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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating - Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 7 reviews
- See all user reviews
Product summary
The good: Very inexpensive; Mac and Windows compatible; optional USB hub available; extra calibration software.
The bad: Comparatively low maximum resolution and refresh rate; visible shadow mask detracts from image quality.
The bottom line: Budget users will appreciate the ViewsSonic's low price tag and extra features, despite its mediocre image quality.
Specifications: Display Type: Display / CRT ; Diagonal Size: 17 in ; Max Resolution: 1280 x 1024 / 66 Hz ; See full specs
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 03/04/2002
- Updated on: 04/10/2003
Who needs tech support?
For a display this cheap ($189), the ViewSonic G70f comes with a surprisingly comprehensive set of documentation, which should save you a few tech-support calls. A quick-start poster walks you through basic setup, and a CD-ROM contains drivers; tech-support contact information (should you need it); and a user guide that takes you through the installation process, the onscreen display (OSD), specifications, and troubleshooting. During the installation process, you also have the option to run Colorific ColorWiz, an easy-to-use, intuitive application that helps you calibrate the display's brightness, shadows, highlights, and luminance. This software will be a boon to those of us who are quickly frustrated by the subtleties of monitor calibration.
The G70f's OSD is utilitarian, with neatly grouped controls and menus. But with its big, blocky type, the ViewSonic could definitely use a touch of design refinement. There are four buttons on the front panel: one to engage and exit the OSD, up- and down-arrow buttons, and one to select the submenus and toggle between grouped controls such as pincushion and pinbalance. Once inside the OSD, there are two main menus to scroll through, and you can adjust basic controls such as position, tilt, and moiré, as well as more sophisticated settings such as the OSD position, input level, horizontal/vertical convergence, and ViewMatch Color (a proprietary color-adjustment control).
ViewSonic also offers some nice add-ons for the G70f. A $30 four-port USB hub lets you connect up to four USB peripherals or devices to your PC or Mac. For $129, you can also get a TV-tuner module (including cables and a remote) that lets you use your monitor as a TV set, even if your computer is off.
Limited resolution and refresh rate
When we tested the ViewSonic G70f's image quality using the DisplayMate suite, we noticed one thing right away: The monitor has a more limited resolution and refresh rate than others we've tested. The recommended resolution of 1,024x768 is adequate; it has a high 87Hz refresh rate and no visible flicker. However, if you want to bump up the resolution to the maximum 1,280x1,024, you'll have to suffer a low, eye-straining 66Hz refresh rate.
Given its limitations, the ViewSonic G70f's image quality was decent; mainstream users will find its flaws tolerable, but perfectionists should definitely look elsewhere. We were very distracted by the fact that the shadow mask (a screen placed across the inside of the glass that enables the electron beam to differentiate between the colored phosphors that make up the image) was visible to the naked eye and gave the entire image a gritty, crosshatched pattern. This pattern was especially noticeable on screens of text, where the letters of both small and larger font sizes looked jaggy. The display's focus was acceptable, though just moderately sharp overall, and it degraded somewhat more in the corners. Centering and straightening the image within the display frame was easy; we were able to eliminate virtually any bowing or hooking on the edges with the onscreen controls. However, this made the geometry quite distorted within the image (circles looked oval, squares like rectangles). When we left the bowed sides alone, shapes within the image were quite uniform.
The G70f's colors were also noticeably dull and dark. High-resolution graphics showed yellowish skin tones and impure whites. Web images also looked flat, dark, and a little dingy.
Phone support for the long haul
ViewSonic backs the G70f with a standard, three-year warranty covering parts and labor. Other monitor vendors offer lifetime free phone support, but ViewSonic's is also 24/7 for maximum accessibility. The ViewSonic Web site offers drivers and utilities, e-mail and fax support, a FAQ, and an online monitor-calibration utility.
Considering that the ViewSonic costs less than $200, many users may be able to put up with the G70f's various shortcomings. However, spending a bit more could result in greater long-term viewing pleasure. Before you buy, check out the Eizo FlexScan F520 or the Samsung SyncMaster 755DF.
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17-inch CRT image-quality test Longer bars indicate better performance
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| The ViewSonic sat squarely between the Eizo FlexScan T565 and the NEC MultiSync FE750+ in image quality. The screen has a gritty, crosshatched look to it and lacked the Eizo's crisp focus, but it wasn't as blurry as the NEC's. |
User reviews
- Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 7 reviews
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