inch and over

I bought the ViewSonic VP201S as a replacement for my failed NEC XP21 CRT monitor. Since I was replacing a 21" CRT that I ran at 1260x1024, I was used to (ie insisted upon) a fairly large screen with high resolution. I'm not into gaming but do watch videos and, therefore, was very concerned about pixel refresh rates and resulting smeared video images. For that reason, I selected this monitor with a 16 msec pixel refresh rate but with slightly higher cost and reduced contrast ("only" 400:1 as opposed to 600:1). I read the previous reviewer's comments and the comments from reviewers of the ViewSonic VP201b (black bezel) before I ordered. My comments follow:

1. No stuck or otherwise abnormal pixels
2. The 400:1 "reduced" contrast is superb and is MUCH better than my CRT monitors. (I briefly ran a 14" NEC CRT monitor next to the ViewSonic and must say that the difference is DRAMATIC).
3. I run the monitor with the DVI interface but it looks just fine connected to analog VGA.
4. Videos look fantastic on the monitor. I can detect no smearing
5. The 68" digital video cable is too short for my fairly standard setup (monitor on a desk and computer on the floor) I ran out to CompUSA to pick up a 10' cable and was stung for $80.00! The cables are much cheaper from Amazon (I should have ordered one when I ordered the monitor)
6. There is no video noise at the top of the screen as was reported by a reviewer of the VP201b.

In summary, I am extremely happy with this monitor and recommend it most enthusiastically! (just think about the video cable when you order yours)

Fortunately my CTX monitor of 9 years bit the dust a week ago Wednesday. I then scanned for LCD Monitor reviews for a monitor that would excel in both my home, software development, and gaming needs. The results had me looking for an LCD with 25ms or better refresh time w/UXGA (1600x1200) support. Positive customer reviews had me looking at ViewSonic, Planar, NEC, and Samsung. Looking for a good 17 inch I went to our local Fryes and found several good deals. The VP201(B/S) actually stood out so I purchased it with a 30 day money back guarantee. I have actually been quite impressed with it to date.

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Pros
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*. Almost instant assembly. Did take a minute to sort out the provided wires.
*. The 20in size in UXGA is fantastic Can watch a movie in reasonable size and still have reasonable space left order for other things.
*. Pivot software is provided for when the monitor is rotated. However, software pivot screen first, then physically rotate it. Moving the mouse on a rotated screen takes some getting used to.
*. The USB Hub is great. Helps keep the clutter on my desk minimized.
*. Using the native resolution 1600x1200 (from 800x600) takes some getting used to. After a couple of days I actually like it considerably.
*. The provided base seems very stable. I wish there was a means to actually LOCK-IN the height so rotating the screen could not change it.
*. Customer service was helpful and friendly even for the stupid question I called on. The screen was fuzzy to me and between my stigmatism and resolution size being new I needed to make sure it was not the monitor. Actually looks great now.
*. All pixels were working and accounted for.
*. Gaming experience is awesome. Unreal, Quake, Half-Life, and others on my desktop game out sharp and clear with no lag issues.
*. The front controls are very easy to use.

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Cons
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*. Need to look into why my Nero movie software won't play a video when the screen is pivotted. Screen goes black. Wanted movie on top and browser on bottom.
*. Cables were not long enough to go behind the desk to my pc. Had to move the pc closer to the back of the desk.
*. All the wires attach to the monitor which also move every time the monitor is rotated. With the cable length issue this can result to tugging on the connectors when the screen is rotated.
*. The wire guide down the back of the monitor is not very durable. Some wires keep popping out during screen rotations. Need to also tie them I guess.
*. Two on/off. A switch and a button. At first I thought the monitor was broken since it would not turn on when I pressed the on button. This is really a "PRO" but it wasn't in the manual.
*. Documentation is SPARSE. They want you to use the installed pdf file. I personally prefer a hardcopy user manual.

All in all I am very satisfied and would recommend this product to anyone. The price is steep but the extra size is definitely worth it.