Iiyama has assured us that if you like the B2403WS (a 24 inch which has gathered much praise, our included, over the past few months) and are on a tighter budget or it’s too big, the E2003WS is for you.  According to this manufacturer, it’s the same screen but is simply a 20 version.  This claim may sound enticing as it may attract users looking for a truly good inexpensive screen (half the price) or even gamers that do not want to move up to 24 inches, a size which could bring their graphic card down to its knees.  After a few tests, we can indeed confirm that the E2003WS is the smaller sibling of the B2403WS.  We find the same find color rendering and reactivity.  What it lacks is in ergonomics; no multiple video inputs, vertical adjustability, or pivot mode.

In some ways, the E2003WS simply concentrates on the essentials of assuring a quality image.  In games we indeed have the current highest reactivity available on a TN technology panel.  And just like on the 24 inch model to attain such reactivity you will have to go through the OSD and in the overdrive menu and set the level to 3.  This is optimal and where afterglow is at its minimum.

Perfect for games and colors

Colors are also as excellent.  As soon as we turn on the screen, our test model was more or less perfect.  There is no particular dominance and the gamma is very well controlled assuring well detailed images in both the lightest and darkest zones.  In terms of numbers, this translates into an average difference (between desired colors and those actually displayed) of only 2.5 (average dE) which is much better than average.  Also, gamma is stable at 2.1 and there is a very honorable contrast ratio of roughly 750:1. Even brightness by default is ''good'' at 200 cd/m² which is neither blinding nor too dark.

Finally, we come to its weakness, ergonomics.   Here you will have to be happy with the basics: a choice between DVI or VGA and that’s it.  However, this isn’t too surprising nor really that dramatic.  To survive when faced with the constantly decreasing prices of 22’’s, the 20’’ LCD has to lower its price and get rid of everything that isn’t indispensable.  Adding a vertically adjustable base would have weighed the price down and so it was better to keep things modest.  Also, its look could have been updated to be more in line with current designs.  The Samsung T200 may be more stylish, for example, but it’s also much more expensive.