Top 5 23-Inch and Up Widescreen LCD Monitors

Widescreen displays are quite popular for notebook computers, but they are still quite limited for desktop systems. They are great for those looking for extra workspace without using dual monitors or for video playback. Here are my selections for the best format widescreen LCD monitors 23" and larger based upon my research and experience.

1. Dell UltraSharp 3007WFP-HC 30"

Dell's UltraSharp 3007WFP monitor set a lot of standards for the large computer monitor market. For one it made the huge screens much more affordable. They have gone and improved on that monitor by replacing the backlighting on it to provide an increased color gamut supported by the monitor. The result is the 3007WFP-HC that provides some of the best color support available on the market. The screen retains its 2560x1600 resolution that requires a Dual-Link DVI graphics card to use. It also has the built-in 4 port USB hub and media card reader.

2. Apple Cinema HD 30"

Apple set the standard for large widescreen monitors with the release of its Cinema displays. It continues to produce some supperb, if pricey computer screens on the market. The Cinema HD 30" screen provides some of the best and most minimalistic screens available on the market. Its excellent brushed aluminum frame is just amazing to see in action. Like the Dell, it features a 2560x1600 resolution that requires a compatible dual-link DVI graphics card. Unlike the Dell screen though, it does feature as many connectors or features beyond this. It does have two USB 2.0 and two FireWire 400 ports for peripherals though.

3. Samsung SyncMaster 275T 27"

30" screens are great, but they do have their problems. You have to have the desk space and graphics card to use them. Then there is the small pixel size that can be difficult to read. 27" screens are a great alternative for those wanting a large screen but don't have what it takes for a 30". Samsung's SyncMaster 275T offers a large amount of screen space with the more universal 1920x1200 resolution. This makes the screen easier to read but still provide plenty of workspace. With superb contrast ratio, brightness and response times, this is one screen you definitely want to look into. Supports DVI, VGA, component, composite, s-video inputs and has built-in speakers.

4. Dell UltraSharp 2407FPW-HC 24"

The UltraSharp 2407WFP-HC is very similar in design and features to that of the UltraSharp 3007WFP-HC but in a smaller package. Based on the previous 2407WFP model, it features the improved backlighting to add in the wider color gamut that is very important for those working with computer graphics. All of this with it's exceptional contrast ratio, brightness and response times. It features DVI, VGA, Component, Composite and S-Video inputs. It also features a four port USB 2.0 hub and a media card reader.


5. HP LP2465 24"

HP is one of the largest computer companies in the world, but it hasn't really been known for making monitors. The HP HP2465 provides people with the option for a solid computer monitor without all the extra connectors and components that generally go unused. It's 1920x1200 screen resolution provides plenty of space with a strong 1000:1 contrast ratio and 500 cd/m2 brightness rating. it can be used with either a DVI or VGA graphics card, but doesn't have any of the more traditional video connectors for TV and DVDs. It does support a 4-port USB hub for easy peripheral connections.