CTX PR705F

CTX has earned a reputation within PC Pro Labs for producing value-for-money monitors. The PR705F is no exception, which is why it's made many appearances in our PC Labs, including this month's.

Part of the ProFlat range, the PR705F uses a Sony FD Trinitron tube coupled with CTX's own electronics. This gives a maximum resolution of 1,600 x 1,200 at a rather unusable 67Hz, with the recommended setting of 1,280 x 1,024 at 78Hz.

In terms of features, the CTX lags behind the rest of the group. Its large cabinet means you need more room on your desk, and connectivity is limited with no USB option and just a captive D-SUB cable. The OSD is reasonably easy to use but has very few controls; convergence, linearity and zoom are all absent.

Image quality, of course, is the most important aspect of any monitor, and the FD Trinitron tube played a big part in gaining the PR705F an above-average overall ranking. Sharpness and resolution tests revealed where the monitor's strengths lie - focus was excellent across the screen - and it also scored the highest in the moirÚ tests.

Geometry, however, wasn't as good as we'd hoped; the horizontal and vertical curvature was noticeably worse than other flat-screen monitors on test.

With a price of £179, the PR705F offers great value for money, but you should also consider the NEC FE700+. This marries a slightly cheaper price tag to a noticeably more generous feature set.