ViewSonic OptiSync VG181 18" LCD Monitor
ViewSonic leads the way in LCD displays with the VG181 ViewPanel. A large, thin profile screen allows this flat panel display to easily fit into confined spaces, such as enclosed cabinets, or even mounted on the wall. Its exceptional image performance is further enhanced by the wide viewing angle - a full 160 degrees. This makes the VG181 ideal for multi-tasks and multiple users who need to read complex graphics and text from many different places in the room, close-up or far away.Add to that, high screen resolutions for incredible clarity plus OnView controls for ease of use, and it's easy to see why the VG181 ViewPanel continues ViewSonic's tradition of being recognized as a technology leader, awarded for maintaining high quality and impressive price performance.
The ViewSonic OptiSync VG181 combines the flexibility of a yoga master with the advanced technology you expect from an LCD monitor. The 18.1-inch screen switches easily between portrait and landscape views and is large enough to project everything from graphics-heavy games to serious spreadsheets. The surface has been treated with an anti-glare hard coat, insuring that every color in your graphics is clearly visible, even in brightly lit locations. The LCD has a native resolution of 1,280 x 1,024 and a 300:1 contrast ratio that supply precise color separation, rich tones, and vivid images. OptiSync technology automatically synchronizes the monitor to match the incoming signal. Plus, with direct access to digital information via the DVI-D connection, this impressive display presents images with amazingly accurate color. For tight spaces, the VG181 can be removed from its stand and mounted cleanly on the wall, for the ultimate in desktop conservation. ViewSonic offers a sustantial three-year warranty that covers parts, labor, and backlight. For the first year, 48-hour exchange service is also included. What's in the Box
Monitor, base, power cord, signal cable, instructions, warranty information, CD-ROM with driver and PerfectPortrait software (landscape and portrait modes)
ViewSonic OptiSync VG181 18" LCD Monitor Accessories
ViewSonic OptiSync VG181 18" LCD Monitor Reviews
While nothing quite "matches" your Macintosh aesthetically like a genuine Apple monitor, ViewSonic's definitely making your choices more complicated with monitors like this one. With the ViewSonic, you've got 20° to play with. While portrait mode is available if you boot up under earlier versions of the Mac OS, it should be noted that this problem affects all ViewSonic pivoting LCDs. That fairly serious incompatibility aside, however, this monitor gives Mac users reason to pause. But that hegemony may well be coming to an end. Apple's LCD isn't nearly so convenient to reorient. You can swivel this monitor around on its x-axis, meaning you can be virtually anywhere in you computer room and still have a straight-on line-of-sight to the monitor.
While some see an advantage to Apple's ADC connector (it carries both USB and display signals, reducing the total number of cables swirling around your desk), it has the disadvantage of not having much support amongst video card manufacturers. Since Apple's LCDs will never be able to pivot anyway, the (hopefully temporary) loss of that function in OS X isn't as big a deal as it might be. And, according to e-mails I've received within the last month, the software company responsible is at an impasse getting it working with OS X. Where this monitor falls short of expectations for Mac users, however, is in its so-called "portrait" mode. Nor is it particularly flexible when it comes to tilting.
The problem, for Mac users, is that the software that makes this reorientation possible isn't at all OS X compatible. This means that if you want to have two monitors set up on your Macintosh, you'll probably have to buy an ADC converter just to plug in your monitor. To put it simply, ViewSonic gives desktop Macintosh users the experience of using one of the new iMacsbut with a much bigger screen.It also offers a more convenient connection for most G3 and G4 users. Indeed, with the way ViewSonic is expanding their LCD offerings, the competition isn't so much with Apple anymore as it is with itself. With an Apple LCD, you get one viewing angle. A solution will probably come one day, but for the moment, OS X users can't fully use this monitor. This is very handy when you want to sit away from your computer desk and watch a DVD.
The ViewSonic, by contrast, reduces the chance you'll need a converter, and lowers the price if you do. For a while now, Apple has been the unquestioned leader in LCD technology, especially for Mac users. ViewSonic claims you can turn the monitor 180° so that it's oriented lengthwise. ViewSonic offers a whole range of LCD monitors with a variety of different functions (including the ability to share one monitor between two computers, or to plug an S-video source directly into the monitor) that you should probably research if you're considering the VG181. With basic monitor functions on balance equal to Apple's 17" LCD, the choice comes down to how much you think the extra 1.1 visible inches are worth, and how much you like to swing.
You get both a DVI input, and an analog input, which is great for me because I have two computers (one with DVI graphics card and one with analog) and so I plug both into the flat panel and can switch back and forth. Everything about this model is high quality. You can adjust the tilt/swivel while the flat panel stays put. For one thing the base is heavy, which good because it's stable. in its location on your desk. The brightness is far better than my previous flat panel. Contrast is very good. Remember to use the native 1280x1024 resolution, then everything will look very sharp.
Oh yeah, forget about games on this LCD unless they do 1024 x 1024 resolution. The flat screen is correct, the old tube was wrong.You get what you pay for. The clarity of the text is so good that most the time I can do without my low power reading glasses. I put a paper edge up to the screen and a line on the screen was the same as the paper's edge. The contrast is incredible, and the geometry is excellent. Check out the contrast ratio that the other LCD monitors have and then check out this one. The contrast ratio is what makes everything sharp and defined.The only LCD equal to the Viewsonic contrast ratio was one costing hundreds more. Confused.
At first it seemed the geometry was wrong. I also bought an ATI card with digital output and that really makes this monitor shine. If you get an LCD make sure it takes digital input (this is important for razor sharp images).Not a single dead or "on" pixel anywhere. I own one and it is great.
It fits nicely on my limited-space desk and has a picture pretty enough to frame. And it comes with a frame of it's own, swivel and eveything. We have come such a long way in just a few years. I can't say enough about this. If you want a great brand, go ViewSonic. I've been very VERY happy with this thing (and NO, I don't own shares in this company). It really isn't keeping-up with the Joneses, but if space is an issue, go LCD. It is a shame that these things are so dang spendy.
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