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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great monitor, wish it was even larger though, November 9, 2002
By A Customer
As I began to realize that my 17" monitor that came with my PC was starting to affect my posture (by prompting me to lean forward to see more detail on the screen), I decided it was time to upgrade to something larger. And because I am also a watcher of DVD movies (which I play on my PC), I wanted a screen size large enough to enjoy films. So naturally I sought a monitor about the size of a medium television - say, 31" or so. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown they don't make monitors that even approach that "medium size." (Perhaps in the future?). So with that dissapointment acknowledged, I went on to what was available: 21" and 22" monitors, all of which display about 20" diagonally when all is said and done. In other words, about the size of a large television -- circa 1970! Screen: The Sony E540 has one of the largest screens one can find at this time at a reasonable price. And I am impressed by the slight difference in size compared to my previous screen - an extra couple inches does make a difference in the ease-of-reading text, and a subtle but appreciated improvement in watching movies and in graphics. The Sony is my first flat-screen monitor, and I think it makes a noticeable difference in eye comfort. The refresh rate is pleasing (I'm not sure what it is, but it must be high enough as I can neither see any flicker, nor hear any subtle high-pitched tone as one would hear from a television set). The screen is bright without being washed out, colors are accurate, and the two faint horizontal lines which all monitors of this design have are subtle to the point of being invisible unless one is viewing a solid white screen from close up - completely invisible when watching films from a few feet back. The reason I wanted a monitor such as this one was to improve my eye comfort. This one has done that. It also needed to be accurate enough for my graphics work, and it is. Everything else is not as important to me, but I'll describe my impressions anyhow: Aesthetics: The two-tone monitor's shell is suitably modern when viewed from the side, though the "frame" around the screen itself is a little bland and wide - not sexy enough IMO. The top of the monitor at the front edge has a flat area several inches deep suitable for placing a picture frame on (or whatever items you use to personalize your space) without interference with the air vents. Plastic is standard beige on front and grey on the sides/back; the darker shade on the sides and back helps make it seem smaller than it is, but it is still a pretty deep monitor so be sure you have room for it; an LCD this is not. The green LED light that indicates the monitor on is kept far away from the screen itself (more than two inches down from it) so it does not distract. The monitor weights about the same as a Volkswagon as others have noted (or complained), but it swivels (and tilts) on its base with remarkable ease; only a light touch is needed, and that is what matters. I've experienced no technical problems - the monitor shuts off when the PC is shut off, the on-screen controls are simple to set, and it automatically degausses itself at start-up as needed. At times, this monitor is available at an exceptionally low price, making the decision to enlarge your perspective an easy one.
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