Nov 10 2010 - 26-inch LCD screens were popular thanks to their slightly larger size compared to 24-inches. This size has kind of fallen off as prices continue to drop on 27-inch screens making them less desirable. Still, if you wants a slightly larger screen but don't want to step up to a larger 27-inch display there are a number of options. Whether you are looking for a low cost, gaming, video or graphics oriented display, check out which I feel are currently the best in this size.
Best Value - Hanns-G HZ251HPB 25-inch
©Hannspree, Inc.
While it may not be 26-inches, the 25-inch Hanns-G offers along the same size screen but at prices that are hard to beat. Priced as low as $190, this is serious competition for many 24-inch screens. The 25-inch display uses a 16:9 aspect ratio with a 1920x1080 capable of full HD video playback. Response times are extremely quick at 2ms. The display even features a pair of 2 watt speakers but sound quality is mediocre at best. Connectors include HDMI, DVI and VGA. The stand is limited to tilt adjustments only.
Best Value - HP 2509m 25-inch
©HP Inc.
HP's 2509m is slightly smaller than most 26-inch screens due to its 25-inch panel. This really only amounts to half an inch as most screens really are 25.5-inches. The screen uses a 16:9 aspect ratio compared to the more common 16:10 and has a 1920x1080 resolution. This is still sufficient for 1080p HD video. Response times are quick at 3ms allowing it to handle fast motion video and gaming without motion blur. It has video HDMI, DVI and VGA connectors. It also comes with built-in 2W stereo speakers. The stand only provides tilt adjustment. Prices range from $270 to $310.
Best Gaming - ASUS VW266H 25.5-inch
©ASUSTek
The ASUS VW266H display comes with 25.5-inch LCD panel with the 1920x1200 resolution and 2ms response times. Connectors are also quite plentiful with HDMI, DVI-D, VGA and component. There are two 3W speakers built into the display but a digital audio output is also provided. The stand only supports tilt adjustment but it is compatible with the 100mm VESA mount. Prices start around $290.
Best Graphics - NEC MultiSync LCD2690WUXi2-BK 25.5-inch
©NEC Display Corporation
Many people who use graphics tend to design around the AdobeRGB color gamut. For this reason, it is important to get a screen that is very similar to displaying this color range. The NEC MultiSync LCD2690WUXi2-BK provides a 97.8% AdobeRGB color gamut that makes this excellent for graphics work. the screen also features a 1920x1200 resolution and a relatively quick 8ms response time. This isn't quite as fast for video and gaming but that isn't the point of the display. Connectors include a DVI-D and VGA. The stand allows for a full range of height, tilt, swivel and pivot adjustments and can be used with 100mm VESA wall mounts. Prices are around $1050.
