Dell E172FP 17-inch Flat Panel LCD Monitor

Rating:
Summary: Superb LCD with a single design flaw
Review: The E172FP 17-inch Flat-Panel LCD monitor is a Dell-produced monitor, and lives up to market standards in terms of clarity, usability, and color depth.

The E172FP has a full, rich color range, with a powerful user-customization tool so you can edit the RGB values to suit your personal liking. Full plug-and-play support is a great tool, and although Dell includes a 'driver installation' CD, it isn't really necessary. The monitor will perform up to 1280 x 1024 pixel depth, and remains true-to-form with image hues and clarity.

I own a laptop and dabble in graphic design. This monitor has been a godsend, and a wonderful investment; whenever I create images, I do it on the Dell monitor. Its color reproduction is as close to 'real' as any monitor I've worked on. The thin, sleek LCD technology is a huge space-saver, and the user interface is simple and powerful.

There is, however, a design flaw in this monitor. I have used other monitors with this laptop before, and have yet to encounter this problem... the EF172FP bleeds AC power through the monitor cable. I'm still puzzled as to how such a thing can occur, but even after Dell replaced my first EF172FP (for the same problem), the replacement model does the same thing. This is most noticable in regard to audio: I was first alerted to the problem by a pronounced 'hum' in my speakers. I found that this 60 Hz hum was due to the monitor's attachment to my computer, and much to my shock, was bleeding AC power onto my system board! I've checked around, and this is not a critical problem (it won't damage your computer in the long run), but it's annoying if you use your computer for audio purposes. If your computer is attached to a powered speaker system, you will encounter hum.

Other than the power issue, the EF172FP is a great buy and a smart investment. Dell service and support, though outsourced, is still very friendly and understanding. The monitor warranty is very wide, and the device itself will not disappoint. Powerful visual technology, while remaining space efficient; recommended!