X-bit labs

December 2003 Hardware News Overview (page 13)

Category: Editorial

by Andy Yaschenko

[ 12/19/2003 | 05:36 PM ]

So we saw several new 17” models in November from respected manufacturers. BenQ was among them showcasing its FP757 v 2 and FP767 v2 with 16ms response time at Comdex.

Looking at the specs of the FP767 v2, you notice an average brightness of 260nit, but a quite normal contrast ratio (500:1). The viewing angles are 140 degrees, only an analog input is available. This is not excellent by today’s standards. The moderate technical characteristics are somehow balanced by a cute two-color case with a thin bezel. This is obviously a model for the low-end sector.

EIZO Nanao targets the other end of the price range rolling out its FlexScan L550-R. The case design is two-color, too. Note also the brightness auto-adjustment depending on the lighting in your room and better technical parameters (300nit, 450:1, 16ms, 160 degrees viewing angles).

Samsung’s assortment covers the entire range, but the latest two models, SyncMaster Magic CX710P and SyncMaster 177X, are unconditionally aiming the very top. The first device allows adjusting all of its settings directly from the computer, so it lacks any buttons on the case (well, we’ve waited long for this, since the advent of the DVI interface). The parameters are impressive for a 17” monitor (700:1 contrast ratio and 180 degrees viewing angles). The other model is a humbler one, priced at $550 rather than $670, but draws the spotlight due to its record-breaking specified response time, 12ms! Who’s going to tell now that LCD monitors are not for watching movies or playing dynamic computer games?

SyncMaster Magic CX710P