While it is now possible to get much larger LCD monitors, sometimes a good 17 inch flat panel monitor is what you need for the space you have available. We review the top three monitors available in this size for features and cost, in 4:3 and widescreen models.
In this article we review the best 17 inch flat panel LCD monitors available, looking at video input, screen type, resolution, ms response, features, energy consumption, price, and of course, user comments on problems with the monitor. 17 inch monitors are no longer always the first pick for home or business use now that the price of 19 and 20 inch monitors has come down so much, but if 17 inches is the size you need, we have three excellent choices for the budget conscious consumer who want the best features and reliability for their money.
Acer V173b stock image
Acer V173b
First, for the buyer on a strict budget, this 17 inch monitor is the best value for features. The Acer V173b comes with a solid reputation based on user comments from several sources, with an overall rating of 5 out of five from reviewers. For your money, you get a 17 inch monitor with a 4:3 aspect ratio, 1280 x 1024 resolution, 5ms response time, 176 degree viewing angle, a contrast ratio of 2000:1, 3 year warranty, and built in speakers, weighing in at 8.5 lbs. It is also Energy Star compliant. For those who are really suffering from lack of desk space, the flat panel is wall mountable. It comes with VGA cable, power cable, and CD with drivers. Prices from online sources varied, with a low price on Jan 26, 2009 of $99 USD at Amazon.com, ranging upward to $189.
User comments rated it with good color, and a reputation for few problems. A couple of users noted the color and brightness was not as good as more expensive models, but other users said the picture was consistently sharp and bright. It is noted that the speakers are not of particularly high quality, (very poor, actually, said one comment) but its audio features are not going to make or break the decision to buy. For a monitor most likely to be used for business, the home office or homework, users noted the monitor was a very good value. For a cheap, sturdy flat panel LCD monitor with 5 ms response time, when the usual monitor in this price range is like to have 8 ms response, and with a 3 year warranty, Bright Hub recommends the Acer V173b as one of the top 3 choices to fit in minimal space on your desktop. We do recommend you do a Google search to find which online dealer is offering it at its lowest price.
ViewSonic VG730m stock images
ViewSonic VG730m
ViewSonic has a good reputation in the monitor field, and the ViewSonic VG730m, aimed at business and homes without a lot of desk space, is no exception. This 17 inch flat panel LCD monitor has a 4:3 screen ratio, 1280 x 1024 resolution, 170 degree viewing angle, 600:1 contrast, 8ms response, built in speakers, 3 year warranty, both analog and digital video input, and the ability to adjust height, tilt and swivel to add good ergonomics to its Energy Star rating. It weighs 11.1.pounds. A Google search showed sellers with prices from to $119 USD, ranging up to $169, with one seller claiming to be marking it down from $300 However, one user noted they had been able to find the monitor on sale for $110 USD.
A Google search on ViewSonic VG730m troubleshooting came up with only 43 items, and an examination of those showed a large number to be from ViewSonic manuals with a troubleshooting section included. However, there were user comments of both a dead and a stuck pixel. Although it has both VGA and digital input, it only comes with a VGA cable, again something that a user felt should have been included. You will need to get a male to male DIV-D cable.
For a flat panle LCD monitor in this size and price range, the inclusion of digital input and speakers, the ability to make ergonomic adjustments, and the overall lack of user complaints make the ViewSonic VG730m an excellent choice for the Bright Hub reader.
Be sure to search Google to find the best price currently available.
On Page 2 of this article of the Top 3 17 inch monitors, we look at a best value widescreen monitor.