Response time is an essential part of quality, in our view, but the manufacturers do not necessarily share this opinion. They often prefer to direct their efforts at improving the contrast. In the second half of 2002, contrasts of 500:1 and better are likely to come into general use.

But let's be intelligent about this. YES, the year 2002 will see a whole slew of innovations! Yes, the new screens are expected to have even better performances than those tested today. But NO, it is not always a good idea to wait before buying, because these manufacturers all intend to raise their prices. Conscious of the fact that this is the golden age of this new technology, and realizing that demand currently exceeds supply, they all intend to gradually charge more. Some claim that the cost of the technology is high, involving investment in a new plant, others claim it is the improved ergonomics. In all cases, it's clear what is happening - prices have been on the rise since last Christmas. Yes, of course tomorrow's screens will be better, but there's no question that they will also be more expensive.

The price that ViewSonic intends to charge for its soon-to-be-rolled out VG700 is an example of the trend. The monitor will be available starting in June at a price of around $1600.