Customer Reviews

Sony StylePro HMD-A400/L 19" CRT Monitor

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This monitor is high quality, has fine resolution, is bright - namely the things that you look for in a good monitor. I spent a lot of time trying to decide between this and a comparable Viewsonic that was ... less. I also own 2 Viewsonics, CRT and LCD and have been happy with them as well. But I think the Sony had a slight edge in quality and it was worth the extra money to me, but it may not be to others.

Also, for the people that buy the Sony and notice 2 fine lines across the screen on a light background, that is NOT a defect, that is the damper shadow in a Trinitron tube, the technology that gives you a brighter image.

When I first saw this monitor in the store, it stood out from all others. The image is so clear and the colors are extremely vibrant. I never thought that a monitor could make this much difference to my computer experience.

The onscreen controls are great. It provides you with all the options you would need without a whole bunch of buttons on the front. A great bonus is the 4 port USB hub built into the monitor. There are two on each side. This would be good for a USB joystick or keyboard or other peripheral.

Overall, this is simply the best monitor I have ever seen. It is well worth the money.

I would have to say yes in this price range.

Pros:
1. Sony Trinitron quality
2. Stylish looks, color, quality.
3. Has 4 port USB hub built into the monitor. There are two on each side to make hooking digital cameras to Pocket PCs a haggle free task.
4. Stands on 2 strong neat looking legs to make it easy to clean the desk under it. Comes with a slide like bar that goes on the back side of the monitor that lets you adjust the angle of monitor with ease.
5. All adjustments done with one button at the center using a great and simple menu. Very similar to the Sony's jog-dial functionality found on their remotes.

Cons:
1. Too heavy.
2. No built-in microphone.

I do have to agree that the two VERY faint lines are easy to overlook when you compare all the rest this monitor has to offer:

Aesthetically it has to be the best looking CRT monitor around. Looking at it dead on, you would think it was an LCD. The edges are very square and the picture, colors, and brightness are very full and rich.

The USB hub is a lifesaver, and it takes up less room than my old 17" monitor.

...

This monitor is fantastic. Its clarity and ease of viewing is absolutely perfect for me. I had to adjust the picture when I bought it, however, the adjustmensts are simple and quick. I do a lot of teaching seniors and this monitor will be added to my recommended list for large monitors. I am using it now -- without my glasses -- and it is crispy sharp. This monitor replaces a 17 inch IBM Trinitron display monitor.

I just got this nice Sony monitor...
Anyway you look at it, it is the best.
I absolutely love it.
About those 2 horizontal lines, people who complaining
go to be kidding...
It is just part of the TRINITRON technology and it is barely visible.
I have seen lots of other monitors, and none can close to the
SONY HMD-A400/L.

Very crisp colors and great size with a 1024x768 resolution. The only thing that is bad is that it's very heavy and large in the back.

I went to several stores locally to find the right monitor, and I kept coming back to this one. I narrowed it down to this and a Viewsonic monitor, and found this one has a more vibrant picture. Flatscreen is the way to go, no matter what brand you get! Not to mention its just cool. The silver design is extremly attractive, and goes well with my wireless mouse and keyboard(by Logitech) as they are silver and gray. The colors on the picture are deep and bright, and the controls are easy to master.

The lines which previous reviewers are refering to are BARELY noticable. I do see them, and can see them now as I type. But they are not by any means intrusive, they are light and can only be seen on a white background. BTW, I find this monitor to be good for both text, and especially gaming! Sony makes the best monitors I have seen to date, and I would never buy another brand monitor.

This is my 4th monitor I have purchased and is by far the best!
I have had it for a week and love it more each day

The A400 is a beautiful monitor and so is the CPD-G420S, which I will explain shortly. I compared them to many others from NEC, Viewsonic, and Samsung etc. and found them to be the best at their price point. Sony display's are generally top-of-the-line. One important tidbit, however: the Sony A400 is almost identical to the Sony CPD-G420S. In fact, the CPD-G420S is slightly better in terms of refresh rate and some other specs. Check the Sony website and compare the specs for yourself. I called Sony after doing this and the sales rep confirmed what I saw on the website. The only difference between the two is the outer casing and the CPD-G420S has slightly better tech specs. But, the last time I checked, the CPD-G420S is cheaper ... at retail! The A400 is for the consumer market whereas the CPD-G420S is for the corporate market, who have sophisticated purchasing agents that are smart enough not to pay the extra [money]. Pricing on these models seems to vary by retailer and when you buy, so my advice is look around for each model and buy the cheaper one. I ended up buying the CPD-G420S and am very happy with it.