Gateway FPD1960 review

The FPD1960's 1,280x1,024 native resolution with a 19-inch (diagonal) field produces 85 dots per inch--a comfortable density for reading even if you sit back from your desk. But the contrast wasn't as crisp as we're used to seeing from LCDs; black text on white background didn't pop on our tests. The monitor produced fairly saturated colors, making graphics acceptable to look at, but on CNET's DisplayMate-based tests, we noticed that the panel introduced inappropriate tints at different saturation levels, which can create some color distortion in photos and movies.

Our DVD-playback test showed some streaking or ghosting, which was no surprise considering the panel's relatively slow 16-millisecond pixel-response time. Problems with screen uniformity are common among LCDs, and the FPD1960 is no exception; our test unit was darker along the top edge of the screen than elsewhere. It also scored fairly low on our brightness tests--despite its more impressive factory specs. We found the screen bright enough to use under standard office-type fluorescent lights, but in a sunlit room, the picture may appear dim.

Gateway skimps on support. Most LCDs have a three-year warranty, but Gateway covers only one year unless you pay an extra $30 to extend it to three. You also have to pay shipping for repairs. Gateway runs a tech-support call center 24/7 on a toll-free line, and you can e-mail questions or chat online with a representative via its support Web site.