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-inch 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 its low-end models, which is a good
indication in itself of their quality (http://www.necmitsubishi.com).
- 19-inch and larger CRT displays
-
Hitachi or NEC.
We've used hundreds of first-tier monitors over the
last 15 years, and of that group we generally prefer Hitachi
monitors, with NEC a close second choice. Hitachi stopped producing
its own CRTs in 2002 and now buys tubes from Samsung, but Hitachi
quality control remains top-notch. Hitachi monitors are extremely
reliable and competitively priced, and have simply superb image
quality. NEC displays are also excellent, and some people prefer them
to Hitachi models. Comparable Samsung and ViewSonic monitors are
excellent products, but when we have a choice we specify Hitachi or
NEC. If you want a rugged, reliable CRT with top-notch image quality,
we recommend you do the same (http://www.hitachidisplays.com or http://www.necmitsubishi.com).
- Flat-panel display
-
Hitachi or
Fujitsu.
We consider Hitachi and Fujitsu the first tier in FPD manufacturers,
with Samsung a half step behind. Whether you're
looking for an entry-level or professional FPD of any size, we think
a Hitachi or Fujitsu model is the best bet. Fujitsu models are
excellent, but they are more difficult to find at retail than Hitachi
models. If you can't find a suitable Hitachi or
Fujitsu model, you are likely to be happy with one of the better
Samsung models (http://www.hitachidisplays.com, http://www.fujitsu.com, or http://www.samsung.com).
In case you're wondering, neither Hitachi nor
NEC/Mitsubishi has ever given us so much as a free mousepad or coffee
cup. We just really like their displays.
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 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-inch 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
-
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 two-port and four-port
versions. Yes, you can buy a manual KVM switch for much less, 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
(http://www.belkin.com).
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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 two-port and four-port models, which are expandable by
stacking units to 8 ports and 16 ports, respectively. The OmniView
Pro is available in four-port, eight-port, and 16-port 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 four-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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