Get them while they last: 5 LCD monitors tested

If you're looking to replace monitors or roll out new PCs, it's hard to go past one of these 15-inch LCD monitors. But is the 15-inch form factor in danger of becoming extinct?

It has been 10 months since we last looked at LCD monitors in the August and September 2003 editions of Technology & Business. Those two reviews were general looks into the growing popularity and affordability of LCD monitors, from 17-inch units up to 21-inch models. This current review is focusing on the mainstream desktop 15-inch models currently on the market.

When we say "mainstream", however, this is starting to look like one of those instances where the manufacturers are looking out for their profit margins rather than listening to customer needs. Already some major vendors are abandoning their 15-inch models and selling only 17-inch or larger. While we are usually inundated with LCD monitors whenever we review them, this time around when we asked for 15-inch monitors, we only received five. So treasure this review, it may be the last time we round up 15-inch LCDs.

LCDs now carry many advantages over CRT displays, the most obvious of which are space saving and power saving, not to mention the elimination of the radiation factor. Some people are still reluctant to take up LCDs because of the slower refresh rate, however many vendors now have faster LCDs. For the average office worker who uses their monitor for e-mail, wordprocessing, spreadsheets, and database applications, it probably makes little difference. Style surely must be another incentive for some people to make the move away from CRT. For more information about the pros and cons of LCDs vs CRTs, take a look at our Monitor Buying Guide.

Something to keep in mind here when narrowing down the field if you are looking at upgrading from a CRT monitor to an LCD -- particularly in the larger sizes, 18-inch or bigger -- it's worth checking your existing video graphics card has a DVI port on it. And this applies vice versa; if the LCD panel doesn't have a DVI input then you are limited too.

The difference in image reproduction on some monitors between the standard analogue 15-pin D-Sub (VGA) port and the digital DVI ports is amazing, somewhere around 10-15 percent better visible image sharpness and overall image quality.

You can purchase small adaptors that convert from DVI to 15-pin D-Sub and though not providing the same benefits as a direct port connection, they may improve the image slightly over the standard straight 15-pin connection. This is something you will need to test yourself, as it would depend on your system and monitor choice.

Generally, the smaller and cheaper LCD monitors do not support DVI input. With the smaller size comes lower resolutions of between 800 x 600 or 1024 x 768 and the image quality is generally quite acceptable even through the traditional analog 15-pin D-SUB VGA connection.

		AOC LM520i  While not a well-known brand, the AOC LM520i is stylish and value for money, providing a good no-frills solution.

		Hallmark Viewmaster ES555  A very nice, professional looking display with in-built speakers -- a decent monitor at a reasonable price.

		IBM ThinkVision 6636-AB1  The IBM ThinkVision 6636-AB1 is overall a nice LCD panel which performs quite well, and is competitively priced for the brand name.

		Philips 150B5CS  The Philips 150B 15-inch LCD Monitor is feature-packed, welll constructed and stylishly attractive. The only downside is unfortunately the price as it is a little on the high side.

		ViewSonic VE510  The ViewSonic VE510 offers very good performance for its price, and it's slim bezel makes it ideal for users of multiply display systems.