WHAT'S HOT: The FlexScan L350 received an excellent score from our judges for text quality, earning the highest marks on our tests for legibility in Microsoft Word and Excel and clear Windows desktop icons. Image-adjusting options include horizontal and vertical size controls, which not all LCD monitors have, as well as moire canceling and user-adjustable image smoothing, which lets you compensate somewhat for the jaggy look that images can have on LCD monitors. The L350 has a sleek, elegant design, available in black or beige.

WHAT'S NOT: This model scored a bit lower on tests for graphics quality, due to difficulty distinguishing between similar gray scales. The detail in intensely hued photographs also could have been better. Eizo's weekday, business-hours-only tech support is stingy, especially for a monitor priced at $796--much more expensive than other flat panels with comparable features and image quality.

WHAT ELSE: The FlexScan L350 comes with a Kensington lock slot and a quick-reference card for the on-screen controls, and the user manual includes a generous troubleshooting section and adequate setup instructions. Eizo also provides a floppy with drivers and an auto-adjusting utility.

BEST USE: The clean lines of this monitor would look good in public spots such as a receptionist's desk, and its text quality would make it suitable for someone who frequently views lots of small type. However, the high-end price puts the FlexScan L350 out of reach for most people.

SUMMARY

Eizo Nanao FlexScan L350 15-inch viewable area, 15.1 by 6.7 by 15.2 inches, 12.3 pounds, active-matrix TFT panel, TCO '99-compliant, three-year warranty, three-year backlight warranty, 8-hour weekday toll-free support. $796 800/800-5202 www.eizo.com