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In this report
LCD Monitors: Ratings of Sources
Total of 18 Sources
1. PCMag.com
As of Dec. 2011
Monitors
by John Delaney
Our AssessmentPCMag.com's reviews are well done and based on appropriate testing. The write-ups concentrate on entertainment performance and features, though other aspects of usage like text quality are also addressed. A number of LCD HDTVs that can also double as monitors are mixed in with the listings, cluttering things up a bit. Several recently tested monitors score high enough to earn Editors' Choice awards.
2. Government Computer News
As of Dec. 2011
Monitors
by Editors of Government Computer News
Our AssessmentGovernment Computer News tests a fair number of LCD monitors, but finding them on this site can be a chore; searching for reviews is often the most effective approach, as a listing of monitor (display devices) reviews appears well out of date. On the plus side, testing is objective and includes text quality. Brightness uniformity is also a focus. The NEC MultiSync EA232WMi-BK and Acer S243HL earn recent stellar reviews, and the HP DreamColor LP2480zx makes the site's older Best Products of 2010 list.
3. XBitLabs.com
As of Dec. 2011
LCD Monitor Reviews
by Oleg Artamonov
Our AssessmentX-bitLabs.com reviews a reasonable number of LCD monitors in extremely detailed reports, including comprehensive test data and tons of technical information. The reports can be a challenge to read for those without a high level of technical knowledge. Still, for those who demand lots of technical information, these reports are hard to beat. Several 3D monitors have been reviewed recently, but none achieve better-than-average results. The most recent market-wide roundup is 18 months old, but a more recent roundup of Dell monitors picks several winners.
4. TFT Central
As of Dec. 2011
TFT Central Reviews
by Simon Baker
Our AssessmentTFT Central is a British website with excellent professional reviews of monitors. Testing and documentation are exceptional, but could be a little too technical for some readers. All aspects of usage are evaluated, including office use, which few other reviewers adequately address. Balance and objectivity are very good. The site does not rank or rate monitors but the best monitors for gaming, professional use, general use and value are reasonably easy to identify, and each review typically references a couple other models. However, not all of the monitors covered are available in the U.S.
5. Bit-tech.net
As of Dec. 2011
Monitors
by Editors of Bit-tech.net
Our AssessmentU.K. tech site Bit-tech.net provides excellent reviews, with one significant weakness: The site is oriented toward gamers (as are ratings), and text quality is largely ignored. Otherwise, LCD monitor reviews are testing based and ratings are provided. The LG IPS236V receives a score of 79 out of 100 and a Bit-tech Approved designation for being a "tremendous value." The site also gives an Excellence rating to the ViewSonic VP2365wb, calling it a "fantastic bargain."
6. MaximumPC.com
As of Dec. 2011
Monitors
by Editors of Maximum PC
Our AssessmentMaximum PC monitor reviews are not the longest around, but are testing based and otherwise well written and useful. Each monitor receives a rating of 1 to 10 along with a list of pros and cons. Some of the reviews are relatively harsh, which makes Maximum PC a good source for finding negatives that other reviewers may have missed or glossed over.
7. Techtree.com
As of Dec. 2011
Monitor Reviews
by Editors of TechTree.com
Our AssessmentIndia's TechTree.com regularly reviews monitors, most of which are available in the U.S. Reviews are comparative, balanced and supported by standard testing. Review conclusions make helpful distinctions between LCD monitors. Ratings are provided; though no monitor in recent reviews rises above the crowd to win an Editor's Choice award, the Samsung SyncMaster S23A300B and Philips 192EL LED earn better-than-average scores.
8. CNET
As of Dec. 2011
LCD Monitors
by Editors of CNET
Our AssessmentCNET reviews more LCD monitors than most other sources. Test results are published with results for other monitors, though models chosen for comparison are not always appropriate. Ratings are provided and top performers earn Editors' Choice awards, but the ratings and the reviews themselves don't always seem to match. Reviews are easy to read, but focus more on gaming and entertainment performance rather than on professional or office use, though text quality is typically addressed. Energy usage is discussed in more detail here than by most other reviewers. Several currently available LCD monitors earn Editors' Choice honors.
9. Macworld
As of Dec. 2011
Monitors
by Editors of Macworld.com
Our AssessmentMacworld's reviews are comparable to those found in other mainstream publications and websites in terms of testing done, but the reviews themselves can be short and summary at times. Given its Apple-centric coverage, it's no surprise that Mac compatibility is addressed, as is overall performance and image quality.
