Gateway XHD3000

February 2009. Consumer Reports does not cover LCD monitors larger than 24 inches, so the best coverage comes from ExtremeTech.com, CNet.com, PC World, Computer Shopper 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.

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 (*est. $1,400) and Dell UltraSharp 3007WFP-HC (*est. $1,400) both have three-year coverage and cost less.