LaCie 319

At $999 (as of January 12, 2007), the LaCie 319 is one of the most expensive 19-inch displays we've seen in recent times. But the price doesn't seem logical on a display that eschews extras and delivers so-so picture quality.

In our image quality tests, the 319 turned in middling scores. Text looked fairly sharp on some screens, but grew slightly blurry as font sizes got smaller. And colors, while bright and lively in a photograph of a fruit tart, took on a darker hue in a photo of people. Skin tones appeared muted and unrealistic.

The 319 tilts and pivots but does not swivel. I was able to make height adjustments smoothly. Accessing the on-screen controls is easy via buttons on the right of the bezel. And an auto-brightness control automatically adjusts the display depending on the level of ambient light in the room.

LaCie's included manual provides a detailed explanation of the controls as well as troubleshooting advice. The display comes with Pivot Pro software, too.

But for $999, you'd expect a lot more, and this display just doesn't deliver. For the price, you can get two excellent 19-inch models and place them side-by-side. That seems like a much better investment than springing for the 319.

Kalpana Ettenson