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New 19-inch monitors are more affordable than ever. A few models feature the newest advance, reduced depth, which saves desktop space, as well as USB ports, fast becoming a new standard. Among 19-inch models, Dell's new UltraScan P990 leads the way, combining terrific image quality, price, and ease of use. On the 21-inch front, meanwhile, Cornerstone Imaging's P1500 earns a Best Buy with a five- year warranty and great picture quality.
Beyond the Top 10: 19-Inch Monitors
1. Sceptre Dragon Eye D97A
If paying a low price is your first priority, Sceptre's D97A $550 price tag should put a smile on your face--it's the cheapest new monitor we reviewed this month, $100 less expensive than the average cost of a 19-inch monitor. But be prepared to scale back your expectations. Image quality proves adequate if unexceptional. The D97A's cramped animated on-screen controls lack word descriptors, common on most monitors. Although Sceptre offers a more generous warranty than some competitors, the company's tech support hours trail behind others. For this price, consider Dell's UltraScan P990; if you can live with a short one-year warranty, it provides superior image quality.
PRO: Inexpensive, generous warranty.
CON: Controls lack word descriptors, short support hours.
FEATURES: $550; 18-inch viewable area, .26mm dot pitch tube, up to 85-Hz refresh rate at 1280 by 1024 resolution, Plug and Play ready, five-year warranty, 9-hour weekday toll free support.
Sceptre
800/788-2878
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2. Panasonic PanaSync SL90
The PanaSync SL90's specs look good on paper. One of the first to feature a flat face and a trimmed-down case, its 16.4-inch depth is the shortest in this month's roundup, letting it fit in the same space as a more traditional-size 17-inch monitor. Lackluster image quality keeps this unit off the chart this month. The SL90's text and graphics pale in comparison to those of other monitors. The SL90 ranked below average on screens designed to test text quality, for instance. Panasonic's customer support approaches first-class status; the company's combined warranty and technical support scores match those of Sony Electronics and Princeton, which offer round-the-clock tech support.
PRO: Short depth, good warranty offerings.