Sony StylePro SDM-S73 17" LCD Monitor

Rating:
Summary: I don't see how it can get any better than this!
Review: I always do a lot of research before I buy and I agonized over which LCD monitor to purchase for two weeks. Resolution and warranty were two important factors for me along with screen size, cost and the simplicity of plug and play. This monitor gives me all of those and more. I opted for free shipping and was shocked and amazed when it showed up at my door in two days! It was double boxed and secure in its packaging. As with all my new electronics, I read through all the set up instructions before proceeding. (You can never go wrong with that step). Hooked it up in a matter of minutes, held my breath and fired up the computer. It was perfection from the first moment. NO DEAD PIXELS. Since it replaced a 17" CRT, I was instantly mesmerized by its enormous screen size and brightness. This is a whole new ballgame and it brings computer usage to a new level. Since I use my computer for work, I'm looking at my monitor for ten to twelve hours a day and this is oh so easy on the eyes. If you find the native resolution of 1280 x 1024 too small to read comfortably, just change your font size. It's easy to see why Sony is one of the top players in the LCD monitor field and why they can give you a three-year warranty on parts AND labor. I know that makes me feel very comfortable. Initially I thought that just maybe I should have purchased a 15" and saved a few bucks but let me tell you - - if you work with spreadsheets you will find a 17" screen heaven on earth. The fonts are crisp and sharp. I did find the screen a little too bright for my eyes but it is ultra simple to adjust with an on screen menu that is very easy to use. I like the fact that it has low power consumption and I can adjust the screen to any angle I want. Frankly, I don't see how it could possibly get any better. I have no negatives to share and I'm 110% pleased with this purchase. This is definitely a top-shelf product and I highly recommend it to everyone.

Rating:
Summary: Very Good Monitor - Some Color Calibration Needed For Mac
Review: The Sony SDM-S73 is a very good monitor for the price. I purchased a lower cost 17" LCD and was VERY DISAPPOINTED as its display was not clear and had 2 dead pixels. It went directly to eBay; I purchased this monitor as a replacement for use with my Mac iBook.

When I connected the Sony, my first impression was dismay and a feeling of de ja vu. Was this another bad product? Silver items in the Mac OS X aqua interface (Safari and the mail client in particular) were tinted an ugly shade of pink!!! UGH! This product was almost returned!

Fortunately, I ran the display color calibration and was able to correct all problems. The default Sony SDM-73 profile appears to be off-- at least on my iBook with the version of Mac OS 10.3 that I am running. Run the display color calibration tool in "expert" mode and this is a good monitor for use with Macs. (It may take 2-3 attempts to get it exactly right, but the result is well worth the effort.) I'm going to use this with the new Mac Mini when I can find one in stock. :)

A note to those epecting perfection-- quality is not as good as Apple's LCD cinema displays. Do not expect the same clarity and quality. Apple doesn't offer 17" LCD displays at present-- the lowest priced LCD is $1000 for a 20". $300 vs $1000... the $700 price difference will let me buy a new Mac Mini and still pocket a few dollars....I can live the Sony for now. After I win the lottery, I'll be looking for an upgrade. :)