One, two, and then three 22 inch screens for ViewSonic. The VG2230wm is the third from this manufacturer in three months.   However, this is the one that they want to show off the most and sell the most of. Their arguments for this are that the VG2230WM is vertically adjustable and it’s guaranteed for three years. The previous VX2235WM and VX2245WM are at best the same price, have a fixed base, and are only under warranty for two years. The panel inside is the same, a TN 5 ms.

The adjustable base is something to be taken seriously. We realized during tests that the only other one to offer this capability is the Samsung SyncMaster 225BW. As we’ve already explained, this is a particularly appreciable point because it’s very practical and enables you to put the screen at eye level. This is far from being a luxury given the type of panel is a TN, like on all other 22 inch monitors. These panels have the advantage of being relatively cheap to produce, but have reduced viewing angles. On the sides we lose a bit of contrast, from above the image is washed out, and from below it turns black. 

Vertically adjustable but no HDCP

Unlike the Samsung screen, the VG2230WM isn’t HDCP certified. This isn’t as bad as we thought it would be in the beginning of 2006 as this norm involving the protection of HD movies won’t actually be activated until at least   2010. After this, nothing assures that you will be able to play HD movies on this monitor. All depends on the intentions of the movie industry and if they want to « overprotect » their property. 

As for rendering, it’s better than the average 22 inch with 5 ms panels. Reactivity is good in the way that it suffices for all uses, but there is some afterglow. Actually, these 5 ms panels are strictly equivalent to 8 ms screens that have come out in the last three years. This makes it inferior to the Asus MW221U, which is the only 22 inch with a really fast 2 ms panel. Colors, however, are better than average, to the point that no adjustment is needed. You can change brightness, or contrast for a little more comfort, but this is all that is necessary. It’s not far from the 22 inch color champion, the Acer AL2216W. 

One last point…This ViewSonic has rather large speakers under the display. In addition, it doesn’t have the straight lines of the other 22 inch displays, but rather it’s curved, has volume, and even an extra edge on the side. All of this contributes to making the size of the screen impressive. Even if it really isn’t the case, it appears bigger than the others. This particular design came out well and is pleasing to the eye. 

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