Mick Lockey

KDS USA RAD-5BLK

Two positive factors distinguish this analog-only panel. First, it has the lowest price in our test set. In fact, at $270, it doesn't cost much more than some CRT monitors. Second, this panel performed well in our tests that evaluate text quality. Judges handed out high marks for smooth, even fonts on Word and Excel test screens, and on a screen that showed various type sizes.
Though its price is right and its text quality was top-notch, the RAD-5BLK stumbled on our graphics tests. Overall, colors were less bright than on other models. On photo test screens, colors had a dull, lifeless look. In a test of the panel's ability to display gradations of color, judges noted a narrower range of visible spectrum than on other monitors. It was difficult to discern differing hues of color at the brightest and darkest spectrums of a color-scale screen, too. The display lacks a Kensington lock slot to help prevent would-be thieves from spiriting the panel away from your desktop. We found the on-screen controls difficult to use. Four unusually designed buttons lie under the bezel's right front. To adjust the controls, you have to press these buttons upward, which makes them clunky to use. And because the buttons lack icons, we had to consult the manual to learn how to use them.
Tech support is available for 10 hours during weekdays. That's fine for corporate locations but could discommode home users. KDS covers parts and labor for three years, but it covers the unit's backlight for only one year; most companies provide a three-year warranty on everything. Printed documentation is sparse, but it does cover the basics.
This panel may satisfy frugal users, but people looking for a higher standard of graphics output should pass it by.

Buying Information

KDS USA RAD-5BLK 15-inch screen, 1280 by 1024 native resolution, 14.1 by 6.1 by 14.1 inches, 8.8 pounds, XGA TFT panel, analog inputs. Three-year warranty (including backlight); 10-hour weekday toll-free tech support. $ 270 15-inch screen, 1280 by 1024 native resolution, 14.1 by 6.1 by 14.1 inches, 8.8 pounds, XGA TFT panel, analog inputs. Three-year warranty (including backlight); 10-hour weekday toll-free tech support. http://www.kdsusa.com 800/237-9988