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This article offers tips on improving the image quality of a computer monitor. It is important to make sure that a monitor uses the latest version of the driver for its graphics adapter. With regards to color quality, it is necessary to adjust the contrast using a grayscale chart to maximize the number of viewable shades of gray. DirectX, a Windows technology that enhances graphics and sound may also be used, as well as a digital visual interface to connect an LCD monitor to a computer in order to produce better images than an analog VGA link of a CRT monitor. INSET: First Aid Your LCD.

This article evaluates the FP231W liquid crystal display (LCD) from BenQ. FP231W's 23-inch wide-screen LCD monitor makes an impressive desk trophy. But unfortunately, its performance does not live up to its great first impression. Although the monitor's se-date charcoal-and-matte-silver cabinet looks very professional, the $1999 FP231W is clearly meant for greater things than just spreadsheets. In addition to analog and digital inputs, it includes S-Video and composite inputs. The unit's vast screen, with a 1920 by 1200 native resolution, can display several applications at once--and that is not counting the picture-in-picture window for watching TV or videos. However, in the informal tests of a shipping model, regular video seemed to be a little grainy and ghosty. High-definition video was sharper, but still showed some ghosting. In any application, light areas appeared shimmery and washed out, causing black text on a white background to display as less than perfect. The FP231W offers some nice features. For example, unlike most 23-inch models it can swivel from side to side as well as tilt. Even when I raised the monitor several inches on its base, it felt stable and well balanced. Sadly, such fancy features do not overcome the unit's iffy image quality.

Evaluates electronic devices and computer peripherals. Features of the Apple's iPod Mini digital audio players; Components of the Livingstation liquid crystal display TV from Epson America.

Evaluates the Sony SDM-N50 liquid crystal display (LCD) computer monitor. Key features; Pros and cons; Image resolution; Price.

Evaluates the Nokia 800Pro+, an 18-inch liquid crystal display (LCD) computer monitor from Nokia Display Products. Price compared with other 18-inch LCD displays; Ability to display analog and digital images; Resolution; Features; Performance; Advantages and disadvantages; Conclusion.