Envision Peripherals Envision EN-5200E

WHAT'S HOT: Made by the same manufacturer as the AOC LM520, this flat-panel boasts a very low $299 price.

WHAT'S NOT: The EN-5200e's plastic case doesn't feel as sturdily constructed as others. On style it can't compete with monitors like the Samsung SyncMaster 152T.

In tests for text quality, it ranked near the bottom among those we tested at the same time. Text was legible in a screen of multiple font sizes, but not as sharp as on other displays.

WHAT ELSE: Judges liked the EN5200e's graphics quality better than its text, but it wasn't among the top performers there either--and it placed lower than its sibling, the AOC LM520. Trouble spots revealed in our graphics tests included color inconsistency. On one photo, colors looked rich and vibrant, while on another they looked washed-out and bland. In addition, it displayed white screens with uneven brightness.

Like many other LCDs, this model can tilt back. When we tried adjusting the panel's angle by grabbing its sides, we found that its small oval base made it easy to tip over. The on-screen control menu contains common adjustments like contrast, brightness, and auto-adjust. Some controls are lacking, such as one for adjusting the menu's time-out feature and one for locking settings in place.

In-the-box documentation consists of a two-page brochure with setup instructions and a cursory mention of the on-screen controls. Online at the company's Web site, you can find more information about the monitor and how to make on-screen adjustments. Support is available for 12 hours on weekdays, which is adequate for most business users but may occasionally leave home users stranded.

UPSHOT: This no-frills LCD would suit most homes and offices. But the AOC LM520 offers slightly better image quality for the same price.

SUMMARY

Envision EN-5200e $