LG L1980Q

LG's flagship 19" panel features sleek, elegant design packed with features. The L1980Q features an 8ms pixel response time that makes it great for all-round use, from working, to watching video or playing games. It handles fast-paced action extremely well, and is a delight for high-speed gaming.

Its 1280 x 1024 pixel screen resolution is standard for 19" displays, and the image is clear and bright. The L1980Q employs LG's Flatron f-Engine, which is a purpose-built chip, designed to enhance images. The f-Engine includes DAFI (digital adaptive fine image), which adjusts the brightness and contrast of displayed images to improve quality. It doesn't affect colour balance, just the brightness and contrast, but it makes a difference; pictures seem to pop off the screen.

Both VGA and DVI inputs are provided, with the latter providing a slightly cleaner image. LG claims a 160-degree viewing angle on the L1980Q, but the image washes out slightly from extremely oblique angles.

The unit measures a respectable 42 x 41 x 26cm and weighs in at a touch over 5kg, but the stand is a more noteworthy feature. The base includes two hinges that allow the screen to swing through an enormous range of positions, which in turn provides comprehensive ergonomic adjustment. The screen can't be raised very high, but it can be folded back on itself, rotated through 180-degrees to portrait mode, or even flipped. A VESA wall-mount is also thrown in, so the entire unit can be fixed if desired.

The package includes forteManager software to calibrate the monitor. It's easy to use and provides quick, effective adjustments to the on-screen image. It takes a lot of the pain out of navigating the on-screen menu, and is a welcome feature for those that don't want to mess around for hours tweaking settings.

The LCD panel is rated to last 50,000 hours, which should see it easily last over a couple of upgrade cycles. A three-year warranty is also provided as standard, topping off a stellar product.