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It has been 10 months since we last looked at LCD monitors in the August and September 2003 editions of Technology & Business. Those two reviews were general looks into the growing popularity and affordability of LCD monitors, from 17-inch units up to 21-inchmodels. This current review is focusing on the mainstream desktop 15-inch models currently on the market.
When we say "mainstream", however, this is starting to look like one of those instances where the manufacturers are looking out for their profit margins rather than listening to customer needs. Already some major vendors are abandoning their 15-inch models and selling only 17-inch or larger. While we are usually inundated with LCD monitors whenever we review them, this time around when we asked for 15-inch monitors, we only received five. Sure, we can't think of many people who would say no to a 17-inch LCD monitor on their desk -- unless they're really short on space -- but the accounts department may have other ideas. So treasure this review, it may be the last time you see 15-inch LCDs in these pages.
Something to keep in mind here when narrowing down the field if you are looking at upgrading from a CRT monitor to an LCD -- particularly in the larger sizes, 18-inch or bigger -- it's worth checking your existing video graphics card has a DVI port on it. And this applies vice versa; if the LCD panel doesn't have a DVI input then you are limited too.
The difference in image reproduction on some monitors between the standard analogue 15-pin D-Sub (VGA) port and the digital DVI ports is amazing, somewhere around 10-15 percent better visible image sharpness and overall image quality.
You can purchase small adaptors that convert from DVI to 15-pin D-Sub and though not providing the same benefits as a direct port connection, they may improve the image slightly over the standard straight 15-pin connection. This is something you will need to test yourself, as it would depend on your system and monitor choice.
Generally, the smaller and cheaper LCD monitors do not support DVI input. With the smaller size comes lower resolutions of between 800 x 600 or 1024 x 768 and the image quality is generally quite acceptable even through the traditional analog 15-pin D-SUB VGA connection.
