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The PE150M is a slim-profile unit: Without the stand, the monitor is just under 2 inches thick; with the stand, it's only 5 inches deep, making it a good choice for tight spaces. You cannot, however, adjust the stand's height and swivel. The small speakers built into the bezel produced surprisingly clear, if not very loud, sound--more than adequate for casual listening and for presentations to small groups.
Image quality was impressive for both text and graphics. Although this monitor was not the highest rated unit in either category, it did produce sharply defined text and images, with plenty of detail in both shadows and highlights on photos. Colors, while generally vivid and clear, were not always accurate: Skin tones looked a little dark.
Planar offers an attractive replacement plan: If the monitor fails within the three-year warranty period, it will send you a replacement unit (secured by your credit card) via 2nd day shipping, along with a label for returning the faulty unit. Planar's tech support is open only on weekdays.
Upshot: Strong image quality and good built-in speakers make this monitor a good candidate for small-office use, but the lack of weekend tech support would be a problem for home users.
Richard Baguley
