bit-tech Shopping: ViewSonic VLED221WM 22" LCD Monitor

$299.95 to $525.25 from 8 sellers

ViewSonic� s 22-inch VLED221wm widescreen LCD features a mercury-free LED backlight that requires less power than a standard 22� LCD but produces more brilliant color and crystal-clear images. 118% OptiColor NTSC Technology and Super-HD 1680x1050 resolution deliver precision color rendition, while the 16:10 widescreen panel allows users to work in two documents or applications side-by-side. The un� matched 12000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio further supports the VLED221wm� s excellent front-of-screen performance with the black� est blacks and whitest whites.OptiSync digital and analog inputs and integrated speakers expand this display� s multimedia versatility. Gamers, financial professionals, graphic designers and home office users will love the performance and style of the VLED221wm.

bit-tech Review

"We had high hopes for this monitor, but unfortunately few if any were met. Most of all, in this particular implementation, the benefits of LED technology are rather tough to spot. For static image quality, a decent PVA or IPS panel with a CCFL backlight still gives clearly superior results to the VLED221wm's TN-plus-LED combination.

This leaves it in a pretty tricky position because, if we ignore its price for a moment, the Viewsonic VLED221wm is certainly one of the better 22-inch TN screens currently available. It's more vibrant and satisfying than the average dull and dingy budget competitor.

But is it worth twice as much as a conventional 22 incher? In the end, the answer has to be no. It has too many flaws, including relatively poor pixel response and the poorly implemented and non-switchable dynamic contrast technology, and there are too few benefits of the LED backlight, for that.

Nevertheless, we still think Viewsonic deserves kudos for giving it a go with affordable LED technology. That's a lot more than can be said for most monitor makers, who tend to be a pretty conservative and unadventurous bunch. Indeed, the VLED221wm is apparently selling well. Despite its flaws, it's probably just about innovative enough to deserve to do so." - 14th November 2008

Read the full Viewsonic VLED221wm 22" widescreen LCD review