IBM P97 19in Monitor Black

WHAT'S HOT: The IBM P97 displayed both text and graphics with ease. Our image quality judges were impressed with the legibility of letters in a Word document. Colors in a test photo of fruit looked rich, and fine detail was readily visible.

WHAT'S NOT: With a hefty $499 price tag (about $125 more than the current average price of 19-inch models), the P97 won't suit buyers on a budget.

WHAT ELSE: The P97's high price does buy a high-quality FD Trinitron tube, which has a flat face that reduces reflected glare from ambient light sources. The P97 that we looked at had a black bezel; you can also buy this monitor in standard beige. On-screen controls, managed by five buttons on the front, were straightforward and easy to use. A convergence control allows for horizontal and vertical adjustment, and also allows you to make specific settings for the top and bottom of the screen.

UPSHOT: Though its $499 price makes the P97 a relatively expensive 19-inch CRT monitor, its picture-perfect display and sophisticated controls will please even demanding graphics pros.

SUMMARY

IBM P97 18-inch viewable area, .24-.25mm varying stripe pitch FD Trinitron tube, up to 85-Hz refresh rate at 1280 by 1024 resolution. Three-year warranty, 24-hour daily toll-free support. $499 888/746-7426 www.ibm.com