Eizo FlexScan L768

Eizo's FlexScan L768 has similar features to its big brother, the L887, but in a more affordable 19in format. The adjustable stand provides swivel, tilt and spring-assisted height adjustment. It also pivots from landscape to portrait - great for viewing lengthy documents and accessing connection ports. No software is supplied to rotate the image onscreen, so, unless your graphics driver includes this facility, you'll have to buy the software yourself.

Connections include USB upstream to your PC, so the monitor can be configured using the supplied ScreenManager Pro software rather than the front-panel buttons. DVI-D and D-SUB connectors allow digital and analog input.

In use, you immediately notice the even backlighting and smooth anti-glare finish - it's extremely easy on the eyes. Adjustments galore include colour temperature, gamma, saturation, hue and gain. Preset modes can be assigned to applications using ScreenManager Pro, so the correct mode triggers via USB when a program starts.

Performance in our DisplayMate tests was effortless. There was no flicker, noise or moire patterns, and black was satisfyingly pure. Differentiation between pure black and near-black was good, but performance at the white end was more impressive still - we had no trouble picking out two steps down from pure white. The various greys were clean with no colour-tracking problems, and the 256-step greyscale ramps had smooth progression. Even in our movie and games tests, where we expected the 25ms response time to result in some lag, we didn't see any problems.

Using the analog input, a faint trace of noise and softer text doesn't match the pizzazz of the digital input, but performance in the technical tests was still accomplished, with no sign of the flicker that can creep into analog signals.

The FlexScan L768 is a step above most screens. The even progression through the colour ramps and the definition at the bright end are exceptional. Combine that with extensive setup options, a five-year warranty and an excellent stand, and you're looking at a brilliant monitor.

Author: Roger Kirkwood