LCDs Get Larger, Less Costly

LAS VEGAS -- LCD monitors are inching upwards in size. Several vendors at Comdex here this week added to their lines with new models in the 19-inch range and beyond.

Prices for these supersized models are coming down, too. Once unavailable for under $1000, name-brand 19-inch models are now launching at less than $900. However, prices remain significantly higher for the 20-plus-inch screens, especially in the increasingly common wide-aspect-ratio 16-by-9 format.

Samsung, for example, introduced two 19-inch SyncMaster models, both of which are expected to retail for $899. The 193P is a conventional stand-alone 1280-by-1024-resolution monitor, and is due in December. The 192MP comes with a detachable TV tuner and speakers, has 1280 by 1024 resolution, and should arrive in January.

Also in January, Samsung plans to introduce a 24-inch, wide-aspect-ratio model, the SyncMaster 243T. It will have a resolution of 1920 by 1200 and a $2399 price tag.

Targeting the digital signage market, Samsung has a 32-inch LCD monitor, the 323T, on tap for December. It will go for $3999.

More to Come

Hewlett-Packard, meanwhile, showed off a pair of new LCD monitors.

The company plans to introduce in February a 23-inch wide-aspect-ratio model, the 2335, priced at $1799. Also coming in February is 20-inch LCD, the 2035, which will cost $949. That model is a refresh of HP's existing model 2020, released last year.

NEC-Mitsubishi also is expanding its LCD lineup. The 20-inch NEC MultiSync LCD 2080UX+ will be available in January for $1499. Also expected in January is the 21-inch LCD2180UX, which will list for $1549. Both offer 1600-by-1200 resolution.

ViewSonic's new DigitalMedia VG series of LCD monitors with built-in speakers includes the 19.1-inch VG910, due in December priced at $749. The VG910 features 1280-by-1024 resolution and is available with either silver or black bezels.

For more Comdex news, check PCWorld.com's ongoing coverage of the trade show.