10. HotHardware.com
As of Dec. 2011
Graphics/Sound
by Editors of HotHardware.com
Our AssessmentHotHardware.com's reviews are fairly good despite a few flaws. Testing is comprehensive and subjective analysis includes gaming, movies and general usage. The major limitation is the relatively small number of monitors covered. In addition, the quality of the reviews is inconsistent, and LCD monitor reviews are mixed in with other types of hardware. Among 3D monitors, the Acer HN274H, Asus VG236H and ViewSonic V3D245 get Hot Hardware Recommended nods. Among recent 2D models, the Asus PA246Q ProArt, Asus MS238H and the pricey NEC PA271W Professional and HP ZR30w get the nod.
11. ConsumerReports.org
As of Dec. 2011
Monitors
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org evaluates and rates 26 monitors, ranging in size from 19 to 26 inches. A whopping 17 receive Recommended status, but a more reasonable number (six, all told), rise above to be named as Best Buys. While new monitors have been added, a number of discontinued but still-available monitors remain on the list.
12. PC Pro
As of Dec. 2011
Monitor Reviews
by
Our AssessmentBritain's PC Pro has regular reviews of LCD monitors. Reviews are relatively short and not comparative, although models are put in context with their competitors. Many highly rated models are not sold in the U.S., however. Ratings are given on a scale of 1 to 6. Top-rated monitors score a Recommended award, with the very best making it to the PC Pro A List.
13. PCMonitors.org
As of Dec. 2011
Monitor Reviews
by Editors of PCMonitors.org
Our AssessmentPCMonitors.org's extensive reviews of LCD monitors can be a bit daunting in their technical detail, but if you can wade through the statistics and graphics that accompany each piece, you'll have a good idea of the specific strengths and weaknesses of each display. This U.K. site also helpfully highlights the standout specifications of each model. Comparing displays against one another can be challenging, especially given the relatively small number of reviews, but this is a good site if you'd like to get an in-depth look at a model you're interested in. Each monitor is given a numeric rating, and the editors are not afraid to hand out low ones.
14. NewEgg.com
As of Dec. 2011
LCD Monitors
by Contributors to Newegg.com
Our AssessmentNewegg.com lets customers post opinions about monitors they have purchased. The Asus VH242H has the most reviews and the highest average rating among the many monitors with hundreds of reviews. The Asus VW246H, Asus VH236H, Asus VE228H and Acer G234HAbd are also given Customer Choice awards.
15. Amazon.com
As of Dec. 2011
Monitors
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Our AssessmentAmazon.com is a good source for customer reviews of many products -- but not necessarily of LCD monitors. Some LCD monitors receive plenty of reviews, though average ratings are mostly similar. We found no consistency among user complaints with any monitor.
16. TrustedReviews.com
As of Dec. 2011
Monitor Reviews
by Editors of TrustedReviews.com
Our AssessmentReviews here are generally well done, but there are some drawbacks. Comparisons are infrequent, and too little attention is paid to text quality. Monitors are rated on a scale of 1 to 10 with subcategory ratings for design and features, image quality and value. Oversized LCD monitors receive the most review attention. Nearly all of the dozen monitors reviewed in the past 18 months earn scores of 8 out of 10, which in almost every case also nets them a TrustedReviews Recommended designation. Those few with the best reviews or identified as best in their class are not available in the U.S.
17. TopTenReviews.com
As of Dec. 2011
2011 Best Computer Monitor Comparisons and Reviews
by Editors of TopTenReviews.com
Our AssessmentReviews on this site are somewhat cursory, but they do compare current models with each other and are very clear on the points that propel their favorites to the top. LCD monitors are given ratings overall and for display, features, connections and support. However, it is not clear if any actual hands-on testing is done or if evaluations are made based on features, specifications and expected performance. Interactive comparisons and specifications tables do make it easier to see by-the-numbers differences between competing LCD monitors.
18. Tweaknews.net
As of Dec. 2011
Computer Monitor & Display Reviews
by Nathan Glentworth
Our AssessmentTweakNews.net primarily reviews Samsung LCD monitors, which limits this site's usefulness. Reviewer Nathan Glentworth doesn't provide enough substantive information, though he says at the end of several reviews that he may "go out and purchase one" for himself. Still, if you have settled on a Samsung LCD monitor this site is worth checking, as it contains a lot of product images and specification info.

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