Detailed Impressions - Part Deux (CTX Value VL 950T)

Member Name: llemikebyw

Product:	CTX Value VL 950T
Date:	24/02/02 (311 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: 19" , price, lower res clarity

Disadvantages: 1600x1200 vert freq, weight

Well, I've now had the monitor for a bit longer - also I've been upgrading PCs and with that Video Cards too etc.

So the monitor has received a more rigourous work out.

You'll recall I was upgrading from 800x600 on a 14" monitor to the VL950T.

Originally, I was only able to test the monitor with a Videologic GraphixStar 600 running at a maximum of 85Hz (Or was it? The monitor seemed convinced it was 75Hz).

With improved PC speed, memory and substantially better video cards I've now run the VL950T at 800x600 and 1024x768 (24 bit colour etc.) at Refresh rates up to 125Hz.

The quality of the display has remained great - crisp and stable.

In 800x600 the text jumps out of the screen at you, while 1024x768 is better on a 19" screen than the 800x600 I use on a 17" in work (this res. avoids any eye-strain - I'm in Accounts).

1024x768 is like using a field to lay down a road map (there's room everywhere)and with such a great display I feel I'll never be going back to a lower resolution on this monitor.

Windows is excellent (without using large fonts) and I have enjoyed the "being there" experiences of Serious Sam 2 and Medal of Honour (What excellent games!) at 1024x768 (each) without the monitor blinking.

How many rows can I fit in a spreadsheet now??? W*o*W!!

The monitor's controls are fairly simple, one button for menu, pressing the button again selects particular types of adjustment eg. Screen Geometry. Up and down arrow keys allow you to select the specific setting you want to adjust eg. Moire within screen geometry. Then + and - keys allow you to adjust that setting within the available range. Meanwhile, Brightness and Contrast can be adjusted outside the menu system from Darkest dark to "Ow!! Me eyes!!".

If you plan to move the monitor around, do some weight-training first, and get the nice delivery man t
o get it into your computer "study".

The one complaint I have is that the monitor is prone to rock from side to side on the monitor base (it's to do with the inertia of the great clunking beast...). But it's not a great failing and you can always take the base off (if you can lift the monitor...).

I purchased for about £180, the price has stayed about the same ever since.

Would I buy again? Yes - indeed I'm after another one.
Recommend - Certainly.

Oh - and in the UK the monitor comes with a 3 year warranty (1st year on-site). What more could you ask? Buy it now.

Summary: