LCD Monitors for the Rest of Us
New models from NEC-Mitsubishi and Samsung make sleekness more affordable.Kalpana Narayanamurthi, PCWorld.com
LAS VEGAS-- For most of us, the story's the same: It would be nice to replace those hulking CRT monitors on our desks with a sleek, space-saving LCD displays, but the steep prices have held us back. But if the monitors released here at Comdex are any indication, LCD prices may be coming down, making them a more realistic option.
NEC-Mitsubishi and Samsung announced several LCD monitors that could give CRT displays a run for their money. (See "Dell Clips Flat-Panel Display Prices.")
NEC-Mitsubishi plans to challenge CRT control of the monitor market with its two offerings, the $799 MultiSync 1530V and the $1499 MultiSync 1700M. At 15 and 17 inches, respectively, these beige-toned displays are intended to offer improved readability at angles, a feat that LCDs strive to achieve. Both offer only analog input. (See "NEC's New Low-Power LCD.")
Samsung has released a host of new monitors, most notably, the SyncMaster T series, available in 15-, 17-, and 18-inch models. All three monitors offer digital and analog input, and all are encased in Samsung's signature silver finish.
The 15-inch SyncMaster 150T will ship for $899, the 17-inch SyncMaster 170T will ship for $1499, and the 18-inch model, the 180T, will be available for $2499. All three LCDs also can be purchased with a USB hub with two upstream and four downstream ports, offering increased versatility for users to hook up peripherals such as USB scanners and printers.
As for displays that push the envelope, Samsung has released the SyncMaster 240T, an HDTV-ready 24-inch LCD with picture-in-picture. Samsung initially plans to make the 240T available only to its corporate customers, but it does plan to release the hefty display in retail markets within the next few months. Pricing was not set at press time.