ViewSonic VA2026W Black-Silver 20" 5ms DVI Widescreen Super high resolution LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 2000:1 DCR

Pros: Wide screen 20.1" diagonal
Resolution up to 1680x1050
Small pixel pitch 0.258mm
Contrast ratio 1000:1
Video response 5 ms
Analog & digital interface

Cons: None so far

Overall Review: Needed to replace 0.26mm dot pitch 19" CRT with 19" standard or 20" wide screen LCD monitor. Most LCDs of this size have a 0.28mm dot pitch that looks fuzzy to me. I considered Dell, Sceptre, and ViewSonic, and was very pleased that Viewsonic has brought out this new VA2026w Value model.

Compared to their VG2030wm Graphics model, I didn't need the onboard speakers, height adjustable stand, extra size and weight, higher power demand, and the 800:1 contrast ratio was lower. Note that the two medels are about the same price at Newegg.

Had to buy a DVI cable since ViewSonic only ships a VGA cable with display. Plugged new monitor into DVI connector on eVGA NVidia FX5500 256MB display adapter. Loaded ViewSonic Wizard CD and did driver software install that also loads user manual (Acrobat file).

Initial impressions - LCD display has fantastic clarity, color, and brightness! Just as good as CRT for small fonts. Very pleased with my choice - buy one and you will be, too !

Pros: - Clarity of screen
- Lack of dead pixels
- Cost

Cons: - Too bright - even after adjusting to minimum setting
- Impossible to match colors / brightness with my other 3 monitors
- Panel type listed as "Active Matrix, TFT LCD" - when it is really just a 'TN' LCD - with 'blacking out' from angles greater than straight ahead (especially vertically)
- Power-on LED (front center of panel) is distractingly bright (had to cover it)

Overall Review: - Expected a higher quality panel (get what you pay for)
- May be fine for casual users. However, since I trade 8-12 hrs per day with these monitors - not a good fit