Flat Panel Face-Off

Image Conscious

To evaluate screen quality, we performed a side-by-side comparison of the monitors in each size category, viewing a series of images that emphasize the legibility and sharpness of text or the color, shading, and detail of graphics. We conducted our tests using each monitor's DVI (digital) input, which in our experience yields better performance than analog. The one exception was the 17-inch AOC LM729--it has only an analog port.

Our judges felt that most of the LCDs had fine quality overall, but they found notable differences on specific tests. Among 19-inch models, for example, the Dell UltraSharp 1901FP earned the top score for displaying rich skin tones and fine details in our group portrait photo screen. With the second-highest total graphics score and advanced adjustment features, the Eizo Nanao FlexScan L767 is a good choice for design pros, but its premium price of $900 kept it off our chart. Other 19-inchers, such as the Princeton Digital SENergy 914 and the Sharp LL-T19D1, were marginally better than the rest for displaying text. But none of the monitors we reviewed had significant problems with text; they all trump the CRTs we've evaluated.

We saw more variation in scores for 17-inch flat panels. The Samsung SyncMaster 173P scored highest for both text and graphics. It was especially good at reproducing subtle light and dark shades in our gray-scale and color-scale test screens. The IBM ThinkVision L170p took a very close second for graphics. Meanwhile, our one analog-only display, the AOC LM729, finished last in image quality. But it still reproduces darn good text compared to most CRTs. Its low price ($449) and versatile adjustment features helped it earn a chart position.

Tools for Tweaking

Rarely will a monitor's default settings provide the best quality for both text and graphics. Besides brightness and contrast, some models offer advanced controls, such as color temperature, hue, and saturation. A few--like the two Dells and the 17-inch Eizo Nanao FlexScan L557--offer color modes optimized for text-based applications, entertainment, or graphics work. Several units also allow adjustment of the individual red, green, and blue color channels. You can get even better performance by using a color-calibration kit (see "Calibration for Color Perfection"). Many LCD controls--such as horizontal and vertical position, clock, and phase--help you correct conversion problems when using an analog input; they are unnecessary for a digital connection.

A few models offer unusual controls. Samsung's SyncMaster 173P has only a power button on its bezel; you access all other controls from within Windows by using the intuitive software bundled with the display. The 19-inch units from Eizo and NEC (both of which missed our chart) let you control the monitor via their proprietary software. But they provide traditional front-panel buttons, as well.

Unlike portly CRTs, lithe LCDs are far easier to position. For example, the Samsung 173P--which is especially pliable--has a double-hinged stand to let you place the screen in a wide variety of positions for optimum viewing.

TCO Development, an international organization that certifies the ergonomic and environmental impact of office products, added tilt and height adjustment requirements--among other criteria--to its latest monitor standard, TCO'03. (The standard's predecessor, TCO'99, is less stringent.) All of the LCDs on our charts have tiltable screens, and all but the 19-inch Cornea CT1904 permit height adjustments. You can swivel the screen left and right on any model except the 19-inch Cornea and the 17-inch Eizo.

Some LCDs allow you to pivot the screen 90 degrees from landscape to portrait orientation--handy for long documents and for vertically oriented photos and images. All of the 17-inch LCDs on the chart except the IBM TL170p and the Eizo L557 can pivot. The only 19-inch chart maker with this feature is the Dell UltraSharp 1901FP.

The 17-inch models from AOC and Samsung come with Portrait Displays' Pivot Pro software to flip the screen image from landscape to portrait. Dell relies on device drivers for the ATI- and NVidia-based graphics cards in its PCs; it also offers driver downloads for those cards in non-Dell systems. NVidia supports pivoting in its newer drivers, and ATI plans to introduce it for all cards. If your LCD lacks software for pivoting and your graphics card doesn't provide support, you'll need to buy a third-party utility for about $40.

Photograph: Marc Simon

Best Buy: 17-Inch LCDs

With the same stellar design as its 19-inch sibling, Dell's 1703FP tops our roster of 17-inch panels. Besides being a strong performer, it's the best-equipped 17-inch model--with full adjustment, a four-port USB 2.0 hub, and a potent optional ($39) speaker module.