Computer Hardware

Samsung is one of the biggest producers of LCD panels, so it is no surprise that they produce some extremely high quality monitors. The 740BX uses the traditional 4:3 aspect ratio design with a resolution of 1280x1024. It is a very bright monitor for this size range with a 300cd/m^2 rating and a very high contrast 1000:1 ratio. This provides it with an extremely bright and colorful picture. Response times are very fast allowing it to be used for just about any application including fast moving video. Both the VGA and DVI-D with HDCP connectors are supported by the display.



Dell's Ultrasharp 1708FP is one of the few monitors in the model lineup that doesn't use a wide screen panel. The 1280x1024 resolution is typical for the screen size and it is bright like the Samsung but with a little less color clarity. It makes up for this by providing an excellent adjustable stand and a built-in four port USB 2.0 hub. There is also a version for the OptiPlex systems that has a different stand that should be avoided as it doesn't work as well with the standard design. Both VGA and DVI-D with HDCP connectors are supported.


Hanns-G is a fairly new entry into the US monitor market. Unlike most 17-inch panels, the HW-173DBB does feature a wide screen panel and has a 1440x900 resolution. It's brightness and contrast aren't as high as many of the other traditional 4:3 aspect ratio designs, but it is more than acceptable for the average desktop user. Refresh rates are a bit slower but still acceptable for video and motion. What this screen makes up for though is its cost. It is one of the least expensive 17-inch displays on the market. It supports both a VGA and DVI-D connector.


Viewsonic's VA1721wmb is also a 17-inc wide screen LCD panel with a 1440x900 resolution. In fact, the brightness and contrast are pretty much on par with the Hanns-G monitor. What the VA1721wmb offers over other monitors on this list is built in 1.5 watt stereo speakers. This can help reduce the clutter on ones desktop from detached speakers. On the downside, this is a panel that only has a VGA connector and does not support digital connectors.


LG Electronics claims that the L1733TR-SF monitor features a 3000:1 contrast ratio. This is an over estimation of the actual real world contrast for the panel as it is more on par with other 17-inch 4:3 aspect ratio screens on the list. What the L1733TR-SF does extremely well is its extremely low 2ms grey-to-grey refresh rate. This enables the screen to handle fast motion from video or PC gaming really well. The downside is that the color is not quite as dynamic as some of the other 17-inch screens. It supports both the VGA and DVI-D video connectors.

source here