The computer monitor market has evolved once again.  The 22 inch LCD is now becoming standard for the entry level.   Otherwise, for those looking for quality, innovation, and more comfort they can look towards the 23 inch and bigger.  With these screens we gain in larger viewing angles, numerous and varied interfaces – the HDMI connection arrives on certain monitors, such as the iiyama and LG – and nicer finishing touches and designs.  Technology fans will be happy because manufacturers are now concentrating on larger diagonal sizes.  This was foreseeable due to the arrival of HD and consequently there is growing number of users looking for more versatile screens, well suited to the office, photo editing as well as movies – in HD of course.

Good healthy competition with a number of benefits for consumers

Whether we opt for a 23, 24, 26 or 27 inch, the resolution remains the same at 1920 x 1200 pixels.  This is a dream come true for movie viewers! No rescaling is necessary and the image is displayed in 1920 x 1080 with black bands above and below the picture.  The only restriction is that you will have to step back a little.  Manufacturers still haven’t integrated the image correction circuitry which is already found in televisions.  The result is a slight shimmering.

In terms of the diagonal sizes themselves, we can see the progressive disappearance of the 23 inch.  There is mostly just Apple that remains with a monitor whose main strength is its design.  In the category above, the 24 inch screen’s prices have been reduced due to the threat from the 26 and 27 inch market, which combine a wide gamut – very practical for "pro" photographers – with more comfort associated with this larger diagonal size.   So in our opinion, the Iiyama, Dell and ViewSonic have our preference with their 24 and 27 inch screens; however, don’t count out certain rivals like BenQ with its artificial screening and LG with the first MVA 8 ms glossy panel.