Enhance Your Gaming with Vista-Friendly Peripherals - Part 1
Widescreen Monitors Examples - cont.ViewSonic VX2435wm | Average Retail Price: $650 / £470 ViewSonic VX2435wm ViewSonic recently released two new widescreen flat panels in their X Series line of monitors, the 24-inch VX2435wm and 28-inch VX2835wm, both sporting a piano black finish (gloss front and matte back) on the LCD housing and a black and silver base. Specs for the "smaller" VX2435wm include a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, a 8ms response time, 1000:1 contrast ratio and a higher-than-average 500cd/m2 brightness. Connectors consist of HDMI (with a DVI to HDMI cable included), VGA, Component, Composite and S-Video. Plus, the unit includes a pair built-in stereo speakers (2x3-watt). Of course, they won’t rock your world for gaming, but for general Windows use they’re fine. From a performance standpoint, the VX2435wm offers one of the brightest, most intense images available on an LCD flat panel. It makes other monitors look absolutely dull by comparison. What’s so remarkable is how bright the display is without washing out colors in the process. It really gives games and movies an added punch. On screen controls offer superior adjustability, as well, especially when compared to other panels. Notwithstanding, the VX2435wm does have a few failings. Included speakers increase the bezel size and, to be honest, most gamers just won't use them. More irksome is a fixed base that lacks any height adjustment whatsoever. If you need to tuck this monitor in an enclosed area, it simply may not fit (so, take accurate measurements in advance of ordering). Depending on your needs, the lack of an integrated USB hub and media card reader may be a make or break omission, too. Some will also prefer a matte black finish to a glossy one as it’s easier to keep clean, but that’s a minor quibble. The most significant issue, however, is the near imperceptible cost difference between this LCD and the larger 28-inch model, currently $30 or less (depending on rebates). Otherwise, it's a remarkable widescreen.
ViewSonic VX2835wm | Average Retail Price: $670 / £635 ViewSonic VX2835wm Stepping up from the ViewSonic 24-inch LCD to the 28-inch (27.5" viewable) VX2835wm widescreen serves to amplify your desktop experience without extra stress to your PC. Like Dell's 27-inch model, it offers an optimal resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. It also places little added stress on your wallet when compared to the 24-inch display, $30 or less. Further, its response time is a tad nicer at an ultra-fast 3ms (gray-to-gray, 5ms black-white-black). Contrast is a bit lower then its smaller sibling at 800:1, but brightness is identical at 500cd/m2 and it sports the same exterior design, superior on-screen controls and integrated stereo speakers. Connectors are a match to the 24-inch panel, too, on this true 1080p-capable monitor. HDMI (DVI to HDMI cable included), VGA, Component, Composite and S-Video provide ample hook-ups for computers, game consoles and DVD players. Using the HDMI connection offers clear, crisp graphics and text. And, like the more petite ViewSonic, brightness is exceptional. You won’t find a brighter LCD in its size and class. This monitor's chief failing, like that of its 24-inch counterpart, is a lack of height-adjustment – a problematic omission on an otherwise great product. It also lacks a USB hub and integrated media card reader, hallmarks of the Dell flat panels. Still, given the excellent price point, it's a hard monitor to pass by if you have the available desk space. It's not as full-featured and elegant as Dell’s 27-incher, but it's not as pricey either. If you’re looking for a sweet deal in a mid-size widescreen and like the design of ViewSonic’s X Series, the 28-inch VX2835wm is presently unbeatable.
We looked at these particular monitors as being representative as an investment but not everyone will have such a budget - for the sub-$300 / £250 region, Samsung's 22" SM225BW and BenQ's 22" FP222WH are popular choices.
AV SWITCHERSIf you're purchasing a widescreen monitor with plans to connect multiple devices – a PC, game console and/or high-definition DVD player – and it lacks sufficient inputs for your needs, consider a switcher. Here are a pair of affordable alternatives. Intec HDMI/Component AV Selector | Average Retail Price: $130Need to handle a variety of connections? Intec's HDMI/Component AV Selector offers two HDMI, four Component, five S-Video, four optical and four broadband connections, plus an extra front-panel connection for quick hook-ups. It also includes one each HDMI, Ethernet, Component, S-Video, Composite and audio cable (for output use). And, unlike most multi-purpose switchers on the market, it offers digital labeling, allowing you to accurately identify each connection (DVD, Xbox 360, PS3, etc.), and includes a remote control for switching between components. Supporting the 1.2 HDMI protocol, it’s great for home theater use, as well as desktop switching between a PC, Mac, Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii (if you have them).
Xtreme Accessories HDMI Switcher | Average Retail Price: $90 / £35If all you need are a few extra HDMI connectors, consider the HDMI Switcher from Xtreme Accessories. Designed to match the profile of the Apple TV, this sleek and compact unit serves as a four-port switch between your devices and a monitor or TV. It's a simple, cost-effective solution in a well-designed, quality-built device, one that takes up very little space while offering the convenience of infrared switching via an included remote. Support is provided for 480p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p resolutions, and a good selection of matching, reasonably-priced cables are available, too (HDMI to HDMI, HDMI to DVI, Component, Toslink and standard audio).
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