These tests have shown that CRT monitors have made enormous strides. Today, you can find excellent 19" flat-screens at around $400. Users will be pleased to find FD Trinitron and DiamondTron technologies are much more democratically priced than before, and still remain the model products that they have been for some years. Our tests showed that most of them have good quality images and can be used at a minimum of1280x1024 in good conditions, with a refresh rate of at least 75 Hz for the lowest ones and 85 Hz or more for the best. So overall, they are all up to the levels they claim.

But three of them stand out. The Iiayama Vision Master Pro 454 turned out to be a really pleasant surprise, with outstanding image quality and stability. We are accustomed to this manufacturer providing an attractive quality/ price ratio, but sometimes to the detriment of quality. With the Vision Master Pro 454, they have combined a cost advantage with an intelligent adaptation of the Diamontron High Brightness tube. Right along side it is the ViewSonic P95f, at the same price and with the same outstanding image quality and stability. The third member of this group is the highly efficient Eizo T675, which has very few failings and stands out by the ergonomics of its settings, even though its high price is a bit sinful.

Then there are the other monitors in the test. All are satisfactory and distinguished by their own special features. The Sony A420, for instance, could easily take the place of a television in a living room. The performance of the FP955 speaks for itself, it's just a shame it is somewhat costlier than the others. And Samsung's SyncMaster 957DF is the champion money-saver at the lowest price in the test. Its quality is perfectly adequate and it could be a good choice for those who don't want to put too much strain on their wallet.