ADI MicroScan G710 review

ADI has built a reputation at PC Pro for producing great value-for-money monitors, such as the 6G (reviewed issue 55, p116), which don't produce particularly good image quality. In an attempt to redress the latter half of this tradition ADI has selected a Sony Trinitron tube for the G710. This super-flat aperture-grille tube is a sensible choice because it produces a better image than a shadow-mask tube, but doesn't carry the same price tag as the similar Mitsubishi Diamondtron tube.

Thanks principally to the high-quality Trinitron tube, the G710 scored an overall 29 points in the DisplayMate suite of tests. This is average for a Trinitron model, placing it just behind the Hitachi CM650ET. In the geometry and distortion tests the G710 scored quite well, gaining distinctions in the pincushion and horizontal curvature tests. Unfortunately, this good performance was let down by a fail in the symmetric regulation test, showing that the control electronics can't supply the monitor with a steady power source.

As with almost every 17in monitor evaluated this month, the G710 failed all three of the horizontal line drawing tests. In the vertical line tests the monitor proved to be adequate, passing all tests although no distinctions were scored. In the past ADI monitors have suffered from severe moirÚ and it's good to see that this trend has been addressed in the G710. Unfortunately, the monitor did fail most of the streaking and ghosting tests, showing an inability to intensify and de-intensify the beam quickly enough.

Although image quality is only just above average, the feature set is more impressive. Foremost is the integrated USB hub that will allow you to hook up external devices to your PC without scrabbling around underneath the desk. There's even support for up to a maximum resolution of 1,600 x 1,200 at a flicker-free 75Hz. Although most people will find text too small to read on a 17in monitor at this super-high resolution, it's a useful facility if you need the extra screen real estate from time to time. Disappointingly, the D-SUB signal cable is of the captive kind, so if it's damaged you'll have to get ADI to service the entire monitor rather than simply replace the cable.

Although there's nothing particularly wrong with the ADI MicroScan G710, it's simply outclassed by better monitors this month. The Iiyama Vision Master Pro 410 has a better screen and more features, while the Mitsubishi Diamond Pro 710 is better value for money.