HP 15IN LCD FLAT PANEL HP L1502 ANALOG (HP (Hewlett-Packard)-P9617D)

WHAT'S HOT: The L1502 was an above-average performer in our graphics tests. Judges especially commended its ability to display details on a Windows desktop test screen, as well as rich and lively colors in test photos of a fruit tart and a group of children. IT staffers or anyone who frequently moves their monitor will appreciate this model's built-in handle and easy-to-reach power connector; instead of facing downward (and out of view), the socket for the power cord faces straight out the back of the monitor. An included CD-ROM holds both a detailed manual in Portable Document Format and a software utility that aids in adjusting the monitor.

WHAT'S NOT: Style is not a strong point of the blocky-looking L1502. The panel seems especially thick and bulky in the back. Some of this heft undoubtedly results from having the power supply integrated into the main unit (instead of putting it in a separate "power brick"), but we have seen other monitors that incorporate the power supply more gracefully.

WHAT ELSE: The L1502's text quality was generally good, though fine letters appeared a bit too wispy. Dropping the brightness level helped make text easier to see but also made graphics murky. The three large control buttons on the bezel each have multiple functions, and we found them a bit confusing. For example, the Menu button also doubles as an Enter button in many instances, and the minus button, if pressed on its own, activates the auto-adjust routine. Based on our experience with other monitors, we would have expected the button to lower the brightness or contrast instead.