HotHardware Holiday Buyer's Guide 2008
Regardless of how cool the components in your computer are, you won’t get to enjoy any of them without a decent monitor that can display the full effects of those crisp graphics and high frame rates.
Dell UltraSharp 3008WFP 30" Widescreen - $1,999
Dell’s large, 30-inch UltraSharp 3008WFP widescreen LCD offers a native resolution of 2,560 x 1,600. And to help you enjoy all of the fine details, TrueColor Technology produces 117% of the NTSC color gamut for superb color reproduction. The UltraSharp 3008WFP has a fast 8 ms response time and 3,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. You’ll get a nice variety of connection options with this monitor, including VGA, DVI-D with HDCP, HDMI, S-Video, Component, Composite, and DisplayPort. The UltraSharp monitor family is designed to give you a comfortable viewing experience by allowing you to adjust the height, tilt the panel forward and backward, and swivel it left-to-right. Additionally, the UltraSharp 3008WFP supports a wide viewing angle of 178-degrees.
HP LP3065 Black 30" Widescreen - $899
The HP LP3065 supports a maximum resolution of 2,560 x 1,600, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, a 3,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 12 ms response time, and 102% color gamut. A built-in USB hub provides quick connectivity to peripherals such as the optional HP LCD Speaker Bar which fits under the monitor. For users with multiple PCs, three dual-link DVI connectors enable simultaneous connectivity. This 30-inch display has a refresh rate of 60 Hz and super-wide 178-degree viewing angles. And keep in mind, like any other big LCD, you’ll need a dual-link DVI graphics card for this monitor.
BenQ 24IN E2400HD - $330
BenQ’s E2400HD is a 24-inch, full HD, 16:9 LCD monitor with a max resolution of 1,920 x 1,080, a 5ms response time, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, and 300cd/m2 brightness. This display has a viewing angle of 170/160 (H/V). The E2400HD also has built-in speakers. Ports include a 15-pin HD-15 VGA in, DVI-D, HDMI digital audio/video in, audio line in, and headphone jack.
Dell S2409W Black 24" - $349
Enjoy full HD 1,920 x 1,080 resolution on this 24-inch monitor from Dell. The S2409W has a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 300 cd/m2 brightness, and a 5 ms response time. In terms of connectivity, you’ll get DVI-D with High Definition Content Protection VGA and an HDMI interface. The monitor supports 16.7 million colors and has a viewing angle of 160° / 170°.
ViewSonic VA1930wm 19" Widescreen - $145
The ViewSonic 19-inch VA1930wm LCD widescreen monitor delivers a fast 5ms video response for blur-free video and crystal-clear graphics. For a complete multimedia experience, the VA1930wm has an integrated amp and stereo speakers along with OptiSync analog and digital inputs. This monitor has a contrast ratio of 700:1, 300 cd/m2 brightness, and supports a maximum resolution of 1,440 x 900.
Asus VW193T 19" Widescreen - $135
Like the aforementioned ViewSonic VA1930wm, the Asus VW193T offers a fast 5ms response time and 300 Nits high brightness for smooth, vivid graphics. For even sharper and brighter images, this monitor uses ASCR (ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio) for an effective contrast ratio of 1600:1. Furthermore, Splendid Video Intelligence Technology tweaks the color, brightness, contrast, and sharpness of images in different applications and has five preset video modes and three skin tone options to help provide the best video quality. The VW193T incorporates a DVI Input with HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection) and has built-in stereo speakers.
