25 ms - 1600 x 1200 - 250 Nit - DVI - VGA - USB - Black - MPN: VP211B
Strengths: Superior performance and ergonomics
Weakness: Installation CD needs to be updated -- not really a problem though.
30 August 2003. ViewSonic VP211b LCD 21.3". Factory production date July 2003.
IMO, Superior Performance and ergonomics. Costs more than the competing Samsung 213T, but worth it.
IMO, Display exhibits higher contrast and more vivid color than others I've viewed, such as the 21.3" Samsung 213T LCD.
ViewSonic VP211b user interface and adjustments work great. Nice black thin bezel.
Not in local stores yet; & lack of reviews. When deciding which 21.3" LCD monitor to buy, I was also concerned about a couple of negative reviews of the smaller, but somewhat similar, 19" VP191b ViewSonic LCD monitor. These reviews of the smaller VP191b model indicated that the brightness adjustment range was inadequate, and that the overall performance (contrast ratio, display of colors, etc.) was only 'middling' considering the relatively high price. In my view, the 21.3" VP211b is a much more refined design than the 19" VP191b because the performance is great and the brightness adjustment range, and other user adjustments work well. Though there's a family resemblance, the VP211b is evidently newer model than the smaller, VP191b. About the installation CD that came with the monitor: driver for the new model VP211b monitor was available only by downloading (monitor initially worked fine without the ViewSonic driver due to Windows XP 'plug and play'. Used with ATI RADEON 9600 PRO, DVI-D, @ UXGA.
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TopStrengths: Price, features
Weakness: Customer Service
I have bought a new VP211B on Oct 10, 2005. After installing it I have noticed a continuous buzz on the back on the monitor. I called Viewsonic, they gave me an RMA and I have sent the monitor for replacement (since I guess it was not fixable). It is Nov 21, 2005 and I still have not got back my monitor: I called several times their customer service and they keep telling me they don't have any in stock, but they have offered to send me a downgraded version (the 20 inch model). I can't even talk to a manager - they keep telling me that none is available, and they have 48 hours to contact me (they told me this last week). I have mentioned that I want my money back, but they said that they don't have a refund policy.
I told them that I will report them to BBB, but didn't seem to have an effect on them.
So judge for yourself. I will certainly not want to buy from Viewsonic ever again!
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TopStrengths: Looks nice; great OSD; good customer support
Weakness: Pricey; doesn't display stable image in its native mode
When looking for a 21" LCD, I was all set to buy the Samsung 213T, but after reading the reviews here, I decided on the Viewsonic vp211b. It cost $200-$600 more, and I had to wait 3 months to get one, but it finally came. Imagine my disappointment when I got it all hooked up and could not get a stable image - it would "hiccup" and sometimes flash on and off completely. I was able to get a stable image by using the analog connector, so I thought the problem was with my video card. 2 weeks later, my new video card arrived, and I still had the same problem. After lots of troubleshooting, I determined the problem only existed at 1600x1200 resolution in digital mode - kind of ironic, since that's the monitor's "native" display mode. I was finally able to get it to work (??) by lowering the refresh rate below 60Hz via a special setting in my new ($800) video card which, according to ATI's support, was added specifically to address this problem with the larger Viewsonic LCDs. So, if you don't have a video card that can support the lower refresh, plan on using the analog connector.
I couldn't see spending $1400 on something that "mostly worked", so I went out and bought the Samsung. The Samsung worked perfectly in its native mode. My video card supports 2 monitors, so I hooked them up side by side. Funny, but contrary to the other reviews on the vp211b, I think the Samsung has sharper text and the colors are richer. Hmmm. So, the Viewsonic went back to the store.
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Top
ViewSonic VP211B 21.3" LCD Monitor
Strengths: Huge viewing area, flawless performance, looks great.
Weakness: None
Simply the best LCD under $1500 available today. When shopping for this class of display (especially if upgrading from a CRT display) consider the following:
1. Unlike CRTs, LCDs have a strong preference for their native resolutions. Make sure you're happy with this. The VP211b runs at 1600x1200 which is currently the highest you can go using DVI without multiple video cards. Analog looks great. DVI looks fantastic. If you're spending this much on a display, be sure to use a digital attachment to get the most for your money. I found the analog attach capability was handy in hooking the display to my old machine before I replaced it.
2. At 21.3 inches, the VP211b is large enough so that the native 1600x1200 resolution is easy even on middle-aged eyes. I initially bought a smaller (20.1 inch) LCD but found that 1600x1200 on this size screen left me squinting. Since each eye is different, be prepared to "test drive" any monitor you buy at your own desk. Store displays can be deceptive since they don't match either your office lighting or seating distance.
3. The pivot feature is suprisingly useful for viewing PDF files in portrait format. The hight/swivel adjustments on the VP211b make it easy to achieve a perfect setup for any desk/chair combo.
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