13. NEC 1980Fxi

NEC has a faultless reputation in the field of high-fidelity LCD monitors for photo retouching and professional imaging in general. Their 2180UX and 2180WG color monitors prove that. But their price is just out of the range of the average buyer, who's had to settle for the limited performance of more-affordable LCD monitors. Well, NEC has designed the 1980Fxi just for that average buyer. Using the same design lines as the Japanese maker's professional monitors, it aspires to offer pro-level performance to amateur photographers, provided they're ready to settle for a 19" screen diagonal.

Design

The 1980Fxi is frankly not seductive-looking. Its professional orientation is visible in its angular design. In fact, NEC has simply reduced the size of its 21" monitor shells to accommodate a 19" panel. Even the monitor's stand is identical. However, the build is robust and handsome, and is based on good heavy plastics.

Ergonomics

The ergonomics is also strictly professional. The 1980Fxi has tilt and height adjustments, a portrait mode and a rotating base. The OSD is very high in quality, and the menus are well designed. Whereas many of their competitors go out of their way to hide the control buttons for esthetic reasons, NEC has taken a simple approach. All the buttons are on the front panel, which is admittedly more practical.

Connectivity

There's nothing fancy about the connectivity, either. There's just a dual DVI/VGA connector, and that's it.