Hyundai ImageQuest L90D+

Priced at $369 when we reviewed it, Hyundai's ImageQuest L90D+ is the least-expensive 19-inch monitor we've seen lately. It comes as a pleasant surprise that this budget model offers height and pivot adjustments--features more common on higher-end monitors. Height adjustment helps users set the screen at a comfortable level, and screen pivot comes in handy for viewing the screen in portrait mode. The L90D+ does not include screen pivoting software, however, such as PivotPro, which would add $40 to the cost of the monitor.

Though the L90D+ includes the adjustment features of a more costly monitor, its image quality is mediocre. Most jurors found text adequate, but not especially crisp, on our text screens. The L90D+ showed pleasing balance in our group photo screen, but the colors of small images on our Web page seemed slightly off. Overall, the L90D+ eked out ratings of Good in both text and graphics.

For the money, the L90D+ delivers better-than-expected design. The silver cabinet and rounded black stand feel secure and well-weighted. The contrasting paint and real words on the labels make the simple controls easy to understand. That said, we wish that the membrane buttons had had heavier actuation. We weren't thrilled with the sound from the built-in speakers, but we liked that we could control the volume conveniently from the front of the bezel. Picky listeners may want to use the headphone jack instead. Hyundai includes an audio cable, so you can plug this monitor in and play music without making a trip to Radio Shack.

The Hyundai ImageQuest L90D+ has a bargain price and a graceful design, but we weren't impressed with its image quality.

Laura Blackwell