Hanns.G HG-281DJB

Hanns-G's display comes with serviceable built-in speakers. Predictably they lack bass, but at maximum volume, movie dialogue was clear, and whispered dialogue was audible. Sounds emerged, such as background chirps of birds and distant galloping hooves, that I had a hard time hearing through the built-in speakers of other monitors.

The on-screen display (OSD) menu is easy, but basic, with a few presets for color temperature and speaker volume control. There is no extra software. The panel adequately tilts (20 degrees) and minimally swivels (30 degrees each side).

The generally ordinary design consists of a glossy black bezel and a silver-and-black stand. It's squat, angular, and conventionally rectangular. A single small blue LED power button sits on the lower-right side of the bezel. OSD buttons are located behind that button on the back of the display, so they are hard to access when you're making adjustments.

The Hanns-G HG-281DJB has a tempting $599 (as of December 10, 2007) price, and it does a decent job with office documents. But it does have a hard time in certain graphics situations, so you may want to look for a more well-rounded performer.

--Roy Santos