NEC and LaCie Lead On Professional LCD Gear

LaCie 321, NEC 2180UX: Same Old Battle

We tested the twin brothers of professional image processing, the NEC 2180UX and the LaCie 321. If these two virtually identical monitors demonstrate dream performance, is the game up? Perhaps, but at an average price of more than $1,500, these gems are not within everyone's reach.

Design And Finish

Except for the available colors, the two monitors are identical. And contrary to Dell's offering, the quality of the materials used here is flawless - of course, at this price you would expect nothing less. The plastics are top-drawer, and the design is a bit on the industrial side, but not unpleasant to look at. These models are bulky, but in spite of that, have availed themselves of one the finest LCD panels available. The panel is mounted on an impressive ball-and-socket type support; the whole package is beyond all doubt a very serious piece of kit.