Dell 1504FPD

WHAT'S HOT: Since we first reviewed this unit in July 2002, its price has dropped by $100, making it an attractive bargain. The 1504FPD ranked third highest in overall color quality this time around, a slight improvement over its finish in our earlier tests. Photos of children sported lively colors and realistic skin tones, for example.

WHAT'S NOT: Our complaints remain unchanged, however. The monitor offers few features aside from its analog and digital inputs. For instance, the NEC MultiSync L1560M--which is slightly less expensive than this unit-- provides a built-in USB hub and better-than-average speakers. Business that want to spend what this unit costs might consider the Compaq TFT 1520 instead--it has a height-adjustable panel and delivers comparable image quality.

Viewing angles on our test model weren't as wide as on others. This means that when the screen image is viewed at an angle, it isn't quite as sharp as the screen image on competing models.

WHAT ELSE: Though its color quality impressed us, the unit's text quality fared less well. Fonts and letters were easily legible on typical business documents and Web pages, but the output wasn't as crisp as that on the Samsung SyncMaster 152T. Minor image display problems included a white screen that had noticeably shadowy patches in the upper corners.

The on-screen controls are nicely laid out and easy to navigate through. The slim printed documentation covers basic set-up information. A separate user's guide resides on the included CD-ROM and online; to access the later, you must first create an account name and include an e-mail address. Unfortunately, the guide lacks detailed instructions for using the controls found in the OSD.

UPSHOT: Equally sharp text and graphics make this a versatile machine for working with and displaying general business tasks.

SUMMARY

Dell 1504FPD $