ViewSonic ViewPanel VG 175

CNET editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 3.5 stars Very good
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Susan Silvius
• Reviewed on: 04/29/2001
• Updated on: 01/10/2003

The 17.4-inch ViewSonic VG175's $1,299 street price is a tempting purchase on many levels. For one, it's nearly the same size as an 18-inch LCD, but on average, it costs nearly $1,000 less than those larger models. Compared to a 19-inch CRT, the VG175 has a similar displayable area--but it's much lighter and more versatile. Some of the 17-inch models that CNET has tested, such as Samsung's SyncMaster 170MP and SyncMaster 770 TFT, offer better display quality or features than the VG175, but the ViewSonic is still worth considering for that extra elbowroom.The 17.4-inch ViewSonic VG175's $1,299 street price is a tempting purchase on many levels. For one, it's nearly the same size as an 18-inch LCD, but on average, it costs nearly $1,000 less than those larger models. Compared to a 19-inch CRT, the VG175 has a similar displayable area--but it's much lighter and more versatile. Some of the 17-inch models that CNET has tested, such as Samsung's SyncMaster 170MP and SyncMaster 770 TFT, offer better display quality or features than the VG175, but the ViewSonic is still worth considering for that extra elbowroom.

Spacey!
In the world of computer displays, bigger is always better; the VG175's screen is almost a half inch larger than competing 17-inch models. The screen's optimum resolution is 1,280 by 1,024, and it has an expansive 160-degree viewing angle. You can also enjoy its attributes from a number of perspectives: The display comes with an adjustable-height and tilt stand, and the panel rotates 180 degrees at its base so you can view it in an upright portrait position--handy for lengthy Web pages and text documents. The VG175's modest feature set doesn't include USB connectors or speakers, but it does offer dual analog VGA ports for sharing the display between two computers (either PC or Mac).

The ViewSonic VG175's overall picture was quite good in CNET Labs' tests; colors were adequately saturated, and focus was consistent across the screen. Video playback was smoother on the VG175 than on many of the LCDs that CNET has tested, but gaming and home-theater enthusiasts will still want a traditional CRT monitor for optimum viewing because of its superior refresh rate. Screen geometry was nearly perfect from startup. Text was sharp and clearly legible down to small font sizes. The screen-image adjustment controls were reasonably simple to use (press the 1 button to access the menu, 2 to exit), and they covered both necessities and niceties.

The VG175 is covered by a three-year limited warranty on parts, labor, and the LCD light source. ViewSonic will also replace a malfunctioning display within 48 business hours during the first year of the warranty period. Technical support is available by phone or fax around the clock daily. A good supply of support information and drivers are offered on ViewSonic's Web site. Continue reading

Compare prices for ViewSonic ViewPanel VG 175

Recent user reviews

• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 30 reviews
• My rating: 0 stars Write review

• Showing 3 of 30 user reviews

• 1.5 stars

  "piece of junk..."

  on January 12, 2005

• 1.5 stars

  "Horizontal Lines"

  on March 5, 2004

• 3.5 stars

  "Still running strong"

  on October 3, 2003

• See all 30 user reviews Write review