16.5 Our Picks
Here are the displays we recommend. For
our latest recommendations, detailed by brand and model, visit our
web site, which is listed below.
- 15" and 17" budget CRT displays
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NEC
AccuSync. NEC is a first-tier maker that happens
to have some very aggressively priced low-end models. Image quality
and build quality are a step above monitors from second- and
third-tier makers that sell for only a bit less. NEC provides a
three-year warranty on their low-end models, which is a good
indication in itself of their quality.
(http://www.necmitsubishi.com)
- 19" and larger CRT displays
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Hitachi.
We've used hundreds of first-tier monitors over the
last fifteen years, and of that group we prefer Hitachi monitors.
They're extremely reliable, priced competitively,
and have simply superb image quality. Comparable NEC/Mitsubishi and
Sony monitors are excellent products, but when we have a choice we
specify Hitachi. If you want a rugged, reliable CRT with top-notch
image quality, we recommend you do the same. (http://www.hitachidisplays.com)
- Flat-panel displays
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Hitachi. We consider Hitachi and
Fujitsu the first tier in FPD manufacturers, with Samsung a step
behind. Whether you're looking for an entry-level or
professional FPD of any size, we think a Hitachi model is the best
bet. Fujitsu also produces excellent FPDs, but they are more
difficult to find at retail than Hitachi models. (http://www.hitachidisplays.com)
In case you're wondering, Hitachi has never given us
so much as a free mousepad or coffee cup. We just really like their
monitors and FPDs.
If you work with multiple computers on your desk, buying a monitor
for each is expensive and you soon run out of desktop real estate.
Using a KVM (keyboard-video-mouse) switch allows you to share one
keyboard, monitor, and mouse among multiple systems. For example,
Robert works surrounded by nine computers. His main system has a
dedicated 19" Hitachi monitor, but the other eight computers share
two keyboards, two mice, and two monitors among them, in two groups
of four. Here are the KVM switches we recommend:
- Basic KVM switch
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Belkin OmniCube.
We've used a lot of KVM switches, both
manual and electronic, and this is our favorite for home and small
business users. The Belkin OmniCube switch comes in 2-port ($85) and
4-port ($95) versions. Yes, you can buy a manual KVM switch for $25
or so, but these provide very poor video quality, particularly when
used with the cheap cables usually sold with them, and in some cases
may actually damage the monitor. The Belkin OmniCube works well for
us. Robert uses a Belkin OmniCube (with premium Belkin cables) on his
desk to share his secondary monitor among four secondary computers.
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Like any electronic KVM switch, the OmniCube may be sensitive to the
mouse you use (the Belkin didn't like our Microsoft
Explorer oversized "red-light"
mouse), so if you have problems be sure to try a different mouse
before concluding that the unit is at fault.
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- Enhanced KVM switch
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Belkin OmniView. The OmniCube is
perfect for homes and small businesses, but if you need more features
or more ports look at the Belkin OmniView series. The OmniView SE is
available in 2-port ($100) and 4-port ($125) models, which are
expandable by stacking units to 8 ports and 16 ports respectively.
The OmniView Pro is available in 4-port ($240), 8-port ($325), and
16-port ($550) models, which are expandable by stacking units to 64
ports, 128 ports, and 256 ports respectively. The Pro models also add
on-screen display and other features that are useful to someone who
manages many computers from one console. Robert uses a 4-port
OmniView Pro on his test bench.
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Whatever type of KVM switch you buy, plan to spend a fair amount on
cables as well. You'll need one cable set for each
connected computer. Those $8
"3-in-1" KVM cable sets sold by
many computer stores almost guarantee poor performance, which is to
say distorted, flickering, blurred images. Get name-brand cables. A
basic Belkin set in a 10-foot length should cost $15 or so. A
premium-grade Belkin set, with better shielding, gold-plated
connectors, and so on, should cost $30 or so.
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For updated
recommendations, detailed by brand names and model numbers, visit:
- http://www.hardwareguys.com/picks/displays.html
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