Hewlett-Packard L1906
Pros: Extremely inexpensive, quick response time
Cons: Analog input only
Price: $249
Image quality: B-
Features: B
Value: A+
The L1906 was the only LCD in our roundup not to have a DVI port. As such, we expected image quality to be drastically inferior. However, the L1906 did surprisingly well in our tests. And with a respectable 12-millisecond response time, it was no slouch displaying video as well as images.
The L1906 exhibited good color stepping and accuracy, though it was unable to produce a clean gray field. Text was difficult to read below 12-point size, but perfectly acceptable above that. It was able to reproduce functional reds and exceptional blues and greens. And for an analog monitor, it showed little interlace flicker.
At just $249, the L1906 is a great value, especially if you don't yet have a graphics card with a DVI port on your desktop. Because not every agency has moved over to DVI, the L1906 can be an inexpensive way to get an above-average quality 19-inch LCD without forcing an expensive upgrade.
Hewlett-Packard Co., Palo Alto, Calif., (800) 888-0262,
www.hp.com
About the Author
John Breeden II directs the GCN Lab.