NEC MultiSync LCD1770VX

The good: Analog and digital inputs; clean design; sturdy, highly adjustable base; easy onscreen-menu navigation with joystick.

The bad: Mediocre image quality; expensive for a 17-inch monitor.

The bottom line: Most 17-inch monitors can't match the NEC MultiSync LCD1770VX's clean appearance and ease of use; however, so-so image quality limits the NEC's appeal.

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Description: The NEC Multisync LCD1770VX is a 17 in, flat panel computer monitor. Compared to other flat panel monitors on the market, it is midpriced at around $235. This model features a 1280x1024 native resolution. Weighs 13.2 lbs.

Pros: Has 0.264 mm dot pitch, which is somewhat better than some similarly priced monitors. Accepts DVI input, which allows for greater signal clarity than traditional VGA.

Cons: Has only 1280x1024 resolution. This is not out of line with the product's price, but is lower than the average monitor on the market today.

Suitability: A flat panel monitor, suited for those who want a higher resolution display that takes up minimal desk space. The 8 ms response time of this screen makes it ideal for fast-moving games and for watching movies.

Value: In general, this monitor has great features for the money.

Suggestions: (1) Before purchasing an LCD monitor, consider visiting your local store for a live demo to ensure that its overall image quality, color, and sharpness meets your expectation. (2) Since this monitor is DVI-capable, you might want a DVI-enabled graphics card in your PC to connect with it -- this will pass the digital video signal directly without converting it to analog, making for better performance.