X-bit labs

20" LCD Monitors Roundup. Part V (page 11)

Category: Other

by Oleg Artamonov

[ 12/21/2007 | 10:53 PM ]

Dell E207WFP

In my previous review I reported you about two 20” monitors from Dell based on rather expensive VA and S-IPS matrixes. These matrix types are superior to TN in terms of viewing angles, which makes them more appropriate for everyday work and even the best choice for serious image-editing applications. But on the other hand, there are quite a lot of users who are quite satisfied with the modest characteristics of TN and who don’t want to pay more for PVA/MVA or S-IPS.

So, it’s quite logical for Dell to fill in the low-end market sector by introducing an inexpensive monitor with a TN matrix. As you can learn from the specs, it has neither response time compensation nor dynamic contrast mode.

The monitor represents Dell’s traditional exterior design: a neat and even elegant black case on a stand with a thin silvery leg. This monitor would look good both at home and in the office, being neither a senseless bright spot nor a dull gray box.

The seemingly fragile stand keeps the monitor steady without problems thanks to the massive steel plate inside. Changing the tilt of the screen is the only available adjustment option here, though, but the native stand can be removed (by pressing the button at the spot where it is fastened to the case) and replaced with a VESA-compatible one.

The monitor has analog and digital inputs. Its power adapter is integrated into the case.

The control buttons are placed in the bottom right of the front panel. Their icons are hardly readable, unfortunately, especially those that are pressed out near the buttons in the black plastic. The monitor provides quick access to the auto-adjustment feature, to selecting an input, and to the brightness setting. The Power indicator resides in the appropriate button – it shines with a mild green light at work.

Dell has abandoned its extravagant onscreen menu in the inexpensive series and it’s good for the monitor. The simple menu of the E207WFP is much easier to use than the clumsy and awkward menus of senior models that provoke users’ complaints.