Lenovo Thinkvision L220X

The L220x is an exceptional display. In my informal evaluation, the monitor produced very vivid colors and rich-looking images. Its very high resolution probably accounts for its outstanding image quality.      

The PC World Test Center did not attempt to match the L220x (with its higher, sharper native resolution of 1920 by 1200 pixels) against the other 20- and 22-inch wide-screen LCD monitors we looked at; the standard resolution of 1680 by 1050 pixels that most of these units employ puts them at too great a disadvantage. As a result, this excellent display will not receive a PCW Rating.

The L220x has a thin matte-black bezel (almost gray), and it does a great job with cable management in the back of the display. The L220x is fully adjustable: It can pivot, swivel, tilt, and adjust vertically. You get a DVI port, four USB ports, and a VGA port for connectivity, but it lacks built-in speakers. The unit's understated style and lack of flare indicate that Lenovo is aiming for business users--but I'd rather have good image quality than a physically impressive monitor.

The on-screen display menu is only okay. Individual color controls are absent, and the text descriptions of what each menu item does are insufficient. On the other hand, the L220x comes with great software for controlling the monitor's menu on your desktop--useful because the software does a much better job than the OSD.

Priced at nearly $500, this display is more expensive than most monitors of comparable size. Its very high native resolution results in very pleasing image quality, however.