Eizo FlexScan S2410W

Eizo's FlexScan S2410W shows colors and contrast like a pro--no surprise, since it's geared toward graphics professionals. For those in the know, this 24-inch wide-screen LCD permits sophisticated screen adjustments for such variables as gamma, gain, hue, and saturation; and for less demanding users, it supplies five screen modes. Touch-sensitive electrostatic switches provide a flat, clean interface that's easier to work with than the usual aspirin-sized buttons.

For overall image quality, the S2410W is hard to beat. Text looked crisp, especially on the real-world test screens of Microsoft Excel and Word documents. One of our monitor judges commented on the "even, natural-feeling brightness" and "sharp and vivid" appearance of test screens. In fact, the S2410W's balanced lighting and excellent contrast helped it beat all other contenders on our white-screen and color-scale tests. The monitor earned a cumulative performance rating of Very Good.

Two USB 2.0 ports located on the left side of the bezel make it easy to plug in a digital camera or other external device. The S2410 forgoes the usual 15-pin analog VGA input, instead offering two DVI digital inputs so you can hook it up to more than one PC or device. Either of these ports can accept analog input from an older PC with an included adapter. Not surprisingly, this all-business model omits speakers and headphone jacks.

The S2410W's ArcSwing 2 stand slides the screen along a curve, permitting a wide range of stable tilt adjustments, with a slight difference in height as well. A lazy-Susan swivel mechanism lets you share your work with others seated nearby. The overall design, with its small round depressions on the back, looks stylish in a space-age way. But if you have the choice, check out the matte black model. Our review unit's flat white finish--not the glossy, semi-translucent white we see on so many products these days--failed to impress.

With its premium price of $1700, this monitor is definitely not an impulse buy. But Eizo's five-year warranty assures that your investment will be well protected.

The Eizo FlexScan S2410W offers professional-level image quality even at default settings; accomplished users will appreciate the array of advanced screen adjustments.

Laura Blackwell