Product Reviews

This 17" LCD display is unusual in several respects. For one, its price is as high as several 19" screens. Second, despite its premium price there's only one D-sub (VGA) input and no digital video interface (DVI). These facts alone might be enough to put off many buyers. Nevertheless, this is a remarkable display and well worth considering.

As the part of your PC you spend most time looking at, the display is one peripheral you will want to have great looks as well as top performance. The SDMHS73P is beautifully designed,

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with a two-tone silver construction and an unobtrusive arc-shaped stand. Even the back of the case looks good, with a curved plastic back panel keeping the power and video cable connections hidden from view.

These good looks would be wasted if picture quality was sub-standard, but the 1,280x1,024 panel used here is impressive. The SDMHS73P passed all our usual gradient, pattern and colour block display tests with flying colours. Furthermore, the screen is one of the brightest we've seen, making it great for watching video and playing games. Unlike many LCD monitors, Sony has covered the screen with a reflective surface that gives images a glossy, shiny finish. Generally this enhances whatever you're watching, but if you sit with a window or bright light behind you the reflective screen may turn this display into an expensive mirror.

The SDMHS73P offers stunning looks and image quality. Unfortunately there's a stunning price to match. Still, if you're considering a budget 19" monitor, the image quality and looks here may be enough to warrant a switch to something smaller but more beautiful.