New Displays Focus On Business Applications
NEC MULTISYNC LCD2090UXi
Introduced earlier this month, NEC's new 90 Series of flat-panel displays is specifically aimed at professional users in markets such as financial, medical, graphic design and engineering. The top-of-the-line 90 Series offers more than 25 new features over the 80 Series it is replacing. The improved features produce clearer images, offer more flexible control and connectivity and has improved energy efficiency. For testing purposes, the Test Center engineers focused on the 20-inch LCD2090UXi. Note that all new 90-Series displays offer the same advanced feature set.
The LCD MultiSync 90-series "i" models, including the LCD2090UXi reviewed by the Test Center, use In-Plane Switching, or IPS-based modules, to meet the color-critical needs in industries such as medical imaging, graphic illustration and photography. IPS modules minimize off-angle color shift and produce clearer black tones resulting in accurate color reproduction and uniform brightness. A 12-bit Look-Up Table (LUT) generates a richer image by enabling more levels of shading between black and white. An AmbiBright function automatically adjusts brightness according to ambient lighting, and an Eco-Mode allows users to dim the back light to conserve power and extend lamp life.
The MultiSync LCD2090UXi features DVI-D, DVI-I and VGA inputs, with a screen bezel width of just 12mm, making it ideal for multiple monitor configurations, including tiled installations. The height-adjustable cabinet tilts, swivels and pivots. The quick-release stand allows for easy arm- or wall-mounting, while an integrated handle allows for easy transport. The display measures 17.3 inches wide by 9.7 inches deep, with the height ranging from 16.4 inches to 22.3 inches. The MultiSync LCD2090UXi costs $1,300. NEC's channel program only has a single partner level, and there are no prerequisites for being considered for channel partnership. While that helps keep things easy, it also can increase the competition with other solution providers. The company does offer sales incentives, leads, demo units, partner extranet and marketing materials.
NEC did not disclose margins, but it does offer spiffs, rebates and other opportunities for partners to earn profits. Partners also can garner revenue from service opportunities, along with extended warranties and contracts.
VIEWSONIC VP2330WB
With its widescreen aspect ratio, ViewSonic's VP2330wb caters more toward multimedia authoring and entertainment applications than day-to-day business applications. However, its widescreen display does allow the viewing of two standard pages side by side, which adds convenience to business applications such as spreadsheets.
Also an LCD, the VP2330wb is a 23-inch widescreen unit with a native resolution of 1,920 x 1,200; this is slightly more in the vertical dimension than HDTV's native resolution of 1,920 x 1,080, and it produces an aspect ratio of approximately 16:10 instead of 16:9, but HDTV images nonetheless look fantastically sharp when viewed on any display with this type of resolution. The VP2330wb costs $1,299.
To help display video in a fluid manner, ViewSonic's VP2330wb has an 8-millisecond gray-to-gray video response time, which equates to a 16 millisecond response time when going from black to white to black. The display generates 250 nits of brightness with an 800:1 contrast ratio. An integrated high-speed USB 2.0 hub makes connecting peripherals a breeze and eliminates connectivity issues on the desktop.
As with the NEC, the VP2330wb also has an ergonomic base with height, tilt, swivel and pivot functions. The pivot function works automatically and doesn't require any third-party software. The display measures 21.3 inches wide by 21.2 inches high by 11.6 inches deep and it weighs about 17 pounds.
ViewSonic's single-tier PartnerView channel program covers all the basics. Joining the program is relatively hassle-free, and all partners receive pre- and post-sales support from ViewSonic's inside sales team. While the company did not disclose a margin range, partners can increase revenue by selling ViewSonic ViewMate Accessories (keyboards, mice and speakers). In addition, VARs also can sell ViewCare options, such as Extended warranty and/or Express Exchange, which are included in the ViewCare programs. Web-based training, demo units and zero signup costs help to round out the channel program. Marketing funds, rebates and other incentives are frequently offered to partners based upon proposals and business cases. Free support is available to partners, as is a gated portal for access to additional information.
