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LCD monitor
technology has revolutionized ergonomics. For the working professional,
a tight desk with the right amount of room can mean the difference between
getting the job done right quickly and the inability to multitask. Being
able to combine precise clarity as well as an affordable price has always
been the shortcomings of LCD monitors. Philips enters the market with
their dominating performer - the 180P1L, an 18.0" bad boy.
The first impression you'll get from this monitor is the size of the screen,
yet the amazingly small amount of space it takes up. At only 9.4"
in depth (mainly taken up by the foot where the monitor balances on the
desk), the Philips 180P1L has the smallest footprint in its class.
The Monitor
Physical Dimensions:
- Screen
Size : 18.0" at .28mm pixel pitch
- Unit Dimensions: 17.8" W x 18.8" H x 7.1"
D
- Carton Dimensions: 22.0" W x 22.6" H x 9.4"
D
- Unit Weight: 18.7 lbs (including pedestal)
The obvious reason one would purchase this product is the
amazing amount of space one saves. In contrast, the physical dimensions
of a similar CRT monitor would be 18.5" x 19.0" x 16.7"
and would weigh in at an astounding 49.5 lbs!
As you
can see from the screen shot to the right, the monitor takes up a very
small amount of space. This is perfect for those in cramped corners, small
desks, or who need a ton of space. The ideal light weight of the product
(18 lbs) is great for those with problems lugging around a 50 lbs piece
of computer hardware, nevermind the possibility of damaging an expensive
CRT tube. The option to actually mount the monitor on your wall
is available, which is perfect for users, stores, or companies that require
this feature.
The Philips
180P1L supports both analog and digital support. This is great as many
of the newer video cards are supporting DVI. This certainly adds to the
longevity factor, knowing that the digital connections are there to last
you for many years to come.
Setting up and installing
the monitor is easier than any monitor you've ever installed. The connections
are pretty standard stuff, however because the monitor isn't a huge bulking
mass getting back behind your equipment is extremely easy. Getting the
monitor's settings up and running is just as easy as plugging it in. With
the convenient feature of "AUTOmatic Adjustment," the monitor
will automatically provide optimal screen performance and position within
three seconds. This feature is extremely convenient, which goes along
with the whole motif of this product - convenience, ease of use, made
for anyone to use.
The monitor
runs at a 1280x1024 resolution level, which may or may not be to your
liking. The performance of the monitor, in comparison to other LCD monitors
of this size is above and beyond what the competition is doing. Many people
unfairly compare the crispness and clarity of some of the top performing
Trinitrons with LCD monitors. To compare oranges with oranges, we took
a look at other LCD monitors (we're not going to name names), and were
pleasantly surprised at how well the Philips model stacked up against
the other models. The brightness, clarity, and overall look is above and
beyond what others in this industry are doing.
The Philips 180P1L also boasts audio support, with speakers built into
the monitor itself! Just think, instead of two speakers and a bulking
monitor on your desk, all you have is a flat panel LCD monitor with the
speakers built in. That's even more reason to consider this cost effective
leader. The speakers aren't anything to blow you away, as they
register at 24W PMPO, which means they are functional, but not high performing
speakers.
Controls, Connections,
and other Information:
- Front:
Power, Up/Down, Auto, Left/Right, OSD, Headphone Jack
- Rear: Power Input, 15-Pin D-sub, DVI-D input, Kensington
Lock Socket
- Supported Platforms: MS-DOS, Macintosh, OS/2, Windows
- Cables: Detachable Power, Detachable Stereo audio cable,
Detachable microphone, Detachable D-Sub
Overall, if you are looking for a flat panel LCD monitor,
the Philips 180P1L is the way to go. There's another model available in
black, so the finish on the monitor is changeable to suit your given environment.
Undoubtedly, office managers looking to save space, as well as those working
in cramped conditions would love this product. If you also wish to mount
your monitor on a wall for some sort of demostration purpose, the 180P1L
fits the bill. Compared to other LCD monitors, this product is an absolute
winner!
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OVERALL SCORE
90%
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9 / 10 |
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9 / 10 |
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9 / 10 |
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9.0 / 10 |
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