Best Reviewed
LCD Monitors
- Best overall monitor for general use Dell UltraSharp U2412M *Est. $340
- Best monitor for photo/video editing Asus PA246Q *Est. $495
- Best value-priced monitor Asus ML239H *Est. $150
- Best gaming monitor Gateway FHX2402L *Est. $220
Get info about new reports and updates
- Superior video processor
- Built-in speakers with good sound
- Good at everything unless you're a graphics pro
- Just a one-year warranty
- Expensive, though not bad for a 30-incher
There's no definitive consensus in reviews about 30-inch LCD computer monitors, but the Gateway XHD3000 offers significant advantages and a couple of major drawbacks. Most competitors offer a three-year warranty on their 30-inch LCD monitors. If you can live with Gateway's one-year warranty, reviews say the built-in video processor is superior to competitors, and the built-in speakers sound good. One review calls the Gateway XHD3000 a "Swiss Army knife," meaning it's a versatile performer for home use but not for professional graphics work. Another review says display is so good that it could serve as a primary TV screen if it didn't lack a tuner. If the warranty is big issue, the HP LP3065 (Discontinued) and Dell UltraSharp 3007WFP-HC (Discontinued) both have three-year coverage and cost less.
Consumer Reports does not cover LCD monitors larger than 24 inches, so the best coverage comes from ExtremeTech.com, CNet.com, PC World, ComputerShopper.com and Maximum PC. They all do hands-on testing, comparing the Gateway to competing models, and you can't go wrong with any of them. ExtremeTech's review is best, though, because there's a pretty good back-and-forth between reviewer and readers. Owner reviews at Newegg.com are well worth reading, too. Some users say the screen sometimes blacks out briefly, but none seem to consider it a major issue.
HP LP3065 30" WQXGA 2560 x 1600 DVI x 3 Black·Silver Widescreen LCD Monitor
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
Dell UltraSharp 3007WFP-HC 30-inch WideScreen Flat Panel Monitor
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
Our Sources
This review says the Gateway XHD3000 has a superior video processor to those of the Dell UltraSharp 3007WFP and the HP LP3065, albeit for $200 to $300 more. Editors stress that this is a great screen for consumers, not professional graphics work.
Review: Gateway XHD3000 30-inch LCD Monitor Review, Loyd Case, Oct. 8, 2007
2. PC World
PC World's review packages include lab test results, and there is direct comparison with the Dell UltraSharp 3007WFP and Samsung SyncMaster 305T. Bottom line is that the Gateway XHD3000 offers better controls and compatibility than competitors but the brightness can be a bit much.
Review: Gateway XHD3000 Review, Laura Blackwell, Oct. 6, 2007
3. CNET
CNet is dependable, unbiased and thorough and gives an Editors Choice designation to the Gateway XHD3000, despite some high-volume distortion on the built-in sound. A video review is included.
Review: Gateway XHD3000 Monitor (30-inch) Review, Eric Franklin, May 28, 2008
Computer Shopper gives the Gateway XHD3000 an Editors Choice award, saying it would make a great television if there were a tuner to receive high-definition broadcasts. Stand adjustability is a big plus, the review says, but the one-year warranty is a bit skimpy.
Review: Gateway XHD3000 LCD Monitor, Les Shu, Oct. 2007
Maximum PC goes hands-on with the Gateway XHD3000, praising its onscreen display and even the built-in speakers. It's not a good choice for gamers, however, because of its slow speed.
Review: Gateway XHD3000 Review, Katherine Stevenson, Oct. 3, 2007
6. NewEgg.com
About 50 owner reviews give the Gateway XHD3000 a high average score; only about 15 percent of users rate it lower than four out of five stars. Some note that the screen blacks out for a couple seconds -- frequently for some, a couple times daily for others (who say it's no big deal).
Review: Gateway XHD3000 Black 30", Contributors to Newegg.com
7. Amazon.com
There is just a handful of owner reviews, most either lukewarm or critical. Durability, compatibility and poor customer service are among the complaints.
Review: Gateway XHD3000 30" Widescreen HD LCD Monitor, Contributors to Amazon.com
LCD Monitors Runners Up:
4 picks by top review sites.
3 picks including: Amazon.com, Anandtech.com…
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
ASUS VG236H 23-Inch 120 Hz 3D Ready Panel Monitor with nVidia 3D Vision Kit - Black
In Stock.
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
 |
||
|
|
 |
||
|
|
Dell UltraSharp U2711 27-inch Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor - Max Resolution 2560 x 1440 (WQHD)
In Stock.
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
 |
||
|
|
