WHAT'S HOT: This stylish pewter and blue LCD monitor supports both S-Video and composite video inputs, so you can plug in a camcorder or DVD player. It also supports digital video input. The screen adjusts both vertically (20 degrees backward, 5 degrees forward) and horizontally (60 degrees to the left and the right), which gives you more control over the viewing angle than many of the other 15-inch LCDs we've seen. Swiveling the screen horizontally could also help you share on-screen information or a DVD movie.

WHAT'S NOT: The CML155XW V does an auto-adjust when you turn it on; it works fine to sync the monitor with your graphics card and restore factory-specified settings. However, if you want to make any adjustments beyond this, the monitor puts you through significant button pressing. There are only three control buttons, so getting to your desired settings involves a lot of navigating the on-screen menus. Fortunately, the manual describes the process well.

The unit's ports are neatly lined up on the back of the panel. The headphone and microphone jacks also are behind the screen, which is a little inconvenient if you want to switch between the built-in speakers and headphones. However, this arrangement does mean all your cords are tucked nicely out of the way once attached.

WHAT ELSE: In our tests, the CML155V's image quality for both text and graphics was acceptable but didn't stand out from the crowd. We rated the quality of its text screens slightly higher than its graphics, but both were average. The blue panel that hides the monitor's built-in speakers gives the LCD a bulky, grounded look. The low, forward thrust of the speakers' sound may mean that you are less likely to disturb people nearby.

UPSHOT: With its good looks and video-input options, this monitor has the right features for home use, but its price and image quality are less than the best.

SUMMARY

Hitachi CML155XW V 15-inch screen, 1024 by 768 native resolution, 14.8 by 8.1 by 15.3 inches, 12 pounds, TFT panel, dual inputs, composite and S-Video inputs. Three-year warranty (including backlight); 12-hour weekday toll-free tech support. $509 800/441-4832 www.hitachidisplays.com