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The ProLite E380S-B achieved high scores in our tests for both graphics and text, displaying bright, vivid colors and sharp, readable text. The only downside we saw was a loss of detail in the shadows on photos: Very dark colors were hard to distinguish from black. However, we were impressed with the accuracy of skin tones that the monitor rendered.

The low-profile bezel and slim case also add to the overall experience: The bezel is thin enough that it does not distract in a multi-monitor setup, and the two speakers built into the bezel provide adequate, if rather quiet, sound. They would be fine for listening to music at low volume, but they aren't beefy enough for games or presentations.

The ProLite's on-screen menu is a little confusing at first: You have to press the menu button both to open the on-screen menu and to select a menu option, an arrangement we found counterintuitive. There is also no text in the menu to describe each option, although the icons do an adequate job of indicating what the various adjustments do.

There are a few omissions: This is an analog-only model, so you won't be able to hook it up to the digital port (if you have one) on your graphics card. (Because there's less conversion involved, running a straight digital signal can often yield a better picture.) In addition, there is no way to swivel the screen to the left or right without moving the base, too. Iiyama offers 12 hours of tech support during the week, but no weekend support.

Upshot: A fine, all-purpose display that's attractively priced.

Richard Baguley