced LCD panel that offers higher contrast ratios… and better color accuracy, a boost in resolution to 1,920 pixels by 1,200 pixels, and an HDMI input for watching video from a DVD or Blu-ray Disc player. All that makes the LP2475w a great choice for graphics professionals who need a big screen and accurate color rendition for image or video editing.

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