Comparison Of 15" LCD Monitors - Part I

Belinea 10 15 35 (not Currently Available In All Regions)

Although Belinea's launch of the 10 15 35 was very modest, many European comparisons of LCD monitors have included the 10 15 35, which is marketed as an economical TN display. The 10 15 35's marketing approach is confirmed by the bipod that replaces the traditional base and its drab, almost cheap-looking design. These two factors allow Belinea to save a few pennies here and there, and to offer one of the most inexpensive monitors on the market. The 10 15 35 starts looking a lot more attractive once you take a closer look at its specifications. When the monitor was launched in the first half of 2001, its specs placed it among the upper echelons of displays. At that time, its most attractive features were a contrast ratio of 350:1 and a response time of 40 ms.

By the end of this year, however, new monitors are likely to surpass the Belinea, at least on paper. Unfortunately, though, most of these newcomers will consist of a press release only, nothing more. The 10 15 35 remains one of the best TN + film monitors available today. Its main strength continues to be its response time, which is astonishing when you consider that some displays claim to have a response time of 25 ms (come-up and come-down). In fact, the Belinea has the shortest and least noticeable afterglow of all. This point is not particularly relevant for office applications. But if you're a gamer or an Internet junkie, you'll certainly appreciate the lack of afterglow on the 10 15 35.

In the same vein, you'd be hard put to find any monitor that offers a higher contrast ratio. The actual number of colors it displays is also one of the highest. Only a few monitors, based on LG panels, or the latest Eizo with an NEC panel are better at displaying different shades and hues (such as dark blue).

Finally, DVDs and games are displayed perfectly. As to its user-friendliness, the operation buttons are located below the panel. You may need some time to get used to the OSD menu, but you'll appreciate the speed and effectiveness of the analog auto-adjustment feature (since it uses an analog input). This monitor comes equipped with an outstanding panel, and is sold at a reasonable price. It's also one of the most compact monitors we tested. Unfortunately, this monitor's technical flair is offset by its plastic bipod and its low-end design. It's truly a shame that the manufacturer felt obligated to choose between a sleek design and high-quality display capabilities.