Big LCD Monitors Introduced at TechXNY

NEW YORK--Flat-panel displays are lighting up PC Expo/TechXNY this week, with the debut of new models across several price ranges. Sony is showing a new line of LCD monitors, and NEC-Mitsubishi is showing two large models that are part of a new, affordable line announced earlier in June.

Both expand on the vendors' recently announced product family offerings.

Sony Shows X

Sony's new X-series monitors all have slim cases in either gray or black, integrated speakers, and dual digital and analog video inputs. Four screen sizes are available.

Sony is pricing these monitors in a moderate range, between entry level and top of the line. The 15-inch SDM-X52, which offers a native resolution of 1024 by 768 pixels, is priced at $549. The 17-inch SDM-X72, with a native resolution of 1280 by 1024, will go for $899, and the 18.1-inch SDM-X82, also with a resolution of 1280 by 1024, has a price tag of $1099. The 20.1-inch SDM-X202, with a native resolution of 1600 by 1200, will cost $1999.

The 15-inch and 18.1-inch models are scheduled to ship in June; the 17-inch monitor has a release date of August; and the 20.1-inch model will be available in September.

The two larger models have pivoting bases that let you swivel the screen, and all but the 20.1-inch model are height adjustable. The 20.1-inch model includes a USB hub.

NEC's New Size

NEC-Mitsubishi is showing its first 19-inch LCD monitor, the $1300 NEC MultiSync LCD1920NX. It has a native resolution of 1280 by 1024 pixels and dual digital and analog video inputs. It is available now, according to NEC-Mitsubishi.

The $749, 17-inch NEC MultiSync LCD1700NX also has a native resolution of 1280 by 1024 and dual video inputs, and it will be available in July. This monitor is NEC-Mitsubishi's first 17-inch LCD unit with digital video-in.

Both monitors have cases that are less than 9 inches deep, and both come with Portrait Display's LiquidView, software designed to help users adjust their desktop size without changing resolutions.

For other PC Expo/TechXNY product announcements and news, see PCWorld.com's ongoing coverage.