CTX Technology CTX S530

WHAT'S NOT: Our review unit, tested with its analog-only connection, scored dead last for graphics quality among all monitors tested for March 2003. Judges noted the panel's inability to display all the shades in a color scale. And it was the only panel to exhibit visible shimmering when displaying closely spaced black-and-white lines.

We found the thin on-screen controls confusing to operate. (You'll likely need to consult the manual, as we did.) Contrast and brightness are easy to adjust, but other controls require you to press the Escape button multiple times before your changes take effect. Other monitors require less button-pressing to make simple adjustments.

WHAT ELSE: The panel can be tilted back about 30 degrees, but it doesn't pivot into portrait mode or swivel from side to side. The CD-ROM-based user's manual provides basic setup information and a section on using the on-screen controls.

UPSHOT: A good choice to accompany PCs that have only analog video-out, this inexpensive LCD offers great text and a few extra controls not typically found on an LCD.