Review: NEC tops list of 10 best LCD monitors

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By Richard Baguley

(IDG) -- LCD monitors are finally becoming a viable alternative to CRT monitors for home or office use. Driven by falling prices, more and more users are opting to use an LCD instead of a bulky CRT. And despite the rising prices of the LCD panels that manufacturers use to build monitors, we haven't seen any big price increases since the last time we looked at 15-inch LCD monitors, in our August 2001 print issue.

This time around, NEC Mitsubishi hits number one with its MultiSync LCD1550X, whose outstanding scores on our graphics and text tests elevated it to the top of the list. The other Best Buy award goes to Sharp's LL-T15V1, an attractively priced monitor that earned high scores for both text and graphics. The only downside of the Sharp was its lack of a digital input.

Several of the monitors on the chart have panels that you can pivot 90 degrees, resulting in a screen oriented more like a magazine than a TV. This position can be useful when you want to display entire pages of text in a word processor or edit images taken in portrait mode. All of these pivotable models come with software (usually Pivot Pro from Portrait Software) to rotate the screen image with a couple of mouse clicks, making the switch between portrait and landscape mode easy.

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Some monitors also come with composite and S-Video inputs that you can use to directly connect a camcorder or DVD player. Two such displays are the Hitachi CML155XW V and the Solarism LM1503; although neither made the chart, you might consider them if you want a monitor that can show videos as well as work with a computer.

Top 10 LCD monitors

1. NEC MultiSync LCD1550X: For those willing to pay for top quality, this monitor provides excellent image quality and pivoting capability. Plenty of nice design touches make the monitor easy to set up and use.
2. Sharp LL-T15V1: The Sharp LL-T15V1 scored high in our tests, rendering sharp text and beautiful graphics with strong colors. Though it lacks some of the features of more-expensive models, the LL-T15V1 is a good choice for text and graphics use.
3. CTX PV520A: With crisp text and the ability to rotate from portrait to landscape mode, the PV520A would make a fine choice for professionals who work extensively in text documents. Graphics quality is fine for basic tasks, such as viewing Web pages.
4. Iiyama Pro Lite 3835UT: At $549, the Pro Lite is one of the most expensive 15-inch LCD monitors we've tested, but the professional design accounts for much of the premium. If space savings, excellent ergonomic features, and top-flight performance matter to you, this no-compromises monitor will fit the bill.
5. Hewlett-Packard L1520: Excellent image quality and analog and digital inputs make this monitor a flexible unit for businesses, especially those that can also take advantage of its asset management features. The monitor also offers several ways to adjust its ergonomic position, including smooth height adjustment and the ability to pivot the display into portrait orientation.
6. Eizo Nanao FlexScan L365: For those who want a stylish display for small spaces and who don't mind paying a bit extra, the FlexScan L365 will be a good choice.
7. ADI A600: With strong text quality and an impressive price, the A500 would appeal to those looking for a no-frills monitor for office use. Text was sharp and easily readable, and the colors in our graphics screens were bright and true to life.
8. Samsung SyncMaster 570vTFT: This older, entry-level model has been surpassed in image quality by newer monitors. But it is priced within reach of even budget LCD buyers, so it's a natural for home offices and dorm rooms.
9. Benq FP581: The FP581 would be useful for situations where the monitor might have to be moved regularly, but its image quality is strictly average.
10. ViewSonic VE155: The VE155 is attractively priced and does an adequate job handling text, but you can find much better graphics performance with other models.

For a more detailed comparison, see chart with individual monitor specifications and ratings.

Beyond the Top 10

• Compaq FP5017: We appreciate the elegant on-screen displays and case design, but those features don't justify the premium price, especially for a monitor with disappointing image quality and lacking something as simple as adjustable height.
• Hitachi CML155XW V: With its good looks and video-input options, this monitor has the right features for home use, but its price and image quality are less than the best.
• KDS Radius RAD-5: The KDS RAD-5 might appeal to the bargain hunter, but if you pay a little more you can get better image quality.
• Solarism LM1503: The superbright LM1503 might work well for presentations or environments with difficult lighting, but its image quality is not up to general home or business use.
• Sony SDM-S51/B: Though it has undeniable style, this Sony has lackluster image quality and skimpy features, making it a questionable choice for almost anyone.