Tech Watch: Displays and Projectors Bonanza

Perhaps it's not the flashiest-looking LCD we've ever seen, but LG Electronics' new Flatron L2000C is competing with the big guys in one of the fastest-growing new display sizes--20 inches. The L2000C, which LG is targeting at graphics, medical and financial-services customers, comes with an ultra-thin bezel, is based on a 1,600 x 1,200-resolution eight-bit panel, offers a contrast ratio of 800-to-1, produces a brightness of 300 cd/m and has a viewing angle of 178 degrees. The company offers 24/7 support and a 48-hour swap program with free shipping both ways during the three-year warranty period.

Flatron L2000C, www.lgusa.com Price: $649 (MSRP)

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The ViewSonic name brings monitors to most people's minds, but the vendor also offers a broad selection of projectors. So far this year, the company has unveiled five new projectors, including the PK458D, which is positioned for optimal output from both PCs and video systems. It produces 2,000 lumens, offers a native XGA resolution of 1,024 x 768 and delivers a contrast ratio of 2,000-to-1. The result? Bright, sharp images with vivid colors. The PK458D, which weighs less than 5 pounds, also supports HDTV signals, making this projector suitable for home, office and school environments. One of its cousins, a higher-end unit called the PJ766D, produces up to 2,500 lumens but costs an additional $500 and is 2 pounds heavier.

ViewSonic PK458D, www.viewsonic.com Price: $999

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The power user should have a power display, and Philips' new 23-inch LCD fits the bill. The 230WP7, an upgrade to the 230W5, is based on an IPS panel and offers the following: improved front-of-screen performance (for example, a contrast ratio of 700-to-1, up from 500-to-1), a response time of 12 milliseconds, a brightness of 300 cd/m (up from 250) and a 178-degree viewing angle. Because of its SuperErgo base, the 230WP7 can be shifted easily between portrait and landscape modes. It also supports the vendor's SmartManage asset-management tool. This display is great for users who want to view two documents side-by-side without having to tile two 17-inch displays.

Philips 230WP7, www.philips.com Price: $1,199

NEXT: The latest from HP, BenQ and Samsung.

It would be unfair to compare Hewlett-Packard's xp7030 digital projector to the previously mentioned ViewSonic PK458D model. HP's product, at more than double the price of ViewSonic's, is clearly for the ultra-high end. The DLP projector can reach a maximum brightness of 3,300 lumens, compared with ViewSonic's 2,500. Where the HP shines, though, is in its management options. The optional HP Jetdirect pn1050 network-projector manager allows for remote installation, configuration and management. When used with HP's Web Jetadmin, it provides theft protection and generates security alerts. However, unless your customer has elaborate requirements and a hefty budget, it might be hard to justify the substantial price premium of the xp7030 over ViewSonic's model.

, www.hp.com Price: $2,499

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This LCD Is Built For Speed

If speed is the key criterion for your customers when it comes to display requirements, you might want to check out BenQ's FP93GX. Based on the company's Advanced Motion Accelerator (AMA), this 19-inch LCD boasts a 2-ms response time. When turned on, AMA accelerates the rotational speed of the liquid crystals in the screen panel by increasing the amount of voltage generated. That makes it possible to shorten the gray-to-gray response time to 2 ms. (When not activated, the display steps down to a not-too-shabby 6 ms.) The display offers a 700-to-1 contrast ratio and a brightness of 300 cd/m2; it has dual DVI outputs, as well as VGA support. But as with many high-speed LCDs, the trade-off is viewing angle, which is about 135 degrees. Still, for gamers and those who use lots of video, that's probably a small price to pay.

BenQ FP93GX, www.benq.com Price: $419 (MSRP)

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Samsung's new 20.1-inch SyncMaster 204b doesn't have the fastest response time, but at 5 ms, it's certainly no slacker. The same is true with its viewing angle, which, at 160 degrees, is OK, though not optimal. But Samsung's MagicColor feature, which intelligently provides color correction, and the MagicBright feature, which lets users adjust brightness and contrast with one button, are very useful. Also, users can adjust for different scenarios, such as handling text, viewing video, gaming and streaming. This LCD boasts a contrast ratio of 800-to-1 and brightness of 300 cd/m2.

Samsung SyncMaster 204B, www.samsung.com Price: $629