Dell UltraSharp 2707WFP

The Dell UltraSharp 2707WFP, a 27-inch wide-screen LCD monitor, is a stunner. It delivers great image quality, features a thoughtful design, and has several useful and unusual inputs. But at $1399 (as of 12/22/06), it's pricey, especially considering that you can get a 26-inch flat panel for well under $1000.

You do get a lot for the investment. The monitor's generous 1920 by 1200 resolution makes it great for viewing text or spreadsheet documents side by side. Text in a Microsoft Word document looked extremely sharp and photos showed bright colors and excellent detail, even in shadows. One useful extra: The 2707WFP includes individual red, green, and blue color adjustments, allowing you to tune colors more finely when necessary.

Several other features also help set the 2707WFP apart. On its left side are two media card slots that can read nine different formats. On the back, all of the connections are both labeled and identified with pictures, so you don't have to hunt to find the right input. Along with DVI, S-Video-in, and composite-in ports, the monitor has a component-in connection, which is fairly unusual for an LCD model; it's convenient, especially for directly connecting the monitor to a cable box for viewing television (albeit via an analog, not digital, connection). Also, because the display offers picture-in-picture, you can view TV while getting some work done.

The 2707WFP has a pretty design, with a brushed-silver bezel and a shiny black stand. It also adjusts nicely: The attached, simple-to-maneuver silver arm allows you to tilt or swivel the screen with ease.

Despite all of the display's notable qualities, $1399 is still a fairly high price to pay. Nevertheless, for people who crave a monitor with great image quality, useful extra ports, and a sleek design, the Dell 2707WFP can't be beat.

Kalpana Ettenson