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Rank17-inch monitor                 Street price (12/7/01)Overall ratingQuality of text/graphicsComments                         Dimensions (width x depth x height, in inches)Weight (pounds)Video board interface1Tested video interfaceAngle-of-view compensation technologyHorizontal/vertical viewing angle (degrees, vendor supplied)Panel swivelsMonitor adjusts for heightPanel pivots to portrait modeColor-adjustment/resolution-adjustment softwareNumber of USB ports upstream/downstreamMonitor warranty (years)Tech support hours/days
1Best Buy
ViewSonic VG171		$76982Very good/Very goodJudged the best 17-inch model for both text and graphics, and at the second-lowest price; no frills except color calibration.
16.1 x 6.6 x 16.114.3DualDigitalDiffusion film150/140YNNY/N0/0324/7
2Compaq TFT7020$79982Good/GoodCase sports built-in speakers with volume control plus a headphone jack; warranty includes on-site service and a money-back guarantee.
16.7 x 7 x 17.214.3DualDigitalDiffusion film150/140YNNY/N0/0324/7
3Planar PV174$80079Good/Very goodHas built-in speakers plus headphone jack; on-screen controls offer lots of image-adjustment options; support phone lines are closed on weekends.
17.6 x 8.1 x 17.719.4DualDigitalMVA2160/160NNYN/N1/4311/5
4Benq FP751$77978Good/GoodThumbwheel under front of bezel adjusts controls up or down; IKey allows one-touch automatic image adjustment; speakers are built into case.
16.6 x 8.2 x 17.815AnalogAnalogDiffusion film120/140YNOptionalN/N1/2324/7
5Dell 1702FP$80077Good/GoodMidpack performer on image quality and features places on the chart thanks to low price, high-quality support, and extensive easy-to-use controls.
17.3 x 8.7 x 18.118.5DualDigitalIPS3160/160YNNN/N0/0324/7
Rank18-inch monitor                 Street price (12/7/01)Overall ratingQuality of text/graphicsComments                         Dimensions (width x depth x height, in inches)Weight (pounds)Video board interface1Tested video interfaceAngle-of-view compensation technologyHorizontal/vertical viewing angle (degrees, vendor supplied)Panel swivelsMonitor adjusts for heightPanel pivots to portrait modeColor-adjustment/resolution-adjustment softwareNumber of USB ports upstream/downstreamMonitor warranty (years)Tech support hours/days
1Best Buy
ViewSonic VG181		$94981Good/GoodLow price, solid features, and excellent support make a winning combination. Comes with two color-calibration apps; height-adjustable stand moves smoothly.
18.1 x 9.5 x 18.122DualAnalogIPS3160/160YYYY/N0/0324/7
2Planar PT1814NUV$111980Very good/Very goodEarned the second-best score among 18-inchers for image quality; includes built-in speakers; RCA and S-Video inputs let you connect a TV, camcorder, or VCR.
18.4 x 10.3 x 17.821.2DualDigitalIPS3160/160YNNN/N1/4311/5
3NEC-Mitsubishi MultiSync LCD1830$89980Good/GoodLowest price among 18-inch models; LiquidView software sizes up fonts and icons for easier reading at high resolutions; controls are extensive.
17.1 x 8.5 x 17.814.3DualAnalogIPS3160/160YYNY/Y0/0324/7
4Eizo Nanao FlexScan L685$189977Very good/Very goodTop scorer overall for text and graphics quality; base adjusts for height; thin bezel; offers two digital video inputs.
15.7 x 8 x 15.917.6DualDigitalIPS3170/170YYYY/Y1/438/5
5Iiyama AS4636D$127575Good/GoodUSB ports in base and side-mounted connectors are easy to reach; includes S-Video and composite inputs; fewer controls than other monitors.
16.9 x 8.3 x 16.822DualDigitalIPS3170/170YNYN/N1/4310/5

Y = Yes N = No
1 Monitors can provide analog, digital, or both interfaces (dual) for connecting to a PC's video card. A monitor's digital input must be used with a digital video card.
2 Multidomain vertical alignment.
3 In-plane switching.