Dell UltraSharp 2707WFP

The monitor includes a bevy of connections. In addition to VGA and DVI ports, it sports S-Video, component, composite, and USB connectors. I was slightly disappointed by its lack of HDMI; for the price, I think it should have such a modern connector. Still, with all the other connectors, you can use the monitor's picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture features to, for example, work on documents while watching a video on the inset screen. Next to other ports, you can also connect a set of optional $35 speakers that Dell calls Sound Bar. A flash media card reader is also integrated on the left side. It supports nine types of media cards, including SD, Memory Stick, and CompactFlash.

The UltraSharp 2707WFP's well-hidden cable management feature is fragile and a little difficult to use. A glossy plastic removable cover is attached to the back of the stand. It pulls off to reveal two plastic loops to cinch cables together. You feed the cables through the narrow hole at the base of the stand and extend them through the stand's body. The loops were narrow and rather flimsy. With minimal force, one of them broke when I was trying to loop a cable through it.

I found the colors in Lord of the Rings: Return of the King slightly reddish. It did however handle swaths of light and subtle details such as persistent mist capably, keeping graininess to a minimum. A scene set in fall produced magnificent yellows and oranges, and a golden tone that was a pleasure to watch.

Dell's sharply designed UltraSharp 2707WFP has the wow factor and price ($1199 as of December 10, 2007), that's certain to impress friends and colleagues. More important, its image quality will please a variety of users.

--Roy Santos