HP L1940

Even the L1940's better points leave something to be desired. The swiveling function takes the form of a lazy Susan that moves the entire unit; we prefer this adjustment when it swivels the screen only, leaving the stand firmly rooted and preventing cords from sweeping across the desk. We found the dual-hinged height adjustment springy and difficult to set, and the pivot adjustment stiff. Pivoting software is not included, so users who want to make the images pivot to match the screen will have to shell out $40 more for software like PivotPro. The on-screen display menus look handsome, but the actual controls are strictly average. Though the matte silver bezel and large trinket-tray stand look fine, there's little real advantage to a pretty bezel or to a tray much like those available at any office supply store.

The L1940's price--$529 at testing time--lands on the inexpensive side of average. Other monitors, such as LaCie's Photon19vision, provide better image quality and more extras for about $60 more. And CTX's F973 ponies up fewer features, but provides superior screen quality for less cash.

Upshot: With subpar image quality and awkward physical adjustments, the HP L1940 is a poor bargain at its average price.

Laura Blackwell