12/1/07 - Twenty inch widescreen displays were a popular size, but with reducing prices and improved panel sizes, they have lost out much of their advantages to the larger 22-inch sizes. In fact, several companies have stopped production of 20-inch screens altogether. For just a bit more in costs over 19-inch screens, 22-inch LCDs provide a much larger display area. Here are my selections for the best 22-inch widescreen LCD monitors based upon my research and experience.
1. Gateway FPD2275W
©Gateway
22-inch screens are now coming down in the price close to the 20-inch screens and the Gateway offers and excellent value and is packed with features. The display features the traditional 1680x1050 with a good level of brightness and contrast. It also comes with a wide variety of connectors including DVI, VGA, Component, Composite and S-Video with picture-in-picture possible. The screen also comes with a 4-port USB 2.0 hub for connecting extra peripherals to your PC. The EZ-Tune software is its only real problem and can be problematic for Vista users. Of course, most video card drivers allow the same adjustments as the Gateway software.
2. Dell UltraSharp 2208WFP
©Dell
With the prices between 20-inch and 22-inch screens becoming so small, Dell phased out its UltraSharp 20-inch models in favor of their new UltraSharp 2208WFP panel. The increase in size gives a larger viewing area, but Dell sacrificed some of the connectors previously found on the 20-inch screens. Now the monitor only features a DVI-D with HDCP support and analog VGA connectors. The 4-port USB 2.0 hub still remains for peripherals. Contrast and brightness levels have been improved somewhat as well to make for an exceptional image. Users wishing to also have audio can purchase a sound bar accessory.
3. Samsung SyncMaster 226BW
Image Courtesy PriceGrabber
Many people are amazed by the Samsung SyncMaster 226BW screen. In particular, it does an exceptional job at display quick motion without the tearing or ghosting. This is due to its 2ms grey-to-grey response time rating. Brightness and contrast is on par with other 22-inch LCD screens. The drawback is that the screen does lose some color depth as it uses a 6-bit panel and dithers colors. It features both a DVI and VGA connector for hooking it up to a PC. Overall a great screen for those looking at heavy PC gaming or video work.
4. ASUS VW222U
©ASUStek
The ASUS VW222U is the largest screen produced by a company best known for its motherboards. The screen is a fairly feature limited design that is more about fast video than anything else. It features both a DVI-D and VGA connector but no other video inputs. Fast video requires quick response times and the 2ms rating for the VW222U is one of the best. These is a bit of sacrifice in the colors, but the brightness and contrast are both excellent. This makes for an excellent panel for those wanting a larger display for PC gaming with their desktop PC
5. Hanns-G HW-223DPB
Image Courtesy PriceGrabber
If you are looking for a larger widescreen display and don't want to spend too much money, then the Hanns-G HW-223DPB might be worth a look. This 22-inch display has the specs one would expect in this market with a 1680x1050 resolution, 300 cd/m^2 brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio and 5ms response time. It supports both DVI-D and VGA but does not have any support for HD or analog video sources like component or composite connectors. It does have a pair of built-in three watt speakers for those not wanting to clutter up the desktop with more wires and boxes.
