Dell 1504FP

Although not budget priced, the Dell 1504FP is one of the most flexible monitors we've seen: You can alter the height, tilt, and swivel of the unit thanks to the easy-to-adjust stand. Once you've set it up to your taste, a button at the base of the stand locks the adjustments into place.

We rated the quality of graphics higher than text. Although the text screens did not look bad, it was a little difficult to read some of the smallest font sizes. Graphics looked very attractive, with bright, strong colors and a good level of detail in the shadows and highlights of our test screens.

Although this is one of the few 15-inch LCD monitors we've seen that can pivot into portrait orientation, Dell does not include the software to pivot the screen as well--presumably to keep the cost down. To pivot the screen, you'll need to spend an extra $40 for Portrait Display's Pivot Pro software.

Upshot: Though a bit pricey, the Dell is a fine choice as a general-use display, especially for applications where height adjustment and a portrait view are important.

Richard Baguley