Monitor Reviews

I originally bought a Garmin eTrek GPS unit, but I had to return it. Reception was fine when properly oriented, but the small size and antenna design caused it to lose the satellite signal even under clear skies while I carried it in my hand. I could get good reception only if the unit was held horizontally. This makes it worthless for logging runs and hikes.

The user interface on this Magellan is OK: it's easy to use on the run and somewhat customizable. It's also not too hard to learn to use. But some simple data isn't displayed, like time elapsed since start of trip, or average pace (though average speed is available.)

Map quality is good, and the CD to download detailed maps is included, unlike the Garmin. Also, topographical data of most of the US is preloaded. But this I've been disappointed with, since it seems far less accurate than the USGS maps available in electronic form from National Geographic. Often, a steep uphill appears on the Garmin map as a downhill, while the data loaded into the USGS maps shows the altitude change correctly.

But again, this is all secondary to the good quality reception of the unit in different orientations. Since this is good, it gives good traces of my runs and hikes, and so I'm happy with it.

So far, my impression of the C893 has been a good one. The box is well padded and the monitor suffered no damage during shipping - the first thing I checked for was dead pixels, and (maybe surprisingly) I couldn't find a single one. Images are nice and crisp at 1280x1024, and while some may cringe because this is as high as the monitor will support, I find higher resolutions to be a bit difficult to read anyway on a comparably sized screen, so I wasn't bothered any. There really isn't any reasonable difference in size between this and a 19" monitor, either - I imagine you could tell most of your friends it's 19" and they won't give it a second look. I'm actually rather impressed with the image quality, especially considering the big price jump when you add that extra inch onto the diagonal.

I can't say much for the C893's design, though. Admittedly, a small part of getting a snazzy new LCD monitor is for looks - and while the controls on the monitor are functional and give you access to a standard OSD menu, the strange zig-zag button design might be a turn off for some. Auto-adjustment is decently intelligent, but of course you can always do a better job yourself. And, contrast at 400:1 is fine, but you can certainly tell the difference between this monitor and a similar LCD with a contrast ratio of 600:1.

Just keep in mind, you could always pay for more "oomph" if you want to. But if you're hunting for a good sized LCD and price is your main concern, the C893 is a great value and definitely worth considering.

What IS good about this monitor is the glass. Multi-layered, and manufactured with high regulations, with great dark, it will give you great color. If you go to your local electronics shop, you will notice that some have much better color than others. The glass quality is probrably what makes that distinction.

Also, as I stated before, though the performance is not the greatest, it IS better than most. After all, it's flat screen, which means better picture clarity, and better viewing at an angle. The .25 dotch pitch is better than the standard .27, so text is more crisp and pictures sharper. And, since the average desktop uses 1024x728 resolution, the 1280x1024 it offers is more than enough.

From another point of view, this monitor is very nice looking. It has a very sleek shape, instead of the boxy look of alot of monitors designed without fashion in mind. And the black color never hurts :)

Conclusion: If you are a home user, use your computer for internet, games, and watching movies, this is a good looking monitor with a low price tag and good performance. Do not get if you're a hardcore gamer running 3D intensive applications. Do not get for professional quality image editing/CAD.

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.

This LCD monitor also comes with built-in speakers and a 4-ports USB hub (wow!!). I connected all my USB devices to this hub, and they all worked perfectly. Hooking it up was absolutely hassle free - it was just plug and play. The on screen control is also very easy to use. But the "auto adjust" function pretty much took take of everything for me.

I have no complaints and nothing but praise. And I know for sure I am not going back to those awkard, ugly CRT monitors.