20" LCD Monitors: XXL Displays

Acer Ferrari F20

That's right: it's an LCD monitor with the mythical red Ferrari livery and prancing-horse emblem. And Acer has done up this LCD display with style; there's no question of choosing a slow 17" panel for a redesign under such prestigious auspices. So the manufacturer looked in their catalog and found a 20" movie-format panel with an optical filter, remote control, TV tuner, and sound to befit it all. And it's a knockout to look at. But in addition to great looks, the F20 claims to have the stuff where it really counts - under the hood. Let's see how it fares...

Design

The idea of an LCD monitor in Ferrari colors is seductive, but once it was out of the box and on the desk, we were already a little skeptical. Not that this monitor is shoddily finished - just the opposite. The design of this monitor is exceptional on more than one level. But you have to realize that Acer is going against the trends followed by other designers of IT equipment. Whereas the fashion at Apple, Sony, and Logitech is towards elegantly simple lines, Acer has surprised everyone with this flaming-red monitor that's likely to contrast rather intensely with the rest of your office electronics.

Whatever else you might say, the finish on this baby is remarkable. The red lacquer visible on the base and parts of the chassis is exceptionally well applied. The gloss-black plastic parts are assembled with great care. The only slight criticism we might make is of the Ferrari logo embedded under the panel in the speaker bar. The logo is a little cheap-looking, and a better finish on the emblem would have made the product stand out even more.