inch and over

This is one of the best CRT monitors. The cabinet is 22", but the actual viewing capacity is 20". Contrary to what people are made to believe, CRT monitors run circles around LCD. Any gamer and graphic designer will know why. LCDs are too slow for intense gaming and incapable of true color calibration. Plus, there are no bad pixels to contend with.

This monitor is by Nec (Nec-Mitsubishi). Mitsubishi has the exact product under the model, Diamond Pro 2070SB. Get any. Their top of the line for graphic artists is the same monitor, it includes the additional SpectraView (color calibration) that you can purchase separately should you some day need.

The features include a SuperBright Diamondtron function that you enable on the front panel. It boosts the brightness function - handy especially when watching videos. What it does is the Brightness Controller software that you install will dim the background and boost the video in the foreground.

Another feature is the OSM (On-screen Management) that allows you to adjust all aspects of the monitor on-screen. This feature works best when you install the Naviset software. Attach the included USB cable from the monitor to a free USB slot in your computer so you can control the settings with your mouse and keyboard.

So why only 4 stars with all these features? First, all the features explained above is not included in the box. The professional and convenient features is accessible only by manually downloading the drivers from their web site. For a product this professional, not including any software is not professional at all. Second, this monitor is HEAVY and takes up a lot of desktop space. Third, the cabinet design is not as cool as the other manufacturers. My Eizo-Nanao CRT has the best cabinet design - elegant and simple.

So what does this monitor come with? The usual no frills accessories - power cord, USB cable, signal cable and manual. That's it, no software which I strongly recommend you download before installing the monitor so that your OS and video card can properly load the correct ICC profile and settings. The software will perform automatic adjustment of the screen size to maximize the viewing space. It has a built-in 4-port USB hub.

Despite all these, shoud you get it? Definitely! It outperforms any LCD and is up there in the top 1% of the CRT products.

Don't get this if you use your computer purely for business function. That's what an LCD is for. Furthermore, if you are sold at obtaining the best monitor and you can afford more, get a Sony DM-FW900 Flat Widescreen 24" monitor. Another alternative is to get an Eizo. It has all the functions you could ask for - a USB hub, on-screen controls, elegant design, and includes all the needed drivers and utilities - but at a higher price.

Either way, you won't make a mistake if you get this Nec